Focus Ireland calling on Cork cyclists to sign up for Ring of Kerry event

FOCUS Ireland, which last year supported close to 700 households in Cork who were homeless or at risk of homelessness, has issued a call for Cork cyclists to sign up for the iconic Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle this July.

This year, for the first time in its 42-year history, Focus Ireland has been selected as a main beneficiary of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, in recognition of the need to address the surging homelessness crisis.

In Cork alone, Focus Ireland last year supported 680 households who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The charity began work in Cork in 2007 and now provides 152 homes throughout the city and county through the Focus Housing Association, in close partnership with local authorities.

Earlier this year, 16 of these homes, along with the new Focus Ireland Cork office, opened in Cork city on the Grand Parade.

The charity also supports households in Cork through housing and services work, and many more through its tenancy support and settlement service.

“The funding raised through initiatives like the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle can truly make a difference, providing vital resources for services across the country,” Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said. The 170km Ring of Kerry challenge takes place on Saturday, July 6.

Focus Ireland is asking participants to select Focus Ireland as their charity of choice when registering for the event.

“We are delighted to support Focus Ireland, for the first time this year, as one of the cycle’s main beneficiary charities,” said Bridget McGuire of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2024 organising committee.

“We are particularly proud of the fact that the charity’s founder, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, is originally from Lispole (Lis Pól) on our neighbouring Kerry peninsula, and we are immensely proud of all the work she has done throughout her life to address important social issues.

“Homelessness, in particular, is an issue that is now affecting record numbers of people across the country and we want to support Focus Ireland in their efforts to end homelessness.

“We look forward to seeing many cyclists challenge the issue in the name of Focus Ireland, by joining the thousands cycling the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2024 for their charity this July.”

To find out more or to sign up for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle for Focus Ireland, see: www.ringofkerrycycle.ie/our-charities/.