Team members behind the Kirby Way Series have officially launched the cycling and running events for 2026.
Suppliers, clients, Kirby team members and their families will take part in either a 10km fun run, 50km cycle, or 100km cycle, in aid of The National Maternity Hospital Foundation and Galway Hospice Foundation, on Friday, August 21.
The launch was supported by Foran Cycling Team, as Kirby backed the professional UK team in Rás Tailteann 2026 – a five-stage, 792.5-km cycling challenge starting in Portlaoise, Ireland.
“Both sporting events happen close to Kirby’s off-site manufacturing facility,” says Mikey Ryan, Group Operations Director at Kirby, who established the Kirby Way Cycle in 2022 and still plays a vital role in planning the events. “People will be pleased to hear that we’re not expecting participants in the Kirby Way Series to cover anything like the same distances!” he adds.
The Kirby Way Series is now in its fifth year. This year, Kirby will focus on increasing participation, after a mammoth fundraising effort in 2025. “We are inviting colleagues from across all our projects and locations, along with their families, our suppliers and clients, to come together, have fun, and support great causes,” adds Mikey.
Brian Burke, Associate Director – Operations at Kirby, added: “The event connects people with good causes, but it also inspires many to improve our fitness levels, come together as a team, inspire and cheer each other on, whether that’s by taking part or volunteering to make the event happen.
“We all know the significant impact that increasing our activity levels can have – not only to improve physical fitness, but also our mental health. Colleagues can take part in virtual ‘get fit’ programmes led by our teams as we prepare, whether they are working towards the events or simply want to become more active.”
The 10km fun run, 100km cycle and 50km cycle will set off from Kirby’s off-site manufacturing facility in Portlaoise, Co. Laois, with a supporting event held in Cape Town to raise money for charities close to our offices in South Africa.
For the last five years the event has been supported by Kirby colleagues who form part of Galway Civil Defence, with additional resource provided by Laois Civil Defence. Both voluntary groups provide support in route planning, event logistics and medical support on the day.
Seamus Daly, former paramedic, Kirby colleague and member of the Galway Civil Defence, said: “We have introduced a running trail through Togher Woods this year, so there will be a mixture of trail and roads along the timed route. We’re hoping that will prove popular with runners on the day.”
If you would like to get involved or show your support, you can email marketing@kirbygroup.com. Donations can be made on our fundraising page: https://www.idonate.ie/event/thekirbywayseries2026
You can also follow all the latest updates on preparation for the Kirby Way Series on the Kirby LinkedIn and Instagram feeds.
Our 2026 chosen charities:
The National Maternity Hospital (NMH) Foundation (Dublin) supports the work of The National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. The NMH Foundation focuses on advancing women’s and neonatal health through investment in research, innovation, and excellence in care. Donations directly support the hospital’s mission to provide world-class care to approximately 7,000 patients annually.
Galway Hospice Foundation provides specialist palliative care across Galway, helping people with life-limiting illnesses and their families to live as well as possible through expert care and support. Its services focus on improving quality of life through medical, nursing, therapeutic, social and emotional support when it matters most.
