Munster Rugby Charity Cycle Raises Funds for TCD Motor Neurone Research

Posted on: 21 June 2011

This year’s Munster Rugby Charity Cycle will see 60 cyclists complete the final leg of the Cork to Dublin run at Trinity College’s Pavillion at 6pm today (Tuesday June 21st).  The charity cycle has been organised in honour of Paul Darbyshire, who passed away yesterday, and funds that are donated will aid motor neurone research at TCD, Munster Rugby’s chosen charity project of the year.

Munster legend Mick Galwey along with his Munster management colleagues, Shaun Payne and George Murray will be among those completing the Cork-Dublin run and it is expected they and their fellow cyclists will be greeted at Trinity’s Pavillion by international squad members Shane Jennings, Eoin Reddan, Robert Kearney, Mick O’Driscoll, Peter Stringer and John Murphy, as well as Malcolm O’Kelly, John Fogarty and a host of other rugby personalities.

Paul Darbyshire, Munster Head of Strength & Conditioning for the past four years, was diagnosed last September with Motor Neurone Disease.  Paul continued to carry out his duties with the squad until the severity of his illness forced him to retire. 

Development Manager in Trinity’s Department of Sport and Recreation, Cathy Gallagher, commented: “This is an exceptional effort by all the cyclists for such a worthy cause.  Student sport at TCD is steeped in the tradition of rugby and we are delighted to welcome the guys on campus and support the initiative as much as possible.  I would encourage the Trinity community to come to the Pav on Tuesday evening at 6pm to support and participate in this fitting sporting endeavour.”