High nelly cycle fun in village on Offaly border this Sunday

Clonaslee is kicking off 2023 in style with a fantastic day out planned in collaboration between two village clubs – Clonaslee High Nelly Club and Clonaslee-St Manman's GAA – in support of the latter's performance of 'Waking Ned', which will feature as one of several presentations of recreated movies for the OsKaRs fundraiser.

On Sunday next, 15 January at Hickey's Pub in the Square, Clonaslee, a day of enjoyment will commence with a High Nelly cycle (registration from 12 pm; cycle at 1 pm). A scenic route will be followed before the vintage bikes return ahead of a tractor run at 3 pm. A range of models are expected to roll through the village, and it promises to be a brilliant display. Afterwards, there will be a raffle, live music and a great atmosphere to cap off the evening in Hickey's.

Clonaslee High Nelly Club's Tom McRedmond said: "We cannot wait to play our part in aiding the outstanding work ongoing by Clonaslee-St Manmans ahead of their OsKaRs night. We are proud to support 'Waking Ned' and looking forward to seeing the film upon completion. The club had a brilliant year in 2022 and we are delighted to start this one by joining so many from Clonaslee in the run up to the OsKaRs. From the cycle and tractor run to a raffle and entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the day.”

Waking Ned is the story of best friends in a small village who discover a local has won the lottery and set off to discover his identity before facing an unexpected dilemma – with moments of hilarity along the way. Other classic favourites will include Veronica Guerin, The Commitments, Derry Girls, Forrest Gump, Braveheart and Man About Dog.

Clonaslee-St Manman's held their unforgettable inaugural OsKaRs at Tullamore Court Hotel in 2019, where an 800-strong crowd gathered. Following a break due to the pandemic, Club members are excited to put on another glittering night. Announcing the endeavour on Facebook, a club spokesperson said: "We are running another OsKaRs night to fund the continued development of Fr. Kehoe Park and our facilities. There is a lot done but a lot more to do and we once more need your support. The last OsKaRs was a roaring success and culminated in one of the best nights in recent memory. So, let's do it all again.”

Preparations have seen a village-wide approach, with local businesses, families and individuals organising innovative means of fundraising to ensure the finest productions are created. Among these were a 2023 calendar, a car wash, a Christmas market, a mini auction, a New Year’s party at Fallons Bar, a race night in Downeys Cosy Bar, a raffle for a trolley of shopping at Dunnes Stores Kyle Centre, a sports debate, a monster draw with tickets sold in the Bridge Centre, and a walk/run and bake sale to cap off the immense work undertaken.

Clonaslee High Nelly Club and Clonaslee-St Manmans GAA look forward to welcoming people from Clonaslee and further afield on Sunday, 15th January. If you have any enquiries, please contact Tom at 087 947 6262.