Shannon Airport staff to undertake 160km charity cycle challenge

Shannon, Ireland, 2014-5-16 — /Travel PR News/ — Over 30 staff from Shannon Airport are getting on their bikes to undertake a gruelling 160km charity cycle challenge to raise funds for the Samaritans, the Clare branch of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Ireland and the Neonatal Unit at the Regional Maternity Hospital in Limerick.

Niall Maloney, Shannon Airport’s Operations Director is taking part in the cycle and speaking about the event he said;

“The goal is to raise in excess of €10,000 which will be split evenly among three worthwhile charities which are close to our hearts here at the airport. The Samaritans is the airport staff’s chosen charity for 2014, while MS Ireland and the Neonatal unit in Limerick have impacted positively on the lives of colleagues and family members here over the years.   We are really looking forward to the challenge, and while it will be tiring the goal is to support the work of these charities through our combined efforts.

For some the cycle has meant overcoming personal challenges, as among those taking part is Multiple Sclerosis sufferers Mike Linnane, from Shannon, who works in the Airport’s Search Unit. Mike was diagnosed with MS over 9 years ago and is undertaking the cycle to help raise awareness of the Trojan work undertaken by MS Ireland.

“MS Ireland does wonderful work and I wanted to show that there is life after being diagnosed with MS. The important thing is to stay positive, take each day as it comes and live each day to the full,” said Mike.

The cycle will start from King John’s Castle in Limerick at 8.00am on Saturday 24thMay.  The route will take the cyclists to Bunratty, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurray, Quin, Dora and then to Corofin where they will take their first 15 minute stop at around 10.30am. From here they will venture to Kilnaboy, Leamaneh Castle in the Burren, Corkscrew Hill and Lisdoonvarna, with their second 15 minute stop at the Cliffs of Moher at approximately 2.00pm. From here they will travel to Liscannor, Lahinch, Ennistymon, Inagh, Ennis, Clarecastle and Newmarket-on-Fergus, finishing at Shannon Airport at approximately 5.00pm.

The cyclists will be joined by 12 non-airport staff and there are still a limited number of places available to participate in the cycle on a first come first served basis. Participants will need to have Cycling Ireland insurance and a cycle helmet is essential. For further information or offers of support please contact Diarmuid Cullinan at Shannon Airport Tel: 061-712405.