Last weekend saw the staging of the fifth annual Ring of Beara Cycle Kenmare. This sold-out event brought cyclists from all over Ireland and as far afield as Australia, the US, Canada and Switzerland to the Beara Peninsula for Ireland’s most captivating cycle route. Video of one of the on-duty Gardaí at the event, Caroline Hennessey has been circulating on the internet this morning as she entertained cyclists with her dance moves, whilst keeping the traffic flowing. Garda Caroline Hennessey has received much praise for her positive attitude and general high spirits following her dancing and bongo playing at the Caha Pass on the cycle (https://youtu.be/2-3yD6R32cM)
More than 4400 Cyclists embarked on a challenging 110km or 140km route which encompassed the magnificent mountains, valleys and the rugged coastline of the Beara Peninsula.
Participants enjoyed food, music and chat at the food stations dotted along the route as well as at the Caha Tunnels where bongo drummers (and Garda Hennessey!) helped raise spirits on the long climb on the approach.
Cyclists arrived back at the finish line to a festival-like atmosphere and were treated to a well-earned massage, Japanese hot tubs, custom designed medal, live music and food.The Ring of Beara Cycle was truly a family occasion with over 150 children taking part in the free children’s cycle around Kenmare in the morning. Today FM were broadcasting live nationwide from Kenmare for the morning of the event.
Proceeds from this event will see six charities set to benefit from this year’s event. Castletownbere Community Hospital, Castletownbere Day Centre and Kenmare Family Resource centre will be the main beneficiaries of the money raised for charity by the event. The other recipients receiving the balance of the funds are Kenmare Special Needs Group, St. John of God Services Kenmare and Kenmare Special Olympics.
