Lakeside Wheelers parade in style on St Patrick's Day

Members of Lakeside Wheelers were delighted to be part of the 2025 Mullingar St Patrick’s Day Parade. On a cold but dry day, more than 20 members, including some of the fabulous younger members who make up the Sprocket Rocket division, took to the main streets to proudly represent the club.

Following an invite to participate and uphold the theme of this year’s parade, which was to promote local sport and heritage, club secretary Eugene Duffy swung into action and put a plan in place. He was assisted by club president, Mark Horohoe and Sprocket Rocket mentors Steve Franzoni, Neil McDermott, Cathy Horohoe and Mary Marshall.

The group met at 2.30pm and made their way to the Fair Green, where all participating groups were asked to gather. At that point it was clear that the cold was going to be a factor but everybody was in very good spirits, especially the crew from Mullingar Arts Centre, who entertained as we waited to set off.

Once the parade started, the Lakeside Wheelers group walked and cycled from the Green Bridge to the Dublin Bridge and it was amazing to see so many people from Mullingar lining the entire route, and who gladly took the goodies handed out by Dan Horohoe.

Lakeside Wheelers committee would like to thank all members who turned up to represent the club, the organisers of the Mullingar St Patrick’s Day parade for their hard work, the gardaí and Civil Defence, who always ensure everyone gets home safely, and the people of Mullingar for coming out to cheer on all the various social, cultural, sporting and commercial groups that participated.

Racing

Last weekend Richie Lenehan travelled west to compete in the Galway Classic, a road race with a difference. It includes several off-road sectors, which is not that common in Ireland, it’s a Strade Bianche of sorts, if you like.

It was a journey worth making for Richie, who held on to the leading group until the 5km to go mark, but just faded out of contention in the run-in.

He managed to finish in a fantastic 12th place overall, so well done Richie.

Neil McDermott, another regular racer, went to the Lucan GP on Saturday afternoon, where he raced in the C2 category.

Weekly Spins

The last few weeks have been good for cycling, even if it has been cold at times. Dry roads are a real treat for cyclists as it means less cleaning of the bike, which is a welcome change from filthy wet and greasy frames and chain rings.

Lakeside Wheelers groups have been active each weekend, and the Cs are well in to their training for the trip to Portugal in May. The Ds are also turning up in big numbers and will, no doubt, be targeting several sportives around Ireland this summer.

On Sundays, the A and B groups have had good numbers during March so hopefully the trend continues in the coming weeks.

The Bs are gradually increasing the distance as Martin Nally heads up affairs, but is waiting patiently for the return of fellow leader, John Malone, who suffered an unfortunate crash earlier this spring. Get well soon, John.

The As continue their weekly spins and training plan in preparation for the Midland League, which opens on April 24 with an individual TT from Horseleap.

Distance, intensity and gradients have been steadily increasing and last weekend’s spin was 105kms of hilly roads around the Collinstown, Castlepollard, Mullaghameen Forest, Granard and Multyfarnham area.

Membership

As March prepares to go out like a lamb and is hopefully followed by a warm summer with lots of good cycling, the committee would like to remind everyone to please renew their membership, if you have not already done so.