Lions Club riders saddled up for wheely good day on the road

The Mullingar Lions Club Summer Cycle on the May bank holiday Monday was blessed with glorious sunshine as 90-plus cyclists turned up at Shandonagh GAA Centre for the 9am start.

Frank Dillon, coordinator of the event, and participant, was delighted to see the support from local clubs and the other cycling clubs throughout the midlands.

The 90km group set off with real enthusiasm towards Ballymore, aided by the wind, then to Mount Temple and Moate, where Conor Loughnane generously provided refreshments at Dun Na Si, which everyone were thoroughly enjoyed.

After the break, the cyclists faced a stiff breeze on the road towards Kilbeggan, the passing through Tyrrellspass and Rochfortbridge before the final leg back to Shandonagh.

The 40km cyclists set out in a more leisurely fashion on the Old Rail Trail Greenway to Streamstown, and their food break at Jack’s Stop, where Jacqui generously had everything laid out – it all went down a treat.

After a short rest in the sunshine, the cyclists returned to Shandonagh.

On behalf of Mullingar Lions Club, Frank expressed thanks to everyone who helped make a memorable annual cycling event, and now a firm fixture on the calendar, including all the cyclists who took part and arrived back safely; the gardaí, stewards, van drivers, medical personnel, crews at the various premises who offered food and drinks for the day and everyone who looked after the food stations, and John McCauley for his photos. He had a special word of gratitude to Conor and Jacqui in Dun Na Si and Streamstown, who always give so generously of their resources.

“A big thank-you to Claire and Shandonagh GAA Club for making their centre once again available to us,” said Frank, who also extended a word of appreciation to Ciaran O’Brien for the back-up van, also expressing best wishes to Ciaran for a speedy recovery after a recent accident.

In expressing a sincere thanks you those who gave generous donations towards the event, Frank said all funds raised go towards the Mullingar Lions Clubs project to provide ‘Respite and Support for Families who have children with Special Needs and Autism’, one that is going well and evolving.

“The goodwill and generosity of everyone as witnessed by this cycle event and the team effort involved are making a significant and real difference to the lifestyles of many families at present. Mile Buiochas,” said Frank.