The wet and windy conditions did not deter An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and others from taking to the Mullingar to Athlone Greenway last Saturday as part of the Friends of Nicky McFadden Charity Cycle.
It truly was a miserable day weatherwise, but that in no way dampened the spirits of those taking part. An Taoiseach began his trek at 10am from the entrance to the new cycleway at Clonmore Bridge in Mullingar, stopping off at the old railway station in Moate for refreshments and to meet locals at 12 noon, before heading on to the International Arena at Athlone Institute of Technology where the cycle ended.
Mr Kenny was joined by several TDs and councillors from Athlone, Roscommon, and Westmeath, including Deputies Robert Troy, Denis Naughten, Gabrielle McFadden and Willie Penrose, and Councillor John Dolan and Athlone director of services Barry Kehoe.
The Taoiseach stopped briefly for pictures on arriving at AIT before disappearing into the building to dry off. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden took part on the day despite suffering from shingles, demonstrating her commitment to the cause. Speaking this week, Ms McFadden said: “I am stubborn when it comes to things like that and was determined to complete it. Because the Taoiseach challenged us on the day of the opening, I simply had to do it,” she joked.
Deputy McFadden said the Taoiseach enjoyed the day: “He really loved it. He had called me during the week to discuss the route and was really enthusiastic about it. At Dún na Sí they asked him if he would plant a tree, because you can buy a tree there and have it planted and put a tag with your name on it. The Taoiseach was delighted to do it. He planted the tree in honour of Nicky and he asked that Nicky’s name was put on the tag.
“He called it ‘Nicky’s tree’ and it is marked that it was planted by the Taoiseach. It was a really nice touch. He then asked three young children to mind Nicky’s tree and when they grow up and go away to college he said to pass it on to three more young children because this tree will live for hundreds of years, which I thought was really lovely.”
Deputy McFadden was also full of praise for the Greenway: “I am delighted with it. I was pushing for it over the last number of years, having originally seen how good it was for Mayo. It did Westport proud. Having cycled it, it was absolutely fabulous. The surface is so smooth it is perfect for everyone, cyclists, walkers, buggies, and wheelchairs. For locals it is a fantastic thing and adds to the many things the Midlands has to offer tourists and visitors.”
Funds raised from the charity event are being donated to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
