Mullingar Shamrocks cyclists at Carrickboy, County Longford taking a rest on a training run in preparation for the club's fundraising cycle from Galway to Mullingar. From left, Aidan Daly, Eric Smith, Richie O'Donoghue, Barry McGuire, Pearse Corroon, Mark Treanor and Micheál Burke.

Galway to Mullingar spin for Shamrocks

The sums don't add up (200 into 100 doesn't go!) but that won't stop 200 budding cyclists from Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club cycling the 100 miles from Galway home to their grounds at Springfield on May 5 this year.They're getting into the saddle for a one-day event called Get On Yer Bike With Shamrocks, to raise sponsorship and funds to continue the development of the playing facilities at the club. A portion of the sponsorship raised will also be donated to the North Westmeath Hospice.The planned route is from Galway to Mullingar via the old Dublin route, taking in stops along the way in Loughrea, Ballinasloe, Moate and Tyrrellspass. The cycle will be done in stages over the course of the day, with some participants cycling just one or two stages and a number of participants going the whole way.Over recent weeks large numbers of club members have been buying bikes, donning slick lycra clothing and cycling helmets and taking to the roads around Mullingar to build up their fitness for the cycle.Different informal groups within the club have been gathering at weekends to build up the miles, and have been supported by experienced cyclists within the club in their training, and in relation to cycle safety.Some members have progressed from initially doing leisurely cycles around the town to trips of 50 miles as their fitness levels increased.Club chairman Pearse Corroon, feels the cycle has been great for the club besides being an incredible fundraising drive."The number of people associated with the club in a non-playing way who have got involved is brilliant," he said."This includes ex-players and supporters who have all come together to train, and it has been a real unifying experience for the club and definitely improved our club spirit."Also we have connected it with the GAA's initiative, Off The Drink And On The Ball, designed to encourage our members to develop their fitness and a more healthy lifestyle at this time of year."Mullingar Shamrocks would like to invite anyone who wishes to participate, and is either looking to take on the full challenge or a stage, to contact them via mullingarshamrocks.com or calling 087 1124355 for information.All participants are welcome, and can be guaranteed a fantastic challenge and experience.The club would also welcome any support or help from anyone who wishes to get involved.