Galway 2023: Kirby’s team clocks up the miles for charity once more

Cycling is a lot of things to a lot of people. For Kirby Group Engineering, a leading mechanical and electrical engineering contractor operating across Ireland, Britain and mainland Europe, it has become a way to bring its employees together and to raise money for charity, but also to spend time in the saddle and afterwards to unwind and take a well-earned pat on the back.

The company first introduced the Kirby Way Cycle last year, which was a tremendous success raising a massive €450,000 for two great charities: National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Self-Help Africa. As Mikey Ryan, Kirby operations director explained, the two-day event played to the company’s strengths of meticulous planning, team building and getting everyone across the line.

So, for 2023, Ryan said it made sense that they would again go with a cycle.

They were back for more pain and more gain, but also, as he said, it has become a pillar within Kirby for pulling people together outside of work. “We wanted to keep the cycle going, albeit on a smaller scale this year.”

Some 130 employees participated in this year’s cycle, and Ryan was one of them. It was a one-day event held on September 1, following a circuit that took them around Galway Bay, one of the most scenic spots in Ireland. “We were blessed with the weather, and having a family-fun day was very special for all of us,” he said.

Ryan mentioned that the cycle had been an excellent way to engage employees and their families.

“The main focus this year was to sustain the event and embed it into Kirby’s culture.

“We’ll go big again in a few years’ time and set ourselves a goal of raising €500,000 for charity. Having said that, the smaller scale event this year still raised €35,000 which is incredible. There are some fantastic people out there, including everyone on the Kirby team.”

The funds raised from this year’s cycle will be donated to two charities selected by Kirby employees: the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, based in Galway, and the Milford Care Centre in Limerick.

Anne Marie Hayes, fundraising manager at Milford Hospice said the support was really appreciated: “By donating funds to Milford Hospice, Kirby will contribute significantly to funding essential services provided by Milford Hospice.

“These funds will support various programmes aimed at enhancing the quality of care for patients and their families, providing comfort and solace during difficult times. Our supporters are our lifeline as we need to fundraise every single year to support our work.”

Meanwhile, Professor Michael Kerin of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute said: “We are absolutely delighted that the NBCRI has been chosen as a fundraising partner for the Kirby Way Cycle 2023.

“The funds they have already contributed are helping with the research effort and will underpin the support for our biobank and programme of research in microRNA as markers of response to treatment in breast cancer.”

Kirby was established almost 60 years ago and, while the company does not have a dedicated cycling culture, Ryan said that it was always willing to try new things. When the management decided to hold the Kirby Way Cycle for a second consecutive year, they sent out an all-staff email. The event is open to all, but, as Ryan explained, it’s entirely up to staff members to join if they want.

They organised different circuit lengths, ranging from 50km to 110km.

“There’s a great sense of camaraderie, and it’s a lot of fun, especially since everyone is decked out in Kirby cycling gear for the day.”

“Staff came from all over Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe for the cycle, and it’s a wonderful way to meet colleagues you’ve been working with for years and catch up.”

Group managing director at Kirby, Mark Flanagan, who took part in the cycle, praised this great initiative and the organising team: “The Kirby Way Cycle fundraising event is a remarkable achievement. It was brilliant to see so many people come together to support those in need.

“I’d like to commend Mikey, the cyclists, the organising team and everyone behind the scenes for their hard work this year – it is a wonderful event and an incredibly positive initiative for Kirby to be involved in.”