The thirty strong squad of the All-Ireland winning Kilkenny hurling team, along with past players, and Ireland's top handballers, are preparing to don a jersey of a different nature on 6 March - taking to the roads of Kilkenny for a thirteen stage cycle around Kilkenny city to raise money for Enable Ireland.

Members and friends of the Kilkenny team were at the Enable Ireland O'Neill Centre in Kilkenny this morning to announce the final route for the cycle.

The Cats pedalling line up includes current stars such as Henry Shefflin and Tommy Walsh, as well as former giants of the game DJ Carey, Joe Hennessy and Noel Skehan. The event has been organised by Kilkenny handball legend Michael 'Ducksy' Walsh, who amassed an incredible 38 All-Ireland senior titles during his career. Still playing at the top levels of the sport, Ducksy now dedicates much of his time to charity fundraising. The event is also being supported by the GAA and by the Irish Handball Council.

Ducksy Walsh spent his early schools years in the building that now houses Enable Ireland's O'Neill Centre in Kilkenny. He has always taken an interest in the use of the structure, and especially the work that Enable Ireland presently do, providing services to children with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities.

"Over a year ago, I brought Brian Cody and several members of the Kilkenny hurling team to visit the centre as part of another fundraiser. Following the visit, Brian Cody offered the services of himself and his team so when I went back to him with the idea of this cycle he didn't hesitate," said Ducksy.

"I'm delighted with the response and looking forward to giving everyone the opportunity to boost the coffers of Enable Ireland Kilkenny."

Established in 1980 as a support group for parents, the Enable Ireland Kilkenny branch identified the need for the establishment of a centre-based service, providing comprehensive services for children with cerebral palsy and other identified developmental delay.

The route will give people all over Kilkenny the chance to come out and meet their heroes, with the county hurlers, past and present, will also be joined by World Handball Champion, Cavan's Paul Brady and other stars of the perfect game. The group of athletes will start out at Enable Ireland's O'Neill Centre, travelling up the Old Callan Road; Ring Road; Hebron Road; Nowlan Park; Newpark Shopping Centre; Greens Bridge; Vicar Street; High Street; John Street; John Street; Dublin Road and finishing up on Cillin Hill at 4.30 . Corporate sponsorship and personal sponsorship is being sought - to find out how you can support the cycle, please contact Enable Ireland on 056-7762326. Tweet

Most Read Stories