Pic: Christy Farrell
Cyclists head out from Ferns Castle in the St Lukes Charity Sportive.

250 CYCLISTS braved the elements of the wind and fog on Sunday morning to take on the Ferns Charity Sportive and raise money for St. Luke’s Hospital.

Organised by the Leacy brothers Tomás and Ger, the event was a massive success and saw the numbers partaking doubling from last year. Money was still being counted at the time of going to print but Tomás stated that they were expecting it to be in excess of €7,000.

Conditions on the day were windy and foggy but this didn’t deter the unwavering cyclists who completed either the 60km or 100km in fine times, clocking in around two-and-a-half hours for the shorter distance and around three-and-a-half hours for the 100km.

The Food Stop in Bunclody was particularly popular and the greatest compliment went to the chefs when the hungry cyclists polished off every single crumb in the place.

Great craic and banter was had in The Thatch after the event where sore bodies rested and recounted their experiences on the trek.

The run left from Ferns GAA Club at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning and took in the scenery at Ballycarney, Kiltealy, Bunclody and upMt.Leinster, though the fog diminished the sights of Wexford slightly.

Ferns Friends of St. Luke’s would like to thank all participants and anybody who helped out in any way on the day of or leading up to the event. They are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.