Squashing in the orange bikes
If you've spotted an orange bike lying against a direction sign or on a roundabout this week and wondered what it was all about, wonder no more!
Loads of orange-coloured bikes have been placed at strategic locations around the town to remind people that this weekend, Mullingar will host uplifting events for all ages, to celebrate the arrival of the Cycle Against Suicide.
On Saturday May 9, from 5–7pm local bands Cronin and Good Man Sheila, plus some special guests, will play on a stage outside Mullingar Arts Centre on Mount Street, which will be closed to traffic, creating a unique festival atmosphere in the centre of the town.
Mullingar Town Band will line Pearse Street to escort the cyclists and crew through the town, where a Mullingar welcome will await.
Jim Breen the founder of the Cycle Against Suicide will greet the crowd, among other special guests. Amidst a burst of orange balloons, orange T-shirts and a street display of orange bicycles, kids can avail of free face painting organised by the students of Loreto College.
The entertainment will continue late into the evening in the Greville Arms Hotel (from 9pm) after the cyclists have checked into their volunteer home-stays around the town. A night of dance, banter and fun will await, and the Greville are kindly providing two bands and a DJ. Everyone is invited to come along an join in the fun.
On Sunday at Loreto College, 10-11am, all are welcome to attend talks with celebrity guest speakers based on positive mental health. The students and teachers at Loreto College have invited local mental health organisations to support the cycle in raising awareness about positive mental health and suicide.
After that, the crowd will gather to give their farewell to the cyclists and crews as they embark on the final leg of their two-week island spin towards Dublin.
Also, it’s still not too late to offer a bed to cyclists or to join the cyclists for any section of their trip! Go to cycleagainstsuicide.com. ‘Together, shoulder to shoulder, we can break the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland,’ is the event slogan.