More than 100 cyclists for Mullingar Lions Club Summer Cycle
Around 100 cyclists, from all the local clubs, and visitors from Drogheda, Trim, Oldcastle and elsewhere were in the saddle for the Mullingar Lions Club Summer Cycle on bank holiday Monday, May 1.
They gathered from 8.30am at the Shandonagh GAA Centre in warm sunshine and were welcomed by Frank Dillon, event coordinator, and colleagues from the Lions Club.
Frank reported that everybody was in good spirits after two years of lockdown and inactivity, and the May Day sportive was particularly welcome.
Approximately 60 of the group took the 100km route and the remainder went for the more leisurely 50km spin on the Old Rail Trail Greenway, to Rosemount and back.
The stiff wind in their faces didn’t bother the 100km group as they made their way through Ballymore to Mount Temple, and on to the food and rest stop at Dun na Sí Heritage Park in Moate.
Frank Murphy of Lilly May’s Coffee Shop provided sandwiches, tea, coffee and delicacies – and the Lions Club organisers expressed their thanks to him for his generous contribution to their project.
“With energy restored and everyone keen to get moving again, the group left Moate for Kilbeggan, Tyrrellspass, Rochfortbridge and back to Shandonagh – helped at that stage by a good tail wind.
The cyclists on the 50km route enjoyed their spin on the greenway, and the highlight of the journey was when they stopped for refreshments at Jack’s Stop Coffee Shop in Streamstown. The kindness and generosity there, this time from Jackie Muldoon, were also really appreciated by Mullingar Lions Club. Jackie made the event special with such lovely food, teas and coffees. “To Jackie and staff, we say a big thank you.”
Frank Dillon said Mullingar Lions Club were delighted with how successful the day was, and the important fact was that everyone returned safely and all enjoyed the cycle.
He expressed a “big thank-you” to all the cyclists who participated, and said their positive attitude and camaraderie added greatly to the occasion.
At the beginning of the cycle, Frank dedicated the sportive to two great cyclists. One was the late Donie Kellegher, “always a great friend and cycling colleague, who is no longer with us”; RIP. Frank also extended best wishes to Philip O’Hara, who is recovering in hospital, and who is, and has been, a great supporter of Mullingar Lions Club in all their ventures.
Frank thanked everyone who contributed to making the sportive possible: stewards, medical team, van drivers, back-up team, gardaí, photographer John McCauley, Shandonagh GAA, catering crews, and anyone else that provided food and drinks or helped in any way.
Frank said that the Lion Club’s current project “to provide respite and support to families who have children with special needs and autism” will benefit from all the funds raised on the day. He offered his sincere thanks “to all who have made donations and financial support to make this project happen”, and he assured everyone that their generosity will ease the burdens that cause so much stress and worry in many families.