Dubs launch cycle in memory of footballer

DUBLIN footballers Ger Brennan and Jack McCaffrey were on hand last week to launch the annual Tomás Mulligan Memorial Cycle in aid of Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis centre.

The fun cycle, which is now in its sixth year, is held in memory of Dublin footballer Tomás Mulligan who was lost to suicide in 2007.

The event is organised by the Mulligan family and takes place on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11. This year’s destination is Kilkenny city.

The cycle aims to have fun, raise awareness of the work carried out by Pieta House and to celebrate the lives of those lost to suicide. The cycle will take off from Tomás’s local club, the Good Counsel GAA club in Drimnagh, and will make its way towards Kilkenny going through Kildare before returning to Dublin.

Last year over 70 cyclists took part in the cycle, raising e63,000 for Pieta House. Tomás’s father, Thomas Mulligan, hopes that more people will participate this year.

“This event started six years ago with Tomás’s friends and family coming together in his memory,

? he said.

“However, over the years it has gathered momentum as people realise that so many families are affected by suicide and want to show their support.

“We’re hoping for another big turnout this year so we can continue to raise awareness and funds for Pieta House.

?

The demand for Pieta House’s services continues to grow. Since opening their doors in 2006, they have helped over 8,000 people. There are now six Pieta House centres in Ireland, including four in Dublin, and three more centres will open before the end of 2013.

“Our vision is that no-one in Ireland should be more than 100 kilometres from a Pieta House centre,

? said Joan Freeman, CEO of Pieta House.

“Eighty per cent of our funding comes from fundraisers so we’re really dependent on the generosity of the public in order to keep our doors open. The Tomás Mulligan Cycle has provided much needed funds for Pieta House over the last five years and we wish them the very best of luck with this year’s cycle.

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For more information on Pieta House visit www.pieta.ie. To register for the cycle visit www.tmcycle.ie.