160km cycle from Dublin to Tipperary pub raised close to €60,000 for worthy causes

Close to €60,000 raised by 46 cyclists who pedalled an epic 160km from Dublin to Lisadobber Pub near Ballyneale in August was handed over to four worthy causes close to their hearts at a cheques presentation ceremony in the bar.

The large team of fundraisers with help from a backup crew of drivers and motorcyclists completed the marathon cycle on Sunday, August 24.

They gathered at Lisadobber Pub on November 22 for the four nominated beneficiaries of their fundraising - Teac Tom, South Tipperary Hospice Movement, Féileacáin - Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support organisation and Carrick-on-Suir Meals Assistance Services - to receive donations totalling €58,287.09.

Kilkenny based Teac Tom, which provides Mental Health Support & Suicide Intervention services to those in need, received €25,004.09.

South Tipperary Hospice Movement that provides practical support for people with life limiting illness and their families, was presented with a cheque for €21,200.

Féileacáin - Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support organisation received €5,060 and Carrick-on-Suir Meals Assistance Services received €7,023.

Representatives of the four charities and non-profit organisations were overwhelmed with the generosity of all who took part in the cycle and donated money to their causes.

South Tipperary Hospice Chairman Séan O’Donovan said they were thrilled with the funds. And recognising the team effort put into the cycle, he said ‘it didn’t come easy’. He thanked everyone who fundraised for the hospice, especially Bridget Landy who drove the fundraising campaign forward.

The loving family of the late Liam O'Connor received the cheque on behalf of Teac Tom. Close friends of Liam, John Pierse Hearn and Gerald Kirby had nominated Teac Tom in memory of Liam who they tragically lost to suicide in March. Liam had worked with Blanchfield Agri in Ballyneale for 7 years.

“Liam was a kind, loyal and funny soul who touched the lives of so many in all walks of life. His loss has left a space that can never truly be filled, but his memory continues to inspire and unite us.” they said.

They previously explained the Dublin to Lisadobber cycle was about raising awareness about mental health and supporting the vital work of Teac Tom.

The funds raised by the event will now facilitate eight counselling sessions each for up to 48 people who need help, potentially saving precious lives.

Gerard spoke of how anyone can avail of traumatic bereavement counselling through referral by their GP with the HSE offering up to 14 sessions free.

Katie Coughlan and Debbie Cooney accepted Carrick-on-Suir Meals Assistance Services’ cheque donation. It was the nominated charity of cyclist Eamon O’Hanlon. They thanked everyone for their compassion and kindness and were “astounded with the amount raised”.

The funds will help with the provision of up to 180 meals a week delivered by the services’ team of voluntary drivers to mostly elderly clients in Carrick and its hinterland.

Grace Power and her family accepted the donation for the Féileacháin - Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support Neonatal organisation. It was her nominated charity, as it’s a cause very close to her heart due to the loss of her baby daughter Anna in 2014.

Féileacáin is dedicated to supporting those affected by the loss of a baby providing personal, emotional and practical support to bereaved parents and their families.

The Dublin to Lisadobber cycle was organised and coordinated by Nigel Hanrahan who along with his family completed the cycle. It was a remarkable achievement by the community for the community, supporting charities to continue on with their brilliant work.

The family of the late Liam O’Connor with the €25,004.09 cheque for mental health charity Teac Tom in Kilkenny

South Tipperary Hospice Movement Vice-Chairperson Anne Cuffe, Chairman Séan O’Donovan, Dublin to Lisadobber cyclist Bridget Landy and South Tipperary Hospice office administrators Terry Curran and Jennie Hannigan with the €21,200 cheque presented to the charity. 

Carrick-on-Suir Meals Assistance Services volunteers Debbie Cooney and Katie Coughlan and Lisadobber Pub proprietor Pa Tobin with the €7,023 cheque donated to the group. Missing from photo is Dublin to Lisadobber cyclist Eamon O’Hanlon who nominated the Meals Assistance Services as beneficiary of his cycle fundraising.

Dublin to Lisadobber cyclist Grace Power, her children Charlie and Rachel with grandson Ronan, and her husband Derek Power with the €5,060 cheque they accepted on behalf of Grace’s nominated beneficiary, Féileacháin - Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support organisation.