Tir Chonaill Gaels (London GAC)
Cycle Across Ulster for Cancer Research September 9-12
Cyclists are invited to join the Charity Cycle Across Ulster running September 9-12 to benefit cancer research. The four-day ride will cover over 300 miles from Newcastle, County Down to Glencolmcille, County Donegal. Riders can join for one to four days of the ride. Already there are over 60 men and women signed up for the epic adventure through seven of the nine Ulster counties, and more importantly many more people are donating to the cause online.
Organized by the Tir Chonaill Gaels GAC in London, all proceeds of the event will be donated to Charity Breakthrough Cancer Research. If the goal of €20,000 is reached, the organization will match it and pay for an extra researcher for a year. Paul Hegarty, one of the organizers and a native of Glencolmcille, says: “Cancer is indiscriminate and on the rise. It’s not necessarily lifestyle oriented. It’s the disease we need to fight most and experts predict one in three people will may get some form of cancer in their lives.”
Day one on Wednesday, September 9 covers a total of 77 miles starting in Newcastle and cycling 32 miles along coastal roads via Rostrevor before crossing the Mourne Mountains and ending in Armagh. Overnight the group stay at Armagh City Hotel.
Day two on Thursday, September 10 the group cycle through Armagh, Monaghan and along the lakes of Fermanagh. It is the longest mileage day at approximately 92 miles. Overnight the group stay at Mahons Hotel in Irvinestown.
Day three on Friday, September 11 totals 75 miles of cycling north through Dromore, Omagh, Ulster Folk Museum, Strabane, Derry City and ending in Letterkenny. Overnight the group stay at Dillons Hotel, Letterkenny.
Day four on Saturday, September 12 is a 73 mile tour through Donegal, ranging to Ballybofey, Donegal Town, Killybegs and to the most westerly point in Ulster Malinmore, Glencolmcille. The overnight finale is at Slieve League Lodge in Carrick where a charity auction shall take place.
Morning rides start at 7:30 a.m. Lunch stops, water, refreshments and repairs will be provided by support staff. There is a suggested donation of €100 per day, and riders can seek donations and support for their efforts. The JustGiving website is set up for the event at www.justgiving.com/TCGcharitycycle, payable through PayPal or credit card. Non-riders can donate here as well to help meet the €20,000 goal.
To register for the ride, contact Stephen McLoughlin, mcloughlinstephen@hotmail.co.uk; +44-7788-723-922, paulhegarty@hotmail.co.uk; +44-7979-504-252 or Rosemary Foy, rosemaryfoy@eircom.net; +353-86-168-9053. Hotel stays have been arranged at group rates; contact hotels directly for reservations.