Weather smiles on Shannon Harbour High Nelly Fun Cycle Rally

PRAYERS were answered and the rain eased and disappeared in the afternoon for the Shannon Harbour High Nelly Fun Cycle Rally.

This year the theme was green in honour of the new Greenway from Shannon Harbour to Dublin. The new High Nelly route was from Shannon Harbour to Belmont where there was a water break.

Almost 85 people participated in this fundraiser for The Shannon Harbour Community. The Association Committee of Patrick Kenny, Shirley McIntyre, Margaret Lyons, Ruth Lynch, Dominic Ryan, Michael Lyons, Darren Joyce and Niamh Devitt worked tirelessly to stage the very successful event and deserve a big thank you. Sandwiches, cakes, crisps, refreshments were provided by the committee and helpers. Hot Food was provided by Shirley McIntyre. The High Nelly bike raffle in McIntyres was in the evening.

A very impressive turnout included Nobbie Guinan, Maura McManus, Frankie Shaugnessy, Declan and Andrina Purcell who was attired in a striking green dress. Michael Flannery, Ian Mahon, Sean Hogan also enjoyed the cycle, whilst Jack and Kate Deveraux were dressed for the part, one in a frightening green costume the other in a fetching green dress. Daniel McDonald wore a threequarter length green costume. Their mascot, Mags Lyons, piloted by Pat Kenny at the head of the group, was surrounded by green Balloons.

The cyclists gathered outside McIntyres and were waved off, surrounded by spectators. I noticed Reece, Roman, Damon, Cathy and David Lyons. Also John Egan on his trusty issue High Nelly. I’d say all the fresh air and good grub is keeping him fit. Justin Buckley was on his new Electric bike, whilst Joe Kelly was on his old reliable.

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 waterproof trousers were appropriate and his shirt by Thomas Pink, London complemented his sartorial costume. His woodbine cigarette and friendly matches are redolent of an earlier age in keeping with the High Nelly.

I was delighted to see lots of High Nelly tee shirts on view. The Harbourmaster’s House had a lovely display of flowers which brightened up the day. Music in a packed McIntyres by Ray and Alan, the Booze Brothers with a mix of popular requests and their own excellent compositions. I met Lisa Leonard from Cloghan. A fine hardworking final year student Nurse in St James’s Hospital.

With thanks to sponsors: Shirley & Dermot McIntyre: Bertie Nevin, Nevin Hurleys; Grant’s Farm Machinery; Outdoorsey Shop, Banagher; Darren Joyce & Niamh Devitt, The Harbourmasters House ; Gem Hardware and Garden Centre; Hassetts Top Line; Liffey Mills Banagher.