Tipperary cyclist to tackle Ring of Kerry inspired by a relative's kidney transplant journey
This weekend, Nicola Maunsell from Clonmel, will swap her running shoes for cycling cleats as she takes on the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, raising vital funds for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), the charity that supported a relative of hers.
Nicola, a mother of two and a proud member of Clonmel Cycling Club, is taking on the 170-kilometre route around one of Ireland's most scenic landscapes inspired by her husband Declan's brother-in-law, Mike Fennessy, from Cahir, who has undergone two kidney transplants, his first more than three decades ago from a deceased donor just before he got married to Declan's sister Carmel, and the most recent was generously donated by his goddaughter and niece Katie Daughen in December 2024.
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Irish Independent
07-07-2025
- Irish Independent
See photos of riders and volunteers at start of ‘most successful' Ring of Kerry Cycle 2025
Though the many participants of the 180km event did not enjoy ideal weather all the way along the route, the vast majority battled through to complete the testing cycle. 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. ADVERTISEMENT '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.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Tipperary cyclist to tackle Ring of Kerry inspired by a relative's kidney transplant journey
Today at 05:07 This weekend, Nicola Maunsell from Clonmel, will swap her running shoes for cycling cleats as she takes on the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, raising vital funds for the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), the charity that supported a relative of hers. Nicola, a mother of two and a proud member of Clonmel Cycling Club, is taking on the 170-kilometre route around one of Ireland's most scenic landscapes inspired by her husband Declan's brother-in-law, Mike Fennessy, from Cahir, who has undergone two kidney transplants, his first more than three decades ago from a deceased donor just before he got married to Declan's sister Carmel, and the most recent was generously donated by his goddaughter and niece Katie Daughen in December 2024.
The Journal
28-06-2025
- The Journal
Climbers finish 5-peak challenge at Croagh Patrick in memory of young Mayo man
MORE THAN 100 climbers gathered at the summit of Croagh Patrick today for a special blessing to mark the final ascent of a 5-peak challenge honouring the life of James McNeive. Mr McNeive, a native of Knock in Co Mayo, was killed in a road traffic accident last year at the age of 28. The McNeive family organised the 5-peak challenge to raise funds for a number of causes close to James's heart, spanning from charities to local schools and clubs, including ones where James had either taught as a schoolteacher or played. Beginning on Mr McNeive's birthday, 24 June, the five peaks were Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, Snowdon in Wales, Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry, and concluded today at Croagh Patrick in his home county of Mayo. A core team of 30 took part in all five climbs of Summit for James, which included Mr McNeive's mother Bernadette, his siblings, cousins, close friends, and teammates from Aghamore GAA. 'All participants self-funded their travel and expenses, ensuring that every cent raised (excluding iDonate platform fees) goes directly to a group of causes that James supported or was personally connected to,' a spokeswoman for the climb said. James's younger brother Matthew, who lives with kidney failure, managed to participate in three of the five peaks despite his dialysis. Advertisement Brothers Matthew McNeive, left, and James who passed away in August 2024. 'James had this rare ability to light up any room and lift the people around him, whether you were a friend, a student or a stranger,' Matthew said. 'He had a deep love for his school communities and his local GAA club. That's why the charities we've chosen reflect his passions — teaching, mental health, sport, a children's charity, and of course the Irish Kidney Association, because he never liked to see me struggle. He always wanted to do something to help and supported organ donation.' Knock's Parish Priest Father Richard Gibbons blessed the crowd that gathered for the final climb today. The McNeive family: mother Bernadette, twins Michael and Matthew with (2nd from left) Colin White, the National Advocacy & Projects Manager of the Irish Kidney Association. To date, the challenge has raised over €124,000, with funds going to: Irish Heart Foundation; Make-A-Wish Ireland; Daisy Lodge (Cancer Fund for Children); Mayo Mindspace (youth mental health); and the Irish Kidney Association. A climb of a Mount Maroon near Brisbane in Australia by Irish people living in the area took place last week in solidarity. The McNeive family hope that the 5 Peak Challenge will be 'the first of many events under the newly formed James McNeive Foundation, which aims to continue supporting the causes James cared deeply about'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
