Over eighty Honda 50 riders and the people of the Shannonside town of Ballyleague and Lanesborough teamed up recently to help raise thousands of euros in a major fundraiser for breast cancer research that was staged at the Waterways Ireland Marina in Ballyleague.
Motorbike enthusiasts from all over the country turned out for the charity ride around Lough Ree on the day – with the centre piece being a huge family fun event at the Waterways Ireland marina behind the old Sliabh Ban Hotel where over two thousand people attended events.
The cavalcade of over eighty bikes left the marina in Ballyleague just after noon and headed off over the River Shannon bridge in Lanesborough en route to Athlone via Ballymahon and returned just under three hours later through Kiltoom, the village of Knockcroghery and Kilteevan – thereby raising well over 2000 euro for breast cancer research. In advance of the Lough Ree ride the organisers had sold 300 tickets for a special draw with the winner collecting a very special Honda 50. The winner of the bike was Billy Diamond from Strokestown.
While the Honda 50 owners were away on their spin the Family Fun day got underway at the marina with over 30 activities offering fun for all the family. Some of the most popular activities included Paul Herety’s Hen Racing, Tom Price’s Spin The Wheel, A Pig On the spit from Terry’s Quality Meats of Lanesborough, and Joe Cribbin’s Aunt Sally and Cock A Doodle Poo. All of the funds raised by these events went to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) with lots of family entertainment such as bouncing castles, face painting, pony rides, boat trips sailing and a daylong BBQ – thanks to the members and adult leaders of the Ballyboro Sea Scouts and Venturers.
The Family Fun Day was sponsored by Joe and Martina Cribbin from Top Oil/Day Break store in Ballyleague and there was also a live stage with band music on the day – catering for all musical tastes. Special thanks to Actin the Maggot, Friends of a Rock Star and the ever popular Jimmy Hussey. Thanks also to Glancys for the stage.
The organisers wish to thank all the local volunteers who helped out prepare the marina and run the events. Thanks also to Waterways Ireland for their co-operation, the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club, the Roscommon Equestrian Centre at Mountcashel, Alan Horohoe and Ventura, the Ballyleague Tidy Towns and Village Renewal committee and the Gardai for their assistance. The event could not have taken place without the kind sponsorship of Stephen Ormsbdy of Clarkes Bar and Bord Na Mona.
All monies raised are going to National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) based in Galway, whose research team are working hard to find the causes and factors that influence breast cancer and therefore help to develop effective screening, treatments and medication to combat it. As so many more people were involved and it is impossible to mention everybody please accept this as a very sincere appreciation of your support and help. A presentation ceremony with the final charity amount raised will take place at a later date.
For more information contact Joe Cribbin at 086 382 3780 or Gerry Reilly at 086 825 1225.