Since 2005 Kevin Reilly would have been stuck in the cocoon that is the Meath senior football squad at this time of year as they fine tune their championship preparations - but this year he's taking on a physical challenge of a different sort.

Before Easter the former Royal captain took up cycling to help fill the void created by his inter-county retirement and, along with his brothers, Brian and Alan, he is amongst a group of 40 cyclists who have signed up for 'The BUMBLEance Charity Cycle Navan to Galway' fundraiser which will take place on Saturday, June 11.

"I was worried that I may have bitten off more than I could chew at the beginning but I've some training under my belt now and I'm a bit more confidence about taking on the cycle," he said. "It's been a long time since I was able to do any form of exercise and not be left in pain afterwards so that's a bonus in itself!"

A catalogue of injuries left the Navan O'Mahonys clubman with no option but to hang up the boots last September.

"I do miss it of course particularly at this time of year when things start to heat up. I never thought my inter-county career would be over at 30 years of age but I have to say I don't miss the pain and the hardship that I had to endure over the last two years."

24 hours after Reilly's 192km excursion to Galway, his former Royal team-mates will travel the much shorter distance to Parnell Park to take on neighbours Louth in the Leinster SFC quarter-final. What are his thoughts on their prospects this year?

"Hopefully they can beat Louth and then you're looking at Dublin which is, of course, an enormous challenge.

"After that a good run in the qualifiers would be the target. Momentum breeds confidence and you never know where they could end up. The players are there and I'd hope that they really cut loose and have a go. 

"On their day they are a match for most teams. If they can get that consistency that has been missing in recent years and standards remain high, you never know what might happen."

The BUMBLEance Charity Cycle Navan to Galway are looking for volunteers to take part. BUMBLEance Childrens Ambulance delivers sick children and smiles between home and the national treatment centres, hospice and respite centres and all support is welcome for this great cause. Participants are asked to raise €300 which will cover accommodation for the night, food, jersey and a bus transfer back to Navan. It promises to be a fun day for all level of cyclists. Register your interest by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, if you wish to make a donation, big or small, click on this LINK. 

For more information about BUMLEance and the services the charity provides visit their website HERE.

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