Galway Advertiser 2005/2005_07_21/GA_2107_E1_017.pdf 

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July 21 2005

Galway Advertiser

N E W S 17

Bike and climb effort to raise funds for Chernobyl Aid Ireland
BY LINLEY MACKENZIE After weeks of fine weather, a special group of Galwegians are praying it will continue - at least till Sunday. The group of some 60 volunteers are bound for Croagh Patrick, but they are all cycling the route to raise funds for Chernobyl Aid Ireland. The volunteers depart Oughterard on Sunday at 7.30am, and after the 40-mile cycle, they then plan to climb Croagh Patrick, and return home on their pedal pushers the same route - through Leenane, Maam, and Maam Cross to Oughterard. Organiser Ger Geoghegan reckons some 60 riders will be involved in the cycling safari. "Everything is organised, bar the weather. That's something we cannot predict and it is not promised great for the weekend," he says. Geoghegan is warning participants to bring a rain or wind jacket "just in case" in addition to climbing boots. Two stops have been organised en route, at Joe Keanes in Maam and the Carig Bar/ The Rock, some three miles outside Leenane, while participants can use the facilities at the Corrib Hotel in Oughterard after their return, which is expected to be around 8pm. "Everything has been supplied with food, drink, and energy bars along the route. This is a fun day out for anyone who thinks they are up for the challenge, while also raising funds for a worthy cause." Geoghegan is among a group of volunteers who travel to Belarus every year to continue redevelopment of two orphanages. All proceeds will help Chernobyl Aid Ireland to continue that at both the school in Grosovo for seven to 18 year olds, and the home for abandoned babies in Slutzk. At present some 100 children from the orphanage are currently holidaying in Ireland. Any one wishing to donate to the challenge can contact Denis Geoghegan 091-552279 or Ger Geoghegan 087-2672371.

AL-MARAAJ
Finally Galway city welcomes the arrival of a unique shop specialising in Persian carpets, hand knotted rugs and wonderful Eastern treasures. Our rugs are even sought after by Middle Eastern sheiks. With years of experience our reputation is second to none.

Callanan welcomes free passports for pensioners
BY UNA SINNOTT The decision to give free passports to pensioners is another move that recognises the valuable contribution older people have made in securing the prosperity Galway enjoys today, according to Dep Joe Callanan. Old age pensioners will be able to receive a free passport from August 1, and with some 60,000 pensioners applying for passports every year the benefits will be widespread. "The provision of the free passports is in addition to the free public transport, TV licence, phone and electricity schemes for older people," Dep Callanan said. "Of course one of the most important aims of the Government is to ensure that the Old Age Pension is increased to at least 200 a week by 2007.

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