The sun was shining last Saturday evening August 19th, as the 33 cyclists on Inver Colpa’s Coast to Coast fund-raising cycle arrived safely home to cross the finishing line at the Boyne Fishermans Rescue & Recovery on the Marsh Road which is also home to Inver Colpa Rowing Club.
Between them they had cycled over 6,000kms from either Galway or Athlone that morning – over 240kms each from Galway and over 140kms each from Athlone.
A gargantuan effort by all, the Galway group made their way through heavy showers from 6am while the Athlone group left a little later at 8am and were lucky enough to suffer only light showers until the sun came out as they passed through Duleek and onwards for the last part of the journey home.
Food, music and much-needed recovery rubs for the cyclists were provided at the finish line after they passed under the finishing arch to rounds to applause from family and friends, while the kids were kept entertained with face-painting and a magician in the late evening sunshine.
Speaking after the homecoming, James McKeviit, Chairperson of Inver Colpa Rowing Club said:
The club are indebted to all the cyclists who undertook this massive challenge. Although the cycle itself took place over the course of one day, it took over half a year to organise and train for. Countless people were involved in making this event happen, giving their time and energy to ensure that it was the success that it was. Special mention goes to Johnny Carter and Patrick ‘Buddy’ Carolan, who along with our own Martin ‘Spud’ Murphy and Sarah McCann were the driving force behind it. When the new boathouse is built in the very near future, we have all the cyclists to thank for making it a reality. This is a wonderful example of sport helping sport.
One of the cyclists, Joe Hughes, was thrilled with his achievement, having taken up cycling specifically for the fundraiser:
Training for this event started on the 4th of March when I met a group of determined individuals with a shared purpose to support a fantastic local rowing club. From leg cramps after 10 kilometres on the first training run, to clocking up 3,650 kilometres myself in training for the event, it was a privilege to be part of a group who offered support and encouragement at every turn and hill! I take away new friendships and immense pride from participating in an event which will support the further development of Inver Colpa rowing club, a club with a great sense of community.
Johnny Carter, one of the organisers, was also delighted with how it all went:
The craic was unreal, we had some very tough days out in training, when things weren’t going too well but when you think about it, we put a group of people together from all over the county and all different walks of life and how every gelled together was just amazing – we all came together as one. The real sense of pride for me is that we were doing something to fundraise for a local club but the way the local people also came together to support us was really heartwarming to see – all our marshals and events team volunteered their time and we can’t thank them enough for that.
The club would sincerely like to thank the following for helping with the event – Whiteriver Wheelers, Cycling Ireland, St. Nicholas G.F.C, the Boyne Fishermans Rescue and Recovery, the marshals & events team – Pat Savage, Larry McGrane, Benner McGuire, Finton O’Brien, Matt Quinn, Brian Lynch, James Murray, Paul Turner. In addition they would like to thank Colin Hodgins & Colman Sarsfield for the use of their vans, Mandy Kierans & the St John Ambulance Ireland crew for providing first aid on the Galway route, Andrew Watters & Paul Duffy for taking care of the Athlone crew as they cycled and An Garda Síochána for providing safe passage to the cyclists at so many junctions along the way.
The cycle sponsors Leinster Farm Machines, WaterWipes, White River Group, Compressed Air Centre, MCC Label, Secure Accommodation Management and High Maintenance Property Management also deserve a big thank you, as do Murray’s Coaches for helping with transport and M&A Printers for helping with printing.
The food sponsors on the day were Aidan Hand Agricultural Contractor, Grennan’s Bar, Cadbury, Centra Mell, Centra Hardmans Gardens, Hickeys Farm Fresh Ardee while Derek Shevlin & Eleanor Hoey provided much-needed recovery rub downs at the finish line.
The tea & coffee stand was provided by Last Lap Cafe while St Peter’s Athletics Club loaned their finishing line arch and Flogas Ireland loaned their marquee, so many thanks to all.
The Go Fund Me page is still open till Aug 31st for anyone wishing to donate https://gofund.me/14972030
