A FUNDRAISING cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head will take place during the first week of June in memory of two women who spent many years cycling and fundraising before passing to their eternal reward during the second half of last year.
On July 20, 2021, Susan O’Neill, from Ballyea, died from cancer and on November 11, 2021, Antoinette Pender from Quilty also died having contracted cancer. Both women had fought bravely before finally succumbing and the fundraising cycle is titled ‘South for Susan and Antoinette’.
A limited number of cyclists will undertake the journey from Malin Head to Mizen Head between June 6 and 10. Overnight rest points are scheduled for Donegal Town, Claremorris, Ballyea and Blarney.
Susan’s husband Michael O’Neill and Antoinette’s husband Jamsie have commenced training in preparation for the once-off event. Both are experienced cyclists and the long miles are not likely to be too daunting to them.
Other cyclists who have volunteered for the trip are Marie, Claire and Sheila Haugh (Coolmeen), Shane O’Neill from Ballyea (Susan’s son), Noel Keane (Kilmaley), Liam Duggan (Doora/Barefield), Michael Clancy (Lissycasey), Jason Ryan (Kilrush), Stevie Malone (Kilnaboy) and Martin O’Donoghue (Corofin).
A support team will travel with the cycle, taking care of repairs, transport of luggage and other logistics.
It will consist of Noel Howard (Ennis), Tom Haugh (Coolmeen) as well as Mike and Bernie Cusack from Doora. Susan’s daughters Michelle and Tara will cover social media input and Ballyea based support.
The selected charities are Sláinte an Chláir and Cancer Care West. Sláinte an Chláir is based in Kilnamona and has provided support to cancer patients for many years.
Cancer Care West is Galway based and has supported cancer patients along the western seaboard to access care as well as helping support new therapy development, research and education in cancer and leukemia care.
Each cyclist and member of the road support team will cover the cost of their accommodation, meals and other expenses, thereby ensuring that all funds collected will help support the charities involved. A permit to facilitate the fundraising has been granted by the Garda Síochána.
A bank account has been set up, at AIB in Ennis, to receive all monies from people who wish to support the ‘South for Susan and Antoinette’ fundraising drive. The account IBAN details are IE71 AIBK 9353 8757 1231 83 and the BIC is AIBKIE2D.
Online donations can be made on the GoFundMe platform ‘South for Susan and Antoinette’.
All support is greatly appreciated and anybody wishing to find out more about the event or has a query, Michelle O’Looney can be reached on 087 9979383, Tara Lynch at 087 2105526 or Mike Cusack on 087 6998788 also you can check out the Facebook page “South for Susan and Antoinette”.
By Owen Ryan