See photos of riders and volunteers at start of ‘most successful' Ring of Kerry Cycle 2025
They were rewarded for their efforts as the home stretch back to Killarney was soaked in glorious sunshine, and riders were greeted by music and celebrations at the Beech Road car park.
This year's event was dedicated to the late Paddy O'Donoghue (78), who died in a road collision last month while cycling in Kilgarvan. Mr O'Donoghue had been a fierce supporter of the cycle since it was established and participated in the event a total of 39 times.
The late Mr O'Donoghue rode the event for many charities, as did the participants of this year's cycle.
Among those who did the event this year were Olympic gold medalist Sonia O'Sullivan, who was riding for Breakthrough Cancer Research, and Anto 'Butch' Cronin, who took on the route on a penny-farthing to celebrate his 50th birthday.
Eithne Murphy, from Castleisland, rode the Ring in aid of the Irish Kidney Association, the original beneficiary of the event. Ms Murphy cycled in gratitude for the kidney transplant her father and grandfather of five, Ted Murphy who lives in Gneeveguilla, received 12 years ago.
Popular Killarney woman Bernie O'Sullivan (80), who has volunteered with the Irish Kidney Association since the first Ring of Kerry Cycle in 1982, crossed the finish line of the event on a novelty bicycle that was ridden around the route by a charity volunteer.
The final amount raised by all the cyclists will be revealed at a special presentation in October.
Cathal Walshe, Ring of Kerry Cycle PRO, told The Kerryman that organisers hope that at least €1 million has been raised for Irish charities by the participants of this year's event.
Mr Walshe said experienced riders at the event told him that it remains the best charity cycle in the country.
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'They said nothing comes close to the Ring of Kerry Cycle,' he said.
'And they were so well catered for by the line of food in Cahersiveen, Kenmare and Killarney on the way back that people actually put on weight rather than losing it!'
Mr Walshe thanked the roughly 1,200 volunteers who were involved in road safety, catering and more, whose help was crucial to running such a successful event.
'It was a most successful Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle,' he said.
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