Laurels Cycle Crew get back on their bikes for annual fundraiser

THE Laurels Cycle Crew are in action again this weekend for their annual Galway to Dublin fundraiser, which will see members arrive back at the Laurels in Clondalkin on Sunday, reports Maurice Garvey.

The two-day event (April 26-28) is raising funds this year for Tallaght University Hospital Foundation, to support the Ageing Well Centre in Clondalkin village at the Presentation Convent on New Road.

This year marks the 15th year of the annual Laurels Galway to Dublin cycle.

Established in 2009 by Laurels manager Damien Long and head barman Denis McCarthy, the Laurels Crew has raised over €1.3m for various charities in that time, including Our Lady’s Childrens Hospital, Ciaran Carr Foundation, Headway and Ronald McDonald House.

This year’s cycle features approximately 100 cyclists and a support team which includes road marshals to provide assistance to the riders during the challenge.

Day one covers 127km to Tullamore from the Connaught Hotel in Galway, followed by a barbecue later on that evening.

Day two covers 91km from Tullamore to The Laurels in Clondalkin where a big crowd is always in attendance to welcome home the cyclists and crew.