BY the time all the cash has been counted, it is strongly anticipated that some €60,000 will be raised following another hugely successful Ballycommon Sponsored Ride outside Nenagh last Sunday.

Over 200 riders of all levels and from across the country took part in the pre-ride celebrity jumping and then a four-hour hack which took in some wonderful scenery close to the shores of Lough Derg. Now in its seventh year, this year the sole beneficiary is TLC4CF, a support group for Cystic Fibrosis in the counties Tipperary, Limerick and Clare.

“A group of landowners got together in 2011 and decided to start a charity ride. The only condition was that all the charities would be local. It just spiralled from there,” commented chief organiser Albert Purcell, who has been credited with forming a hugely loyal group of volunteers in conjunction with the North Tipperary Foxhounds that make the event the outstanding success it is today. From the generosity of Supermacs, who fed the riders at the half-way point, to the support of the hundreds of locals on the ground throughout the day, no stone was left unturned.

To date over €200,000 has been raised for various local charities, including Mirmeara, a support group for children with autism, North Tipperary Hospice, One-In-Four, and the Nenagh Special Summer Camp.

“It was another great day from start to finish,” said regular supporter Alan Murphy. “The comment all newcomers make is on the level of organisation involved in the day from every possible aspect and they’re not wrong.

Congratulations Albert and the crew in making it the greatest fun ride in Ireland bar none. Roll on 2018.”