THIS August marks the tenth anniversary of the tragic death of Limerick climber Ger McDonnell, an inspirational and adventurous free spirit, who lost his life after reaching the summit of K2 – the first ever Irish person do to so.
The world’s second highest mountain, K2 is considered the most treacherous to climb. And it was on Ger’s descent from this lethal peak in 2008 that the heroic County Limerick man died in an avalanche while selflessly aiding climbers in distress.
In his native Kilcornan, a sleepy hamlet nestled in the bosom of Curraghchase, Ger’s memory lives on.
Last Friday night saw family and friends come together in the local community centre for the launch of the tenth Ger McDonnell Charity Cycle, which has raised more than €80,000 over the past ten years.
Causes such as the DCU Memorial Trust, Kerry Mountain Rescue, Ashley Condon, Brothers of Charity, Butterfly Club Rathkeale, Bee for Battens, Learning Hub Limerick and Limerick Youth Service have benefited while keeping this much-loved West Limerick explorer’s memory alive.
This year’s charity cycle on July 21, which sees friends travel from as far and wide as Alaska, Germany and the UK to participate, is sure to be the most emotional yet.
“We had our first cycle that October, just months after Ger died. It was only supposed to be a one-off event but we decided that we would keep it going for ten years, so this is our last one. It has been our link to Ger’s friends through the years so it will be a very emotional finale,” Ger’s brother-in-law Damien O’Brien told the Limerick Post this week.
“We will have a fun fair after the cycle along with evening entertainment in Kilcornan headlined by members of Kíla. Ger actually helped bring them out to Alaska for concerts and even played bodhran with them on stage.”
The charity cycle covers the 112km route from Doolin to Kilcornan, part of a legendary roundabout journey Ger once took to post a letter in his local post office in Askeaton. By the time the letter was eventually posted Ger was in Doolin enjoying a pint.
“What people don’t realise is that he then cycled the journey home to Kilcornan again after leaving Doolin,” Damien points out.
A mini museum will be set up in Kilcornan community centre on Saturday July 21 as part of the event displaying items Ger used on his climbing expeditions, including a sliotar he pucked on the top of Mount Everest.
“This event is open to everyone. It is open to the world. We have to thank all the sponsors who have supported us over the last ten years. Anyone interested in setting up a stall on the day can contact the Ger McDonnell Charity Cycle on Facebook.”
