This article is from page 6 of the 2008-07-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
DOZENS OF gardai from across the Clare division will get on their bikes and cycle 130 kilometres across the county later this year – all in the name of charity.
The 20th annual garda charity cycle which will take place on September 13 this year is in aid of the seven wa- ter-based emergency services across the county.
The gardai will cycle the 130 kilo-
metres trek from Doolin to Two Mile Gate, outside Killaloe.
Doolin Coastguard, Lahinch Sea and Rescue, Kilkee Marine Rescue, Kilrush Lifeboat, Bunratty Search and Rescue, Killaloe/Ballina Res- cue and St Caimin’s in Mountshan- non will receive equal shares of the money raised through the cycle.
Ennis Sergeant Joe Downey, who is PRO for the event, said the excellent work put in by the emergency serv- ices should be recognised.
“The importance of the role they play in rescuing people and some- times the grim task of recovering bodies should be highlighted,” said Sgt Downey.
“They are fantastic organisations who give their time _ voluntarily and who need money on an ongo- ing basis. While they all get a little bit of money from the Government, their ongoing yearly running costs are pretty high. We recognise that and we decided to donate money to
them,’ added Sgt Downey.
Kilkee Marine Rescue will use the money for upgrading equipment at its rescue centre. The equipment is updated on an annual basis and funds are always welcomed.
Killaloe/Ballina Rescue will buy a trailer and mobile communications centre, while Doolin Coastguard intends to use the money raised to- wards the purchase of an automated telephone paging system, which indi- cates the position of its units at sea, through global satellite.
Lahinch Sea and Rescue will put the money towards replacing its boat, while St Caimin’s in Mountshannon will purchase new suits for its mem- bers. Kilrush Lifeboat will use the money to train its volunteers and buy new crew kits, while Bunratty Search and Rescue intends to put the money towards maintaining its newly refur- bished centre.
All of those due to take part in the cycle are members of the gardai. Some have cycled for this event for several years and have raised thou- sands of euro each year.
“We are hoping that 40 cyclists will take part this year,’ said Sgt Downey.
The participants will all have spon- sorship cards, while several volun- teers will travel the route on the day, collecting money and members of the public are being urged to contrib- ute towards a good cause.