TOUR OF LOUGH DERG

A sea of red and black as the Wheeler’s lead out one of the two groups.

It was great to see so many riders from so many clubs joining us for our annual Tour of Lough Derg and they brought the sun with them! The tour left in two groups, one at 9.30 and one at 10.30 and the gardai from Killaloe kindly got us across the bridge quickly and safely. David Forde drove the lead car and Eamon Spillane undertook his usual onerous task of “Broom Wagon” while our three motor bike marshals, Mike Sheedy, Mike O’Meara and Eamon Stack kept us safe along with two motor bike gardas, Tony Brehon and Paraic Lawlor. We also had the Roscrea branch of The Order of Malta lead by Eugene Spillane and we can honestly say thank goodness they weren’t needed. Tracy McKeon headed the sign-on team of Claire and Gemma McCarthy – no mean feat with such a large crowd. And the Lakeside Hotel in Ballina  were brilliant as usual – nothing ever seems to be too much trouble for them and the setting of course is always much admired. Many thanks to club members and their families who provided such great food and to Vic Nott for his wonderful array of photos. Also many thanks to the generosity of the riders who once again helped us to give a substantial donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

And finally, just the usual amount of property found in the car. Gel-lined BBB mitts in red/black. A Saxo-Tinkoff bottle. A purple and black top (ladies) and 2 NTW’s long sleeve jerseys (I know the lady who owns one!). Also, a selection of containers and tins etc which held buns etc. Please let me know what you want returned.