Santa Cycle Crew brave the elements and raise €47k

OVER 200 Santa’s braved the elements on Sunday for the annual Laurels Cycle Crew Santa Cycle.

The crew started at 4pm at the Laurels pub in Clondalkin village, on to Phoenix Park, and back to the Laurels in Clondalkin village, via the quays in the city centre.

This year marks the culmination of a three-year partnership with brain-injury support group Headway and the Laurels Crew, and raised a whopping €47k for them this year.

However, the crew were already working ahead to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin, and raised €10k for the children’s charity.

The crew were supported again for the Santa Cycle by motorbike marshals, Gardai, and their many volunteers and supporters.

Clondalkin Choir was on hand to sing carols on their arrival back to the village as the cyclists enjoyed mince pies, mulled wine and a drink or two.

A presentation of €47,000 was made to Headway. At the presentation were Cathal Harding, Noreen Gorman, Derek Cummins, Sarah Sabbioni, Damien Long and Mark Reddinton

There was presentations on the day of big cheques to Headway and Ronald McDonald House.

Over the last 14 years, the Laurels cycle crew has raised over €1.2m, but co-founder of the event Damien Long says they are “only warming up.”

During the three-year partnership, the Laurels Crew raised nearly €100k for Headway, which has enabled them to fund the cost of a clinical psychologist for this year and next year.

“Over the last unbelievable 14 years The Laurels has grown into something unique and totally believing of what you can decide to do if you really want it enough,” said Derek Cummins, a Laurels Cycle Crew volunteer.

“It has now raised over €1.2m, but you can bet The Laurels are not finished yet.

“In fact, Damien Long said recently that we are only warming up, let’s push forward for the next million.”

The committee are already preparing for a Galway to Dublin 2024 cycle, and 2024 will represent the 15th anniversary celebration of the initiative.”