Offaly GAA fundraising cycle clears over €100,000 for county and clubs
Offaly GAA stage big bank holiday fundraiser
A JOINT fundraising cycle between clubs and the Offaly GAA County Board cleared €100,000 profit on Monday evening, hitting €102,979 on Tuesday morning and it will climb north of that as the donating portal remains open for another few days.
It was a new venture by the County Board with cyclists from clubs throughout the county participating over two separate routes in the north and south with both concluding in O'Connor Park in Tullamore.
It was a non competitive event with the emphasis on fun and participation. With proceeds being split evenly between the County Board and participating clubs, several clubs really put their shoulder to the wheel and this saw the €100,000 target hit on Monday evening.
Offaly GAA chairman Tom Parlon really embraced this fundraising venture and he collected the biggest amount by a substantial figure. On Monday evening, friends and business contacts had donated €6,570 for the affable Coolderry man.
Some clubs had undertaken similar fundraising projects for their own developments in the past year plus and had limited involvement for this one but others used it as a major fundraiser.
With former club chairman David Gorry among the organisers, Ballinagar was one of these. Linda Darcy, wife of another former club chairman Ciaran Darcy, has raised the second highest amount, €3,570 at the time of writing while Gorry is sixth on the “roll of honour” with €2,490 – other members also made a big effort with Ballinagar raising €12,400 by Monday evening.
Shamrocks also raised over €12,000 with club chairman Anthony Hanniffy collecting near €2,000 and Ger Keyes and Hilary Hamill bringing in over €1,000.
Carrig-Riverstown have exceeded these with their fifteen cyclists collecting a very good €12,862.
Former Offaly hurler Johnny Pilkington joined forces with Aidan Horan to collect €3,251 for Birr GAA and the County Board while Tullamore were among the other clubs who went at the fundraiser with their members just short of €10,000 at the time of writing.
Ballinamere have raised over €7,000 and the County Board are very pleased with the success of the venture.
An Offaly GAA statement on Monday evening declared:
“A huge congratulations to everyone who took part and helped make the day such an enjoyable and memorable occasion. It was wonderful to see clubs from across the county getting behind the event, with valuable funds raised for both local clubs and Offaly GAA.
“A massive thank you to Donagh McArdle, David Gorry, Pádraig Egan and John Hackett for their hard work and dedication in organising an event that was safe, well-run and enjoyable for all. Thanks also to Carina Carroll, Alex Roe and Pádraig O'Meara for their help. Sincere thanks also to the Order of Malta, An Garda Síochána, the support vehicle crews, the many supporters who lined the routes to cheer on the cyclists, and to everyone who played a part in making the day such a success. Your support and community spirit are what make events like this so special.
With guests making appearances, over 180 cyclists participated on the day and with some cyclists only seeking funds late in the day, it is anticipated that the final figure will eexceed €110,000.
You can still donate by clicking this link: offalygaa.fundmajor.com