Tipperary woman to tackle Ring of Kerry in aid of Irish Kidney Association
Nicola Maunsell will take part in the cycle on July 5
This summer, Nicola Maunsell from Clonmel, will swap her running shoes for cycling cleats as she takes on the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, raising vital funds for the Irish Kidney Association, the charity that supported a relative of hers.
Nicola, a mother of two and a proud member of Clonmel Cycling Club, is taking on the 170-kilometre route around one of Ireland’s most scenic landscapes inspired by her husband Declan’s brother-in-law, Mike Fennessy, from Cahir, who has undergone two kidney transplants, his first more than three decades ago from a deceased donor just before he got married to Declan’s sister Carmel, and the most recent was generously donated by his goddaughter and niece Katie Daughen in December 2024.
“It’s something that really hit home for our family,” Nicola said.
“Before his second transplant last Christmas, Mike spent over a year travelling back and forth to Cork University Hospital three times a week for life saving dialysis treatment and regularly used the free facilities at the IKA’s Support Centre located nearby. Mike’s health transformation through the gift of life he received from Katie was inspirational to everyone who witnessed his journey. Organ donation really does save and transform lives. Taking on this Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is my way of giving back to the Irish Kidney Association, and of helping support others going through the same health journey as Mike did. When I learned that the Irish Kidney Association was a Tier One main beneficiary charity of the iconic Ring of Kerry Cycle, I was determined to sign up and fundraise for the cause.”
Though an avid runner in the past, a persistent injury forced Nicola to hang up her runners.
Rather than slow down, she found a new passion on two wheels.
“Cycling was a whole new world for me, and I haven’t looked back. The encouragement and camaraderie from everyone in Clonmel Cycling Club has been amazing.”
Nicola will not be alone in the challenge. A group from Clonmel Cycling Club, all first-timers to the iconic Ring of Kerry event, will be riding alongside her.
They include Teresa Coffey, Sara Weissenbach, Moira Molloy, Catherine Kenny and Ian Coffey.
Over the past five months, they’ve trained together, building both endurance and friendships.
Along the way, they’ve tested their legs in other shorter distance events including Ride Dingle, The Odd Socks Cycle, the Kilbehenny Charity sportive, and a Cycling 24-hour relay at Mondello, growing in confidence with each ride.
Despite the training, Nicola classifies herself firmly as a “leisure cyclist”.
Her goal isn’t to race but simply to finish, soak in the atmosphere, and help make a meaningful impact.
“I’m not out to set records. I’ll be thrilled just to complete the 170 km distance, knowing I’ve helped raise funds for the IKA and hopefully some organ donor awareness also.”
Supporters can follow Nicola Maunsell’s journey and donate to the Irish Kidney Association through her dedicated fundraising page.