Crowley 'overwhelmed' with level of support for Coast to Curragh cycle

Frances Crowley, wife of the late Pat Smullen, has said she is overwhelmed by the level of support received prior to the second Coast to Curragh cycle ride, which takes place on Saturday in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland.

The cycle, staged in memory of nine-time Irish champion Flat jockey Smullen and chief organiser Gavin Lynch's mother Olive, has attracted a star-studded line-up of racing icons, with Sir Anthony McCoy, Barry Geraghty, Paul Carberry, Robbie Power and Patrick Mullins among those taking part at various stages of the 155km route, which begins at Laytown racecourse at 8am.

More than 250 cyclists are expected to be involved, with the route incorporating seven of Ireland's racecourses and two stud farms before finishing at the Curragh at approximately 4.30pm.

Crowley said: "We're overwhelmed and delighted with the support. Everybody has been so good. It's all for a really good cause.

"It's growing and growing and we're really excited now. There's a great push behind it and it's great to have the likes of AP, Barry, Paul and all the lads cycling."

The Curragh racecourse has also stepped in to name its final Saturday fixture in August the Pat Smullen Race Day in aid of Cancer Trials Ireland for the foreseeable future, and Crowley says it's a lovely way to remember her husband so close to the second anniversary of his death on September 15.

Sir AP McCoy poses with Pat Smullen after winning the latter's charity race at the Curragh in September 2019Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

She added: "The plan is to run it every year and hopefully we can keep growing it and it will become a big fundraiser for Cancer Trials Ireland.

"They're a great organisation. It's not just about finding a cure for cancer, but giving people with cancer hope that there's always something there for them.

"It's a lovely way to remember Pat as well every year so close to his anniversary."

Paddy Power, main sponsor of the cycle and the feature Paddy Power Supporting Cancer Trials Ireland Irish Cambridgeshire on Saturday's card, have given up their signage entitlements at the Curragh to further promote the cycle.

Lynch said: "Fair play to Paddy Power. Nobody asked them to do that – they did it off their own bat and paid for it as well. It's a lovely gesture and hopefully it can raise more awareness."

The initiative raised more than €185,000 for Cancer Trials Ireland last year and all donations can be made at coasttocurragh.ie.

A charity lunch and auction will also take place on Saturday, and those unable to attend who are interested in making a bid can email for more information.

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