TAOISEACH Enda Kenny is hoping to enter the Loop the Loop charity cycle in west Clare on Saturday September 28, with Milford Hospice among the chief beneficiaries.
Milford is one of three charities set to benefit from the event, along with Cahercalla Community Hospital and Hospice in Ennis and the Irish Hospice Foundation.
Event organiser Noel Gavin explained that the Taoiseach, who launched the cycle recently, did not even have to be asked to partake, adding that he has family connections with Loop Head.
Mr Gavin said: “The Taoiseach has put it in his diary without even an invite. We didn’t have to ask him at all; he decided to do it and it would be great to have him on board. The journey resonates personally for the Taoiseach as his maternal grandfather James John McGinley was the principal keeper at Loop Head Lighthouse from January 1933 until October 1934.”
The 130km cycle around the Loop Head peninsula takes in the famous lighthouse, as well as Kilrush, Carrigaholt, Doonbeg and the eternally popular holiday town of Kilkee.
Mr Gavin expects substantial Limerick interest in the Loop the Loop Cycle, given that the route goes through Kilkee and that Milford Hospice is among the beneficiaries.
“We would expect a huge amount of interest from Limerick. Milford Hospice holds a huge place in Limerick hearts and many people have a connection with it. Limerick has become huge on cycling and there is a strong Limerick connection with Kilkee. The Loop Head route is stunningly beautiful. It’s a magnificent cycle.”
Mr Gavin said that registration is now open for the cycle, which he hopes will have between 300 and 400 participants. Anyone wishing to enter can register online at www.looptheloop.ie and this is the first year that online registration has been taken for the event.
