The transcontinental cyclists that make up Team Youghal were the main guests at a recent reception at the Irish Consulate in Manhattan, an event that served as both a salute to the team's cycling odyssey in the "Race Across America" and to the Emer Casey Foundation.
With Vice Consul General Jackie O'Halloran hosting the evening, and sportscaster Tommy Smyth as master of ceremonies, the Irish wheeler were hailed for crossing the United States in a little over seven days, this in support of a foundation, named after cancer victim Emer Casey, and one that raises funds and awareness in the battle against Ovarian/Uterine cancer.
The attendees at the reception included Emer's parents, Juliette and Brendan, Professor John O'Leary and Dr. Sharon O'Toole of the Discovary Consortium, and representatives of Firedog and Magners, two or Team Youghal's sponsors.
Vice Consul General O'Halloran praised Team Youghal on its achievement, as well as the work of the Emer Casey Foundation.
Juliette Casey spoke of the heartbreak of losing her daughter a few days after her 28th birthday. She spoke of the setting up of the foundation, and how far it has come in the past four years. To date, over €500,000 has been raised for Ovarian/Uterine cancer research by the foundation.
Casey also thanked Team Youghal for adopting the Emer Casey Foundation as its chosen charity in the "Race Across America."
Ger Flanagan, on behalf of Team Youghal, thanked everyone of the team members for fulfilling the dream of competing in the annual race which this year started in California and ended in Maryland.
