Kentucky Cycle ’08 by Sarah Murphy

Cathal Beale, a close friend of Tracie Lawlor who tragically passed away in November 2007, was crushed when he could not partake in the cycle from Dublin to Wexford on April 5th this year but his disappointment soon turned to inspiration to organise a cycle in Kentucky where he is currently on a scholarship with Darley Flying Start. He convinced five of his new found friends to put together an event that would mirror the charity cycle in Ireland.

On Sunday 27th April 2008, six young men began their six and a half hour journey from Churchill Downs to Keeneland to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. They set off with months of training behind them to cycle the 125km route. The road was long and steep but the wind and rain kept their distance as the boys pedalled their way through the small towns and villages of Kentucky. They all finished the journey without too much struggle and in keeping with the spirit of the Irish cycle, they received medals on their return for their fantastic achievement which were sent over by Tracie’s parents.

They were welcomed to their final stop to a well deserved barbeque feast and twenty to thirty people who applauded each one as they passed the finish line. The sponsorship raised together with the money raised from the charity tablequiz they organised on Wednesday 23rd April came to a total of over $1,500 which will be sent over to Wexford to be added to the €55,000 which was raised from the Irish cycle.

Tracie’s parents Ian and Philomena Lawlor are eternally grateful for all the work that has been put into these events. A trust has now been set up called the Tracie Lawlor Trust for which many more events will take place to raise money in the future. If you would like to donate to this charity please click on the donate page.