Offaly GAA hosts successful first ever county and club fundraising cycle

Offaly GAA has thanked the large turnout who attended its first ever Offaly GAA Club & County fundraising cycle on the bank holiday Monday.

Huge numbers participated in two 90km cycle routes, which took cyclists throughout the county. To raise funds for both local clubs and Offaly GAA. A total of 41 clubs was represented at the event with one route taking cyclists from the Faithful Fields (Kilcormac) through Rath, Kinnitty, Clareen, Crinkle, Birr, Banagher, Cloghan, Ferbane and Clara before finishing up at Glenisk O'Connor Park.

The other route began at Glenisk O'Connor Park, taking participants through Cappincur, Ballinagar, Daingean, Croghan, Rhode, Edenderry, Clonbollogue, Bracknagh, Gracefield and Raheen, before returning to the finish line at Glenisk O'Connor Park.

Offaly GAA said that cyclists 'enjoyed two superb routes in perfect conditions'.

'A huge congratulations to everyone who took part and helped make the day such an enjoyable and memorable occasion. It was wonderful to see clubs from across the county getting behind the event, with valuable funds raised for both local clubs and Offaly GAA', Offaly GAA said.

It thanked Donagh McArdle, David Gorry, Pádraig Egan and John Hackett for their work and dedication in organising and ensuring the event was 'safe, well-run and enjoyable for all'.

It further thanked Carina Carroll, Alex Roe and Pádraig O'Meara for their help, as well as the Order of Malta, an Garda Síochána, the support vehicle crews, the many supporters who lined the routes, and everyone who played a part in making the day a success.

Offaly GAA added that the support of the local communities is 'what make events like this so special'.

The event concluded with a barbecue and refreshments at Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore.