The Irish Kidney Association proudly participated in the iconic Ring of Kerry Cycle today, an event that saw nearly 4,000 cyclists take to the roads for a remarkable cause. Among them, over 140 riders represented the IKA, many of whom are fundraising to support vital services for kidney patients across Ireland while raising organ donor awareness.

The weather for the event was favourable for cycling, with low winds and a warm atmosphere. Although early morning mist lingered in parts of the route, particularly around Caherciveen, it cleared away to reveal perfect conditions for the cyclists to take on the challenging but picturesque course and as the day progessed the sun shone brightly on the Kingdom.

The Ring of Kerry Cycle, which began more than four decades ago to raise funds for a dialysis centre for people in Kerry, remains a powerful testament to community spirit and the fight against kidney disease. It was originally set up to support Kerry patients who previously had to travel outside the county for life-saving dialysis treatments, a crucial service that the IKA continues to provide. Since the inaugural cycle in 1982, the event has raised over €20 million for more than 200 charities and voluntary organisations. This year the Irish Kidney Association was selected as one of nine main beneficiary Tier 1 charities including Breakthrough Cancer Research, Brú Columbanus, Focus Ireland, Kerry Hospice Foundation, Kerry Parents & Friends Association, Jack & Jill Foundation, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House, and Social Action Group Rathmore.

Adding a special touch to the event, a novelty bicycle, designed in IKA’s colours and festooned with balloons, was showcased during the morning photocall. 80 year old Bernie O'Sullivan from Killarney. The popular local woman was back at 3pm to cross the finish line on the novelty bicycle ridden by an IKA volunteer. Bernie has been volunteering with the IKA since the very beginning of the Ring of Kerry Cycle. Wearing an IKA t-shirt, the local VIP's arrival was announced by Cathal Walsh, the PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle, as she crossed the finish line at New Street Car Park. Her sons have also participated in the event every year since its inception, and her presence on the course is a heartwarming symbol of the long-standing relationship between the IKA and the local community.

Among the riders, many were touched by the impact of organ failure. Some were kidney transplant recipients, while others cycled in gratitude for family members who received the "gift of life." One such participant, Seamy McDermott from Ballybofey, Donegal, was a recipient of a kidney transplant 23 years ago who cycled with members of his local cycling club Finn Wheelers.

Travelling South from Portrush, Co Antrim was Cathal McGeever who was celebrating the living donor kidney transplant his brother received from his donor mother ten years ago. Des and Harry Hayes journeyed from Ross-on-Wye in England to participate for the first time in the Ring of Kerry Cycle while raising funds through their idonate link www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/DermotDesHayes9551

Barry Lehane, a native of Kiskeam in Cork flew in from the UK to cycle with his brother John Paul Lehane and his wife Edel who live in Gneeveguilla, Co Kerry. Barry donated a kidney to John Paul in 2018 and in 2020 John Paul received a pancreas from a deceased donor. Also eager to support the IKA the trio's fundraising link is www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/JohnpaulLehane76

Eithne Murphy from Castleisland, Co Kerry, cycled in gratitude for the life changing kidney transplant her father and grandfather of five, Ted Murphy who lives in Gneeveguilla, had received 12 years before. "We're so glad to still have our dad here with us. The transplant gave us more time together, and we'll always be thankful", Eithne shared. Eithne's fundraising platform link is www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/EithneMurphy651

Matt McAuliffe and his 19 year old son Cathal from Ballynoe, in Co Cork cycled out together in thanks for the kidney transplant he received from a deceased donor 2 years ago. Well known in his community he has already raised almost €18,000 through his fundraiser www.idonate.ie/MattMcauliffe818

Also from Cork cycling for the Irish Kidney Association was Sean Moynihan from Douglas while JP Molloy travelled from Carlingford, Co Louth to enjoy the cycle.

This year’s event also saw the inspiring story of Francis Hogan, a dialysis patient from Templemore, Co Tipperary who took part in last year’s Ring of Kerry cycle with just 10% kidney function. Remarkably, just two days after last year's event, he began his dialysis treatment and continues to undergo nightly dialysis since then. Proving that life doesn’t stop with kidney disease for the father of five and a business owner whose energy levels are often depleted, but his determination is unmatched. Francis's message to fellow dialysis patients is to continue to push forward even when faced with health challenges. “I’m doing this to show others that even with dialysis, life can go on. It’s tough, but it’s not the end,” said Francis who cycled this year's event with some members of Upperchurch Drombane Cycling Club. Francis is raising funds for the IKA and his fundraising link is www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/francishogan

Also from Tipperary, was Nicola Maunsell, from Clonmel who was taking on the Ring of Kerry Cycle for the first time and raising funds for the IKA in gratitude for its support to a relative of her Mike Hennessy from Cahir who has underwent two kidney transplants, one from a deceased donor and his recent in December 2024 thas to his kidney donor niece and goddaughter Kathy Daughren. Her fundraising link is www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/nicola-rok254ika

Travelling from the sunny South east in Wexford to support the IKA and enjoy the cycle were Kieran McGuinness, Leslie Bates, Noel Fitzharris and Karen Loveday.

From Kilmallock Co Limerick was Jerry Ryan, Sean Burchill and Michael Duffy. Travelling from Galway for the event were Derek and Marina Clarke. Derek's mother Carmel is a transplant recipient.

Closer to home and regular cyclists in the annual event and supporters of the IKA were retired Veterinarian Noel Ryan from Killarney and Paul Herlihy from Killarney.

An army of 50 IKA volunteers in bright yellow t-shirts were out in force today, led by Theresa Looney, from Killarney and one of the founders of the RIng of Kerry Cycle ensuring the event ran smoothly while remaining highly visible to both participants and spectators. Three IKA staff members also contributed their time and support on the day – all grateful kidney transplant recipients from deceased donors: Sinead McDonald from Wexford, Sarah Buchanan from Louth, and Lisa Fitzgerald from Dublin 24.

The Ring of Kerry Cycle continues to be a cornerstone event for the IKA, raising crucial funds that go directly to supporting kidney patients in need, including providing holiday homes free to patients and their families in Tralee and Killarney. Over the years, the cycle has helped improve the lives of countless kidney patients.

You can find out about other riders in the Ring of Kerry Cycle who are raising funds for the IKA by visiting www.ika.ie/event/rokcc2025-ika

To request an organ donor card visit the Irish Kidney Association's website www.ika.ie/donorcard