Two key charities to benefit from Irish company’s 300km challenge.

Kirby Group Engineering said the inaugural Kirby Way Cycle event has been a major success, and exceeded expectations with more than €430,000 raised so far for two great causes. The family founded company has a long track record of supporting deserving charities and the proceeds from this event are being donated to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Self Help Africa. 

'Unforgettable experience'

Almost 180 cyclists took to the road as part of the event at the weekend, travelling along a route from Limerick to Galway and then on to Dublin, supported by a 23-strong team of volunteers, drivers and support crew. Months of preparation and training all paid off as Kirby employees, their families, supply chain partners, clients and charity partner representatives came together for an unforgettable experience, aimed at creating a lasting collective legacy.

Group MD at Kirby Group Engineering Mark Flanagan said the Kirby Way Cycle has brought a series of benefits: “Since I first heard of the idea, I could see the fantastic elements that would be of real value to everyone involved. Our hard-working charity partners will deliver real health improvements and sustainability with the proceeds and I can’t wait to hear their updates as that progresses in Ireland and Africa.”

National Breast Cancer Research Institute chairperson Caroline Loughnane said: “We were honoured to be chosen by the Kirby Group Engineering team as one of their fundraising partners for this year’s ‘Kirby Way Cycle’. Your support will help our researchers work towards better breast cancer treatments, therapies and solutions to give hope and better outcomes for breast cancer patients. Thank you so much for your support.”

Martha Hourican, director of business development of Self Help Africa, said: "On behalf of all of us at Self Help Africa, I’d like to express our thanks and appreciation to the Kirby Group Engineering team for the enormous task of bringing the Kirby Way together.

"As a result of your generous efforts, much needed funds are being raised to support Self Help Africa’s work across the African continent. The money you’ve raised will plant hundreds of thousands of trees, and will also support thousands of families struggling to produce enough food, as they face the worst drought in a generation.” 

'Amazed at support'

Galway-based Operations director at Kirby Mikey Ryan headed the event organising team. He said: “When we first began developing this concept, I knew we could make it a success but I was amazed at the support from within the company and from sponsors, clients, the ambassadors and partner charities. There has been a wave of positivity towards the Kirby Way Cycle and I’m so grateful to everyone for that.”

Former Galway hurler and founder of Warriors for Humanity Alan Kerins was an integral part of the development and preparations for the cycle: “I’ve been working with Kirby on various projects for a number of years so I knew they would bring their trademark dedication and teamwork to the Kirby Way Cycle. It’s fantastic to see all the hard work pay off to the benefit of great causes here and in Africa. Kirby does not just talk values, it lives them.”

Mark Flanagan also highlighted the positive impact of getting the team together for such a challenge: “The nature of our industry means teams are spread out across various sites, countries and activities. Add to that the impact of Covid restrictions and even those who spend time in the office have come through periods of isolation from colleagues so all that takes its toll on everyone.

"The Kirby Way Cycle has been a unifying exercise for worthwhile causes and has brought great engagement, healthy activity, teamwork and fun along the way.

"I’d like to thank and pay tribute to the efforts of Mikey Ryan and his organising team, our Kirby colleagues right up to board level, our brilliant clients and supply chain partners who have been so supportive and of course the wonderful charities dedicated to helping people all year round. I’m so proud we could play our part in furthering their cause with the Kirby Way Cycle.”