Inspirational Tipp men to cycle the Ring of Kerry for IKA

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) is calling on cyclists and people across the nation and beyond to support the iconic Ring of Kerry Cycle on Saturday, 6th July 2024 to continue to help raise vital funds for kidney patients.

From humble beginnings over four decades ago, members of the Kerry IKA branch created the Ring of Kerry Cycle as a fundraiser to establish a vital dialysis treatment centre within the county. Since then, the annual Cycle has blossomed into a monumental event with thousands of cyclists taking part each year raising awareness and over €19 million for more than 160 worthy causes.

Veterans of the first cycle continue to be active with the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), with some participating in this year’s event and others offering support. Many affected by organ failure, will join the event to support the IKA. They will celebrate transplantation and emphasise the importance of exercise both pre- and post-transplant for physical and emotional well-being.

Among those taking part is BRYAN DUIGNAN (43), A TRIATHLETE AND AN OFFICIAL FOR THE CARLOW TRIATHLON CLUB, who represented Ireland, for the first time, at the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia last year. Now living in Palatine, Co. Carlow with his family, Bryan is a native of Nenagh.

Bryan was just 25 years old when he received a kidney transplant in 2006 and has embraced sport and fitness since then. Bryan, who took part in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco in June, remarked, “I did my first triathlon in 2021 and haven’t looked back, I was hooked! I love cycling and I’m excited to participate in the iconic Ring of Kerry Cycle for the first time. Some of my triathlon teammates will be joining me, supporting my training, and helping with my fundraising efforts for the IKA.”

Support Bryan’s fundraising: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/BryanDuignan362

Also participating is FRANCIS HOGAN (47), A KIDNEY PATIENT FROM TEMPLEMORE, who firmly believes that staying active and looking after your health leads to better outcomes. Francis, a self-employed father of five, is a keen cyclist who has previously participated in the Ring of Kerry Cycle, and in 2022 he and six friends from his local cycling club UDCC cycled from Mizen to Malin Head and raised over €20,000 for the IKA.

However, now with reduced energy levels as his kidney function has declined to 10% capacity, he will begin dialysis treatment for the first time two days after challenging himself in 170km distance cycle around the Ring of Kerry.

Referring to his kidney disease and his determination to stay active, he said: “A year ago, 170 kilometres would be just a normal Sunday morning spin for me but my energy levels are not the same anymore, however, I am determined to keep cycling and do as much as I can. The journey to end-stage kidney failure doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. Stay active for your overall physical and mental well-being.” www.idonate.ie/francishogan

The IKA hopes to inspire people to recognise its pivotal role in the Ring of Kerry Cycle history and support the charity which can be done in several ways:

by cycling in the 170k scenic circular route on the 6th of July and when registering selecting the IKA, a tier 2 charity. There is one free registration for every team of five; Click here for more details.

Raise funds for the IKA through the iDonate online platform with a 2-night stay in a Killarney for the top fundraiser;

for those who can’t make it to the event, they can register for a ‘virtual cycle’ from any location individually or collectively in cycling clubs, spinning classes, during July; For the Virtual cycle Register here.

support an IKA bumper prize raffle for prizes with a collective value of over €8,000. To find out more visit www.ika.ie/ringofkerry