Four years, more than 850 cyclists, over 30 charities and €1m raised. Kirby Group Engineering’s flagship Kirby Way Cycle has become one of the most successful corporate fundraisers in Ireland, and on 16 October the company was honoured twice for its efforts.

At Self Help Africa’s Change-Makers Ball in Dublin, Kirby received the Social Value Impact Award, while Group Operations Director Mikey Ryan was named Social Value Impact Champion. The awards recognise the company’s commitment to supporting good causes, with Kirby contributing more than €3 million to local, national and international charities and organisations over the past five years.

Self Help Africa was one of the first charities to benefit from the Kirby Way Cycle, with the impact of the partnership evident across rural Malawi. According to Martha Hourican, Self Help Africa’s Chief Operating Officer, Kirby’s €420,000 contribution has helped to change the lives of more than 50,000 people.

The funding has, enabled the planting of 100,000 trees to restore farmland and community land, provided 8,000 smallholder farming families with fruit and nut trees to grow food and income and helped expand a solar mini-grid that now provides power to 2,000 people in rural communities

“Every kilometre brings people together to do something amazing for charities like Self Help Africa,” said Mikey Ryan. “To be recognised with this award is a privilege, and one I share with every person who has cycled or run with us as part of the Kirby Way Series. It’s the people that make Kirby’s commitment to build a better society a reality, and my colleagues, our supply chain and our clients play a huge role in bringing our efforts to life.”

Galway GAA legend Alan Kerins presented Ryan with his award, praising the drive, energy and huge heart that have powered the Kirby Way Cycle since day one.

Accepting the company award, Kirby Group Engineering CEO Henry McCann said that one of the things he valued most about Kirby was the willingness of people to support others and to give back to communities in a meaningful way.

“Whether through fundraising, volunteering or simply getting involved, there is a genuine desire across our organisation to make a positive difference. Our partnership with Self Help Africa reflects those shared values, and we are honoured to receive this recognition. It is a testament to the generosity and commitment of our employees, clients and supply chain partners, whose support is helping to create lasting opportunities for people and communities around the world.”

Alongside its annual Kirby Way Cycle, Kirby has supported many local, national and international charities and organisations, contributing more than €3 million through donations and community initiatives over the past five years.

Kirby Group Engineering is a leading mechanical and electrical engineering contractor with offices across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, and South Africa. Kirby provides full mechanical and electrical contracting services as well as specialist high voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) design and construction services to clients across a number of different sectors including Data Centres, Life Sciences, Industrial, and Power and Renewables.

Self Help Africa is one of Ireland’s leading international development organisations. The charity works through agriculture and agri-enterprise to end hunger and extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.

Pictured above: Michael Murray, Group Business Development/Power and Renewables Director, Jason Gallagher, Marketing Executive, Mark Flanagan, Executive Director, Claire Brennan, Marketing Manager, Padraic Hayes, Senior EHS Advisor, Giedre Visockaite, EHS & Sustainability Director, Sean Meagher, Contracts Director, Henry McCann, Chief Executive Officer, Mikey Ryan, Group Operations Director, Ian McGuire, Project Manager, David Waldron, Procurement Director, Fiachra Mulkerrins, Digital Marketing Executive, Kata Kukla, Graphic Designer, and Aoife Gilheany, Regional EHS Manager.

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