Fine turnout for annual High Nelly Fun Cycle Rally in Offaly village
Annual Shannon Harbour event draws a big crowd to the area
THERE was a fine turnout for this year's Shannon Harbour annual High Nelly Fun Cycle Rally, despite the elements.
The Association Committee of Patrick Kenny, Shirley McIntyre, Margaret Lyons, Ruth Lynch, Michael Lyons, Darren Joyce, Niamh Devitt and volunteers worked tirelessly. The High Nelly route is from Shannon Harbour up along the canal to Belmont where there was a water break, then returned.
Up to 90 people participated in this fundraiser for The Shannon Harbour. Thanks to all who helped to stage a very successful evening. Thank you. Sandwiches, cakes, crisps, refreshments were provided by the committee and helpers. Hot Food provided by Shirley McIntyre. The High Nelly bike raffle in McIntyre's was in the evening.
Yvonne Mc Donald & husband Cathal, the motor cycle marshal, enjoyed the event. A very impressive turnout included the elegant Jim Henshaw and Esther Lyons, their mascot, Mags Lyons, masquerading as a pink lady dressed in 80’s disco style. She was was piloted by Pat Kenny at the head of the group. He towed Mags, balloons and trailer behind the tractor.
The cyclists gathered outside McIntyre's and were waved off, surrounded by spectators and the toll of the Shannon Harbour bell. I noticed Reece, Roman, Cathy and David Lyons, plus Justin Buckley and Rose and Luke Slevin. Also John Egan on his trusty issue High Nelly. It’s a long way to Tipperary on pedal power. Tess, Jana and Roisin followed with straight faces! Frankie, David and Tony Shaughnessy, from Cloghan were spotted. Joe Kelly was on his old reliable bike, Sinead and Paudie Clancy enjoyed themselves. Brian Kelly and his cohort of two mopeds completed the motorised division from Cloghan. Sandra, Aine and Aodan Lyons were spotted and also helped, well done, a credit to the family.
After refuelling with sandwiches, cake, crisps, hot sausages, soft drinks and tea all were in fine form. Marty Guinan on his grandfather’s bike as always had a wonderful costume. His sartorial 80’s costume was complemented by his 1970 school bag. I was delighted to see lots of Shannon Harbour tee shirts on view.
Music outside McIntyres was provided by Ray and Alan, the Booze Brothers, with a mix of popular requests and their own excellent compositions. Evening Music In McIntyres Pub, The Spains. thanks to sponsors: Shirley & Dermot McIntyre: Bertie Nevin, Nevin Hurleys; Grant’s Farm Machinery; Darren Joyce & Niamh Devitt, The Harbourmasters House, main sponsors ; Gem Hardware and Garden Centre; Hassetts Top Line; Liffey Mills Sextons Super Valu.