Laois cycling club launch their annual charity cycle
The Easy Riders in Rathdowney have announced the worthy cause for this year's cycle
On March 23, Rathdowney's Easy Riders charity cycling club announced the route and fantastic cause of this year's cycle.
The cycle will take place over the course of two days, with the first day involving a cycle to Tullamore. The second day of cycling will see a loop of the Midlands.
Over the past 20 years, the Easy Riders have cycled more than 4000 kms and raised over €500,000 for local charities.
"It's an 'Offaly' good cause," said Rathdowney Easy Rider's member Adele Walsh.
"This year's charity is The Gavin Glynn Foundation which has been a real life saver for a family in our community," Ms Walsh said.
Pictures: The Easy Riders gather in Rathdowney's Square in 2018
The Gavin Glynn Foundation works to assist families with all the logistics and financial aspects of travelling overseas for specialist cancer treatment not available in Ireland.
The launch night in The Brewery Rathdowney saw a powerful speech from Yvonne Dunne on the amazing work undertaken by this charity.
The night also saw a performance from The Garth Brooks Tribute act.
Last year's Easy Rider's Charity Cycle raised over €40,000 for worthy local causes.
The funds were donated in a presentation night on Saturday November 23 in Tuohy's bar, Rathdowney.
In 2024, the charity group kindly donated €30,000 to Portlaoise's Cuisle Centre. Chairperson Niall Kavanagh thanked the group for their hard work.
Over 11 different groups received funding from the cycling group, including:
The Cuisle Cancer Support Centre: €30,000
The Incredabilities: €5,000
Rathdowney Men's shed: €500
Rathdowney Youth Cafe: €500
Rathdowney Tidy Towns: €1,000
Rathdowney Scouts Group: €750
Rathdowney Girl Guides: €750