Blackstairs Cycling Challenge - Summary

Congratulations to all the cyclists who participated in previous Blackstairs Cycling Challenge events which started and finished in Ballinkillen. The cyclists endured some gruelling climbs but all came back with happy faces after been extremely well looked after along the routes. There was tea and scones available to the cyclists before the start of the cycle; a food stop half way in Borris Vocational School; and hot food at the finish in Ballinkillen. No cyclist went home hungry! The marshals were busy at the junctions to ensure all got home safely.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out with cooking, baking, sandwich making, catering, marshalling and driving. The day would not have been such a success if it was not for the commitment of all the volunteers working together to get all 400 cyclists out and back safely. And thankfully they all arrived back without as much as a scratch.

Thanks also to all the businesses in and around Bagenalstown who were extremely generous in their sponsorship of our cycle. The sponsorship we got covered all our expenses, for which we are very grateful.

The events were fundraisers for Ballinkillen Primary School, Ballinkillen Juvenile Hurling & Camogie Clubs, Jack & Jill Children's Foundation and Down Syndrome Ireland. Since it started The Blackstairs Cycling Challenge has raised over €54,000 for these charities.

The day was dedicated to the memory of Eoghan and Ruairí Chada who were students in Ballinkillen School and members of the Juvenile GAA Club. They will both be always fondly remembered.