Garry Cycle charities benefit from €174,000

NOW approaching its 10th year, the Michael Garry Memorial Cycle in Cooraclare has contributed a total of €174,000 to local charities. The 2012 event, held on September 15 last, realised €12,200, which included in excess of €1,100 garnered by the sale of a local calendar, A Day in the Life of Cooraclare.

This money has now been distributed to the following charities: Munster Branch of Spina Bifida and Hydrochephalus Association (€3,000), West Clare Mental Health Association (€1,500), ClareCare (€1,500), Clare Down Syndrome (€1,500), TLC4CF (€1,000), Kilkee-based Voices for Autism (€1,000), Clare ISPCA (€1,000), Kilkee Sea Rescue (€1,000) and Kilmihil-based Paw Pourri (€700).

This year’s cycle will take place on Saturday, August 31 and, once again, approximately 90 cyclists will follow a meandering route around the highways and byways of the West Clare parish, which will include a visit to Michael’s grave in Kilmacduane and Mark Donnellan’s grave in Knocknahilla.

The Garry family, who organise the annual event, are aided by a large number of volunteers who staff medical, road and food crews. A total of 19 organisations have now benefited from the cycle held in memory of the popular postman, who died suddenly on St Patrick’s Day, 2004.

“The cycle is actually very enjoyable and, most importantly, makes a significant difference, particularly for children with disabilities. It’s a real community event, where the local businesses are hugely supportive,” explained Mona Garry. “The event incurs no expense and all monies raised can go straight to the local charities, where they are both gratefully received and badly required. This year, we host the 10th cycle and to mark the occasion, we’re having a celebration in the community centre with Patrick Roche’s band on the Saturday night. That’ll be the best remedy for any aches or pains incurred earlier that day,” she added.

From 2004 to 2012, a number of organisations have benefited from funds raised by the cycle: Spina Bifida (Munster) (€46,500); Clare 250 Cancer (€35,000); Voices for Autism (€24,500); West Clare Cancer Support (€12,200); Clare ISPCA (€9,000); West Clare Mental Health (€7,000); TLC4CF (€7,000); Cardiac Risk in the Young (€5,000); Kilkee Sea Rescue (€4,500); Jack & Jill Foundation (€3,500); Aware (Clare) (€3,200); Cian Cleary Benefit Fund (€2,700); Clare Alzheimer’s Society (€2,500); Motor Neuron (€2,500); ClareCare (€2,500); Declan O’Shea Benefit Fund (€2,000); Bela O’Brien Benefit Fund (€1,700); Clare Down Syndrome (€1,500) and Paw Pourri, Kilmihil (€1,200).