Launch of Ballycommon Sponsored Ride 2018

Reidy's of Newtown was the venue for the launch last weekend of the eighth annual Ballycommon Sponsored Ride.

By now well-established as one of the biggest attractions on the North Tipp events calender, the 'BSR' has grown beyond the expectations of the local landowners who set it up in 2011 with the idea of raising funds for local charities or organisations. Last year's BSR was the most successful yet, with almost €80,000 raised for cystic fibrosis charity TLC4CF.

This year's chosen charity is North Tipperary Hospice and the big day will take place on Sunday March 18th. BSR '18 was launched at Reidy's Hospice Night in Newtown last Saturday, at which Tipp FM's Eamon O'Dwyer spoke to some of the organisers of the Ride. His recordings will go to air on Tipp FM on Saturday week, February 24th, at 10am.

More than 200 horse riders took place in last year's BSR, which also featured the ever-popular 'Celebrity Wall Challenge', in which 22 local 'celebrities' took part. Another strong turnout is expected this year and the BSR '18 celebrities are getting ready for more thrills and spills for all to enjoy on March 18th.

Several fundraising events are taking place around the big day out. There has already been a hugely enjoyable tractor run, and there's a 'Mini Muck Off' event to look forward to at Blackfort Hunter Trials, Puckane, on Eatser Monday, April 2nd.

The Ballycommon Sponsored Ride itself will set out from Ballycommon village on March 18th at 12.30pm. It will be preceded by the Celebrity Wall Challenge and Horse Puissance at 10.30am. Regular updates are posted on the Ballycommon Sponsored Ride Facebook page, and you can contact 087-2430546 for further information.