In training for Mullingar Virtual Paris2Nice Challenge – Joe Fagan, Siobhán O’Hara, Patricia Carroll, David Smyth, Ciarán O’Brien, Frank Dillon, Kieran Moore, Maurice Molloy, David Coghlan, Anita Coghlan, Sarah O’Hara and Sam, Philip O’Hara and Seamus Carroll.

Mullingar Lions Club launch Virtual Paris2Nice Challenge – via Westmeath

Mullingar Lions Club has organised a virtual Pasis2Nice cycle challenge, 800km via Westmeath. Starting on May 1 and concluding on May 29, it can be undertaken as an individual, as a team or on a relay basis. People who do not want to cycle can do this Paris2Nice event by walking or running, and can chalk up 5000 step a day.

Frank Dillon, event co-ordinator, would be very happy to see companies, businesses and organisations take up the challenge and engage in healthy competition, adding to the enjoyment level.

He said the event is two-fold: firstly, to raise funds for the Mullingar Lions Club;s busy and urgently needed family support projects currently in operation; and secondly, he believes that the venture will raise the morale and spirits of many people, when they get out and cycle, walk or run, enjoy the summer weather and look after their health and wellbeing.

The club have six very exciting routes designed (outlined below)

Lions Club projects in progress at present or completed are:

• Home restoration – new roof and bathroom

• Sensory Room – St Brigid’s School, Mullingar

• 230 Sunday dinners for elderly in Westmeath

• LARCC Cancer Support Sanctuary

• Food parcels and fuel supplies on a weekly basis

• Support for families affected by illness and disability.

The ethos of Mullingar Lions Club is to serve the community, and with that in mind, members have linked in with all the frontline services and community groups to identify those most in need of assistance.

Frank said: “We are delighted and honoured to be able to respond to the various requests and undertake new projects on an immediate basis. We were very happy to reach out to many individuals and families as outlined above, since March 2020 during this pandemic, where we incurred expenditure in excess of €130,000.”

Frank said the great generosity and support of so many people over the years has been so much appreciated and inspiring for Mullingar Lions Club, making all their work possible and productive.

He said people’s goodwill and support once again, either as a sponsor or donor will make a real difference to and greatly enhance the quality of life of many vulnerable individuals and families.

Frank invited people to make contact at anytime for further details – 087 6443742 or 087 2767584.

To register for the Virtual Paris2Nice Challenge, visit the Lions Club Facebook page or to donate see the Go Fund Me page.

ROUTES AND DISTANCE IN KM

Route 1: Uisneach

Old Rail Trail - Mullingar - Athlone, return by road to Mullingar, 130km

Route 2: Cross Country Cycle

Streamstown - Tyrrellspass - Kinnegad - Killucan - Knockdrin - Mullingar - Ballymore, 145km

Route 3: Royal Canal Scenic Tour

Mullingar - Maynooth return, 130km

Route 4: Esker Riada Route Ancient History Tour

Kilare - Ballynacargy - Mullingar - Kilbeggan - Moate - Mount Temple - Walderstown - Ballymore, 130km

Route 5: Tour of Lakes Cycle

Mullingar (Lough Ennell) - Athlone (Lough Ree) - Ballymore (Lough Shewdy) - Bunbrosna (Lough Owel) - Multyfarnham (Lough Derravaragh) - Collinstown (Lough Lene), 130km

Route 6: Canal Greenway Circuit

Mullingar - Abbeyshrule - Glasson - Athlone - Mullingar - Ballymore, 120km

Optional Routes

All cyclists welcome - routes can be designed in cyclist's own area.

For further information, contact Frank Dillon at 087 6443742 - 087 189 4365.