Saturday, August 27, 2016

Get involved to welcome Big Blue Box

Kilcullen cycling enthusiasts are being asked to turn out to welcome the Big Blue Box to the town on 13 September, in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation, writes Brian Byrne.

The fundraiser is organised by Bank of Ireland and involves two groups of cyclists starting out in Dundalk and Wexford on 2 September, both finishing up in Kilkenny on the 16th.

A core group of volunteers including Bank of Ireland staff and other cyclists will bring the Big Blue Box through 29 towns on routes associated with Failte Ireland’s Ireland’s Ancient East area.

The Box will be brought to Kilcullen from Naas, arriving at 12 noon on the 13th, leaving the following day at 11am for Athy. Local fundraising events will include a ’10-second Cycling Challenge’ between teams from local pubs and businesses, on a stationary bicycle provisionally to be located in the Heritage Centre.

Bank of Ireland will match all funds raised by the event. A similar one on the Wild Atlantic Way earlier this year raised €80,000 for the St Vincent de Paul Society, including a matching €40,000 from BofI.

Cyclists are invited to join in on portions of the route between Naas and Athy for the arrival and departure of the Box. Donations will be at the discretion of the participants, but registration will be required on forms available from Bank of Ireland or downloadable from here.

Further information later. Pictured are the Kilcullen committee organising the local events — Liam Walker; Tom Shaw, Bank of Ireland Kilcullen; Noel Clare; Cathy O’Neill, Bank of Ireland Kilcullen; Jo McMahon, Branch Manager, Bank of Ireland Kilcullen; Steve Kinneavy; and Nessa Dunlea.