Cyclists set to go into the west
This weekend charity cyclists are marking the 21st running of the Into The West Challenge in support of Breast Cancer Research, including several from the Mullingar business community and elite cyclist Damien Shaw.
P O’Briens Ltd are again sponsoring the event and providing vehicles for the support crews, and two of their team are taking part – Ciaran O’Brien and Lorcan Caffrey.
“We’re proud to be associated with Into The West in its 21 year,” said Ciaran on Friday afternoon. “It’s our third year as sponsor and it’s my fourth year to take part. It’s a very worth charity and we are delighted to be able to help.”
Michael Corcoran of Soltec Ireland Ltd will also tackle the 300km cycle from Mullingar to Galway and back, for his third time. “We’re happy to be part of the squad for such a worthy cause, and I would like to thank our customers for making donations,” he said.
Joe Duffy, one of the organisers of the event, said that approximately one in 10 Irish women will be touched by breast cancer, meaning almost every family is affected. He offered thanks to O’Briens for the support fleet of vehicles, and the gardaí.
He explained that the cyclists start from the Mullingar Park Hotel at 9am this Saturday, September 5, and returns from Galway on Sunday, due at O’Briens showroom on Lynn Road at 3.30pm.
Among the 100 riders is Damien Shaw, who Joe pointed out has been supportive of cycling in his home town since he graduated to the elite level.
For his part, Damien said: “It’s a great cause, and it (charity cycling) is something I don’t get to do a lot because I’m busy racing a lot of the weekends.
“There is a local connection to this one and it’s nice to be able to help. It was a charity spin that got me into cycling – the spring spin to Sligo five years ago – and it’s good to do full circle, to come back to the start after a big achievement two months ago (winning the National Road Race Championship in June).”
• Locall 1890 611 711; joe.duffy@breastcancerresearch.ie;
BreastCancerResearch.ie