Countdown on for South-West Schools cycle event this Saturday
Almost 90 cyclists taking part in event from Glencolmcille to Bruckless and back again in aid of Scoil Náisiúnta na Carraige and Cashel NS, Glencolmcille.
Saturday next, May 16th will see the culmination of weeks of training for amateur cyclists in South-West Donegal as they take to the roads in a fund-raising cycle to assist two National Schools - Scoil Náisiúnta na Carraige and Cashel NS, Glencolmcille.
Close on 90 cyclists have been in training for the last five or six weeks and the response through sponsorship has been excellent.
With just days to go all the participants are finalising their plans and also contacting all their friends to make sure that monies promised are in the bank.
The route map for Saturday's Cycle
This joint fundraising cycle involving both Scoil na Carraige and Scoil an Chaisil is being held to raise funds for both the local schools. The vast majority of the cyclists have a connection to the school as most were either past pupils, past or current parents, or are related to someone who attended the schools.
The route takes the cyclists towards Malinmore, and then on to Carrick. From there it’s onwards towards Killybegs, via Coláiste na Carraige.
From Killybegs it's towards Bruckless Community Centre for a scheduled stop. The return leg will be via Benroe and back toward Killybegs and onwards to a stop at the Blue Haven Hotel. From there, it's back towards Carrick and on to Glencolmcille via Glenmalin and Malinmore.
The event concludes with food at N Columba’s GAA ground. The day concludes with music in John Eoinin’s Bar.
Over the past six weeks all the participants have been out on the roads early in the morning getting their prep work done. For many of the participants it will be their first time taking part in an event of this kind.
Among the sponsors of the event are the Talcon Group, Kelly's Corner, John Eoinin's, The Rusty Mackerel, Rossan Knitwear and Donegal e-bikes.
The fund-raising target is €80,000 with each cyclist having a personal target of €1,000. A very informative website, ardorothar.com, was set up with pictures of all the participating cyclists. Sponsorship details are available by just clicking on the pictures. Most of the sponsorship will be raised online but there will also be a facility to donate by cash through sponsorship cards.