Dublin footballers launch annual cycle

TWO Dublin footballers recently launched an annual cycle that is held in honour of one of their deceased team mates.

The Tomás Mulligan Memorial Cycle also raises funds for Pieta House, the Lucan based suicide crisis centre.

Dublin footballers Ã?amon Fennell and Paul Flynn were at the launch of the fun cycle, which is now in its fifth year.

It is held in memory of Dublin footballer Tomás Mulligan from Clondalkin, who was just 30-years-old when he was lost to suicide in 2007.

Organised by the Mulligan family, it takes place on Saturday, August 11 and Sunday 12 and this year’s destination is Dundalk.

The 250-kilometre long route will start at Tomás’ local football club, the Good Counsel GAA club in Drimnagh, and will make its way towards Dundalk going through counties Meath and Louth before returning to Dublin.

The cycle aims to raise awareness of the work carried out by Pieta House and to celebrate the lives of those lost to suicide.

Last year over 70 cyclists took part in the cycle, raising

?¬53,000 for Pieta House.

Tomás’ father, Thomas Mulligan, hopes that more people will participate this year.

“We’re delighted to be running this cycle in Tomás’ memory for the fifth year,

? he said.

“The solidarity shown by Tomás’ friends and football colleagues every year reminds us that suicide is something which affects every town and village in Ireland.

“The cycle allows us to raise more awareness about Pieta House and actively spread the word around the country that there is help available.

?

The cycle departs from Good Counsel GAA Club, Drimnagh at 9am sharp on Saturday, August 11.

People can get involved by registering on tmcycle.pieta.ie. Anyone who wants to find out more information on Pieta House can visit www.pieta.ie