Fr. Peter McVerry presents the Niamh Kane Memorial Trophy to Valerie Downey

Wexford Cycle 2009:

This was a very special year for the Wexford Cycle coming as it does at the time of the anniversary of Niamh Kane who tragically died following an accident on last year’s event while making her way through the village of Ferns.

Niamh had taken part in the Cycle six times and together with her family and friends was a long-time supporter of Welcome Home and the work of Fr. Peter McVerry with young Dublin homeless and the most marginalised young people in our society. The organisers are very moved and encouraged by the fact that Niamh’s family and close friends remain so supportive of the work of The Peter McVerry Trust and Welcome Home despite their own unimaginable personal loss.

Welcome Home has inaugurated The Niamh Kane Memorial Trophy to honour Niamh, and so that we can, in remembering her, continue to promote the ethos that Niamh so well represented; of cheerful personal giving, selflessness, and support and encouragement to others.

This was presented for the first time at this year’s event to Valerie Downey, who for the last six years has been a solid member of the support crew and in this very special year decided to cycle herself and raise funds through sponsorship. Valerie’s ongoing contribution best exemplifies the ethos of this award.

Liam Quinn
Chairperson, Peter McVerry Trust
Member of the WH Cycle committee