Irish cycle ride in aid of local charity

Irish cycle ride in aid of local charity

6 April 2022

TEN local men aim to cycle 400 miles from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal to raise money for the Suicide Down to Zero charity. 

Leaving Cork on Easter Monday, the men plan to cycle 100 miles every day over four days, arriving into Malin Head on Thursday.

The men — Peter Ritchie, Donnan Ritchie and Seamus Carvill from Annacloy; Nicky Casement, from Drumaness; Gerard Grant, from Ballynagross; Eamon Dalton, from Raholp; Lenny Smyth, from Ardglass; Brendan Duffy, from Killough; Marty McIlmail and Niall Montgomery, both from Bright — have already raised nearly £7,500.

The idea of cycling the length of Ireland came from Peter, who said that his friends all quickly agreed to join in.

“I’ve been thinking of doing the trip for a while now,” said the 42 year-old joiner. “When I mentioned it to a few of my friends, one by one they joined in until we now have a team of 10 going. Several of the guys have already done it before.”

Peter only took up cycling five years ago, but has already cycled 150 miles in one trip.

All of the men have been putting in the extra miles to build up their stamina for the trip, hoping that their legs will push them all the way.

Peter said the men decided it was important to support a local charity while they were doing the cycle.

“We wanted to support a worthwhile local charity so as it’s about local people supporting local people helping local people,” said Peter.

“We chose Suicide Down to Zero as suicide is unfortunately something that touches most people in their lifetime and certainly has in this area. 

“Every penny raised will go towards reducing the number of people dying by suicide, down to zero.”

Peter said that he and his friends were already overwhelmed by the generosity of local people who have given money.

“Everything has expanded so quickly, from the guys who are willing to give it a go to the people who have donated money. We have also received a lot of support from local businessmen,” he added.

‘’We hope the community will come together and support our challenge. As we push through the miles on our journey, we are reminding our family, friends, neighbours, community and entire area that there is always hope. Suicide is never the only option.’’

The cyclists will be met by their wives, partners and children in Malin Head where a few well-earned pints will be sunk in celebration. 

To support the men’s epic cycle trip, visit https://localgiving.org/fundraising/sdz-length-of-ireland-cycle-2022/