Now in their 23rd year, the Rathdowney Easy Riders charity cycling group have raised a whopping €41,000 for various local causes through their 2025 charity cycle.

Over €35,000 was donated to the Gavin Glynn Foundation, which helps families with children battling cancer. The Easy Riders committee chose to champion this charity following the overwhelming support it has provided to one local family.

Owners of The Willow Tree bar and restaurant in Rathdowney's Golf Club, Yvonne Dunne and Laura O'Brien, have two gorgeous daughters named Willow and Teddy. 

Pictured: Rathdowney Easy Riders charity cycle in 2024

In February of 2024, three year old Teddy was diagnosed with cancer of the eye. The Gavin Glynn Foundation supported the family through a year and a half of treatment abroad.

"The foundation helped us travel and stay in Birmingham 31 times for Teddy's treatment, all within a year in a half. There was never an issue or a hassle to sort it, they gave us such support and took a huge weight off our shoulders," Ms Dunne told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"With our business, myself and Laura took turns running the place while the other would go to Birmingham with Teddy. Teddy was the one who took it the easiest; we would tell her we had to go, and she would just say 'okay', and ask which of us was bringing her," Ms Dunne explained.

"We got the all clear a month ago and we are so thankful, she is now five and has started school. She's loving life, you would never think she has been through so much.

Pictured: Yvonne Dunne and wife Laura with daughters Willow and Teddy

"On the plane coming home from the last ever treatment, Teddy waved goodbye to Birmingham, and it was a very emotional moment," she praised.

Ms Dunne is deeply thankful for the opportunity to give back to the charity, through the help of Rathdowney's Easy Riders and the generosity of the local community.

"It means so much to us as a family, to be able to give back. It really lifted us all, even the kids. I joined them on the cycle this year and I loved it, the group are all fantastic. I took time off work to do it and Laura supported me through it. I knew the people involved in the Easy Riders, but I didn't really know them until now," she said.

"The whole community rallied around us while Teddy was sick, I truly can't say enough about the town, and the Gavin Glynn foundation are so amazing, they have helped so many kids," Ms Dunne praised.

Pictured: Little Teddy rings the bell to mark the end of her cancer treatment in Birmingham, pictured with hospital staff and her family

Local community groups also availed of funds raised by this year's cycle, which saw €6,000 divided up amongst ten local causes, with the Easy Riders' presentation night taking place in The Brewery on Saturday November 15.

Rathdowney Tidy Towns received €1,000; Donaghmore Tidy Towns received €500; Roscrea SPCA received €500; Equal Vibes received €500; the local Scouts group received €500; Rathdowney Girl Guides received €1,000; Rathdowney Errill Juvenile GAA received €500; Mothers & Others received €500; the Ladies Football club received €500 and Rathdowney Christmas Lights Committee received €500.

"It was brilliant to raise over €41,000 this year," Easy Riders chairperson Adele Walsh told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

 

"It was a great night. We didn't stay too long, there were plenty of people there who wanted to watch the match," Ms Walsh laughed.

"Everyone made lovely speeches and thanked the group for our donations, it was a very well received night."

The cycle took place in August, where Rathdowney locals cycled a whopping 150km over two days.

"We had 33 people cycling and around 50 involved for the marshalling side of things. It was amazing leaving the town, the square was filled with people coming out to cheer us on," Ms Walsh said.

"As we cycled up the town, local businesses came out to wave us on and cheer, it's so lovely and such great craic. There's always a great buzz from the town. It's amazing how giving the town is. You just have to mention the group's name, and donations are handed out," she said.

Pictured: Easy Riders presentation night in The Brewery, Rathdowney

"Local businesses Supervalu and Dunnes give us vouchers, and businesses take in a till for donations. John Cahill's butchers, Fortune's and Rathdowney Pharmacy have been so brilliant, the pharmacy donated us medical supplies for the cycle.

"We kept the amount raised a secret until the night, I had never heard of the foundation until I heard what they had done for Yvonne and her family. We wanted to help raise funds to give back, when Yvonne saw the cheque she was so appreciative, it was very emotional," she explained.

"We have supported a lot of causes over the years like the Cuisle centre last year, we have all been touched by cancer. Yvonne did the cycle with us, and it was much closer to home. The money raised was for a great cause, and we can't emphasise the support from the community over the last twenty years.

"Long may the group continue, there is always something that funds can be raised for," Ms Walsh finished.

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