County Limerick school presents cheques to charities after Pedal to Peak challenge

SEVEN parents and one teacher put their bodies through hell during the summer when they travelled from the lowest point in Ireland to the highest in less than 24 hours.

As far as the organisers of Herbertstown NS’s Pedal to the Peak challenge are aware it had never been attempted before. One Friday night at 9.13pm the magnificent eight left  North Slob in Co Wexford, three metres below sea level, on their bikes.  They cycled through the night to Carrauntoohil in Kerry.

They arrived at 9.30am and began hiking to the top with over 40 parents, staff and friends of the school. The magnitude and difficulty of the challenge caught the public’s imagination and over €36,000.

Mike Fitzgerald, Herbertstown NS teacher and participant, said the school will have €32,635 to spend on improving play areas for the children.

“We are delighted also to be in a position to donate €2,000 to Crumlin Children's Hospital and €2,000 to Cliona’s Foundation. It was a great success and we were thrilled with the support we received,” said Mike.

Representatives of both charities came to the school where they were warmly received as the photo shows!

“It was great to be able to donate €4,000 of the money raised to the two charities. Throughout the fundraising drive and the challenge itself, it was often a topic of conversation that as well as the school benefiting, we would potentially be able to make a sizeable contribution to Clíona's Foundation and CMRF Crumlin. They do tremendous work and, thanks to the generously of everyone that supported us, that €4,000 will make a difference in people's lives,” said Mike.

The €32,635 will be be used to redesign current outdoor play areas of Herbertstown NS, possibly resurfacing sections and potentially adding a hurling wall.

“The school was overwhelmed by the support for Pedal to the Peak and we can't thank everyone that make the fundraiser a success enough,” said Mike.