Willow Wheelers’ 36th Charity Cycle dedicated to late founder

The Willow Wheelers Cycling Club, one of Ireland’s largest and most well-known cycling communities, will mark a special milestone this Sunday, May 4, with their 36th annual 100-mile charity cycle – an event that will be held in memory of the club’s beloved founder, Christy McDaid, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Christy (pictured above) founded the Willow Wheelers in 1989 with a simple but powerful mission: to harness the spirit of cycling for a greater purpose.

Over the decades, that mission has raised more than €2 million, funding vital water, health, and education projects across Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.

This year’s cycle will be a poignant one.

Hundreds of cyclists – students, parents, alumni, and friends – will gather not only to continue Christy’s incredible legacy but to honour the man whose passion and kindness inspired generations.

The 100-mile ride begins at Blackrock College at 8:30 am on Sunday, May 4.

Cyclists will journey through Dublin city towards Kinnegad for a short break before returning to Blackrock by evening.

What sets the Willow Wheelers apart is the Club’s hands-on approach: proceeds are directly managed by the members, working closely with Irish missionaries to support grassroots projects in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Club members regularly visit these projects to ensure that the funds raised are making a real and lasting difference.

As the Wheelers prepare to saddle up once again, the spirit of Christy McDaid will ride with them every mile of the way.