Welcome to Monivea Charity Ride, check out photos of last event .

Welcome to our web site! The Monivea Annual Charity Horse Ride has become an annual event in the East Galway calendar since our first charity ride in January 2003. It now takes place on the first Sunday in March. Background Founding members had participated in charity horse riding events throughout the Galway area and had decided to establish a charity event centred in Monivea. The original committee of Michael Dolan, Una Dolan, Martin O'Brien and Grainne O'Hara set about the task of harnessing the goodwill and community spirit of their own area. The idea for the charity ride arose in conversation in Monivea's Father Sammon Community Centre. It took off really well and we are delighted that, supported by the local community, the equine community and the business community, Monivea's charity ride has gone from strength to strength. Each year local businesses are approached for financial donations, the local public support the event on the day and make donations, farmers allow the horses to go through their land and, of course, every rider raises sponsorship and donates money to our causes. Businesses supporting the event pay 150 euro to have their names screen printed on saddle blankets worn by horses taking part in the ride. Two registered charities are nominated each year to benefit from the proceeds of the fund-raising. Beneficiaries The beneficiaries to date are: 2003 Downes Syndrome (Galway Branch) Muscular Dystrophy (Mountbellew Branch) 2004 Huntingdon Downes Syndrome (Galway Branch) 2005 West of Ireland Alzheimers Downse Syndrome (Galway Branch) 2006 Jack and Jill Children's Foundation Downs Syndrome (Galway Branch) This year all proceeds will be split between Rosedale School in Galway which supports people with learning difficulties and the West of Ireland Alzheimer's Foundation's Maryfield Nursing Home, Athenry, Co. Galway. Thank you for your support! We would like to say a big thank you to the many people who turned out to support us made the 2007 ride such a success. We will upload pictures of the 2008 ride ASAP - watch this space!