Cheval rides raise funds for charity

Barry Cronin from Kealkil

BY JACKIE KEOGH

THIRTEEN is a lucky number for some West Cork charities because the participants in 13 West Cork Cheval rides have raised €20,000 for worthy causes.

But there is still one more fundraising event to take place and that is the season finale, which will take place in Durrus on Sunday, May 3rd.

‘We’ve had our best season yet, raising over €20,000 from November to the end of April,’ according to Deb Linch, who has also catalogued each of these events in photographic form.

West Cork Chevals is a wonderful tradition bringing together horse riders and trap drivers to undertake measured road journeys through the most scenic routes and raising money for local charities and schools into the bargain.

Henry Williamson from Durrus. (Photos: Deb Linch)

The local charities that will benefit this year include Co-Action, the Cope Foundation, Suicide Aware, Bantry Palliative Care and a number of local schools.

Each event includes a well organized raffle, with a range of good prizes presented on the day. Participants also receive an event rosette and there are even special prizes for best turned out horse or trap.

Next Sunday’s event starts in Durrus at 12.30pm and will travel by back roads to Ahakista, stopping off at Arundel’s by the Pier Bar and Restaurant for refreshments, before heading back to Durrus village to Ross's Bar for the prize draw and an end of season celebration.

For more information go to the Facebook page for West Cork Chevals.