A Killaloe priest last Saturday cycled 144kms for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.Fr Ger Fitzgerald (36) pedalled from Ennis to Oranmore (outskirts of Galway city) and back again to Ennis for the fundraiser.
Speaking to the Limerick Leader newspaper about the cycle, Fr Fitzgerald, who serves as a curate in Ennis said, “Every day is a new beginning; every day gives an opportunity to prove yourself to be better and to do something good.”
“It must have been those words which were ringing in the mind of Ennis parishioner Patricia Blake when she contacted me and asked me if I was interested in doing a cycling event for charity.”
“Initially hesitant, I eventually conceded and after much debate and negotiation we agreed upon a cycling challenge that saw us cycle from Ennis to Oranmore and back again, a trip of 144km which began at the began and ended in Cahercalla, Ennis,” said Fr Fitzgerald.
All funds raised will go to the Alzheimer’s Care Centre in Ennis.
He added, “This very worthy cause is a place of care and respite for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The staff in this facility are genuinely wonderful people who give of their time, gifts and experience to assist the patients who have to live with such a terrible affliction.
“They are indeed worthy of the highest praise for their efforts which are truly a public demonstration of Gospel values. With gentle love, patient heart and mind and loving soul the staff in this facility make life easier for patients and families alike thus contributing a great deal to the life of some of the most vulnerable in our society as well as the community in general.”
“They do all of this despite the fact that they receive no State funding. It was this fact that persuaded myself and Patricia to undertake this cycle,” said Fr Fitzgerald.