Pedalling the country in memory of Frank Young

OVER 70 young people from Athlone and further afield memorably marked the year anniversary of the passing well-known and hugely popular local man, the late Frank Young, by participating over recent days in the inaugural and well-attended Frank Young Memorial Cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head. The large group, who were also cycling to raise funds for South Westmeath Hospice and The Young Social Innovators Programme (a nationwide initiative), departed Athlone from The Bounty last Thursday afternoon, and began the actual gruelling journey on Friday morning, riding from Malin Head to Bundoran. Over the following five days, the group cycled from Bundoran to Athlone, Athlone to Tipperary (the Horse & Jockey), Tipperary to Cork, Cork to Mizen Head, and then finally, Cork to Athlone. On Saturday the group made the long journey down to Athlone where there was a wonderful crowd of supporters to meet them when they arrived at Ganly's Roundabout on the Roscommon Road. On the same night a half way party celebration was held in the Bounty Bar to allow locals to support the cause. All funds will be going towards two very worthy causes: The South Westmeath Hospice and the Young Social Innovators Award. The group then continued on to finish out their five-day journey with further stop-offs at Horse and Jockey, Cork City and Mizen Head. The trek took six days in total and Emily Young (wife of the late Mr Young) said she was genuinely moved by the reaction to the event. "This was a huge event and shows the generosity of spirit that exists among the community in Athlone. I've been overwhelmed by the response and kindness of the people involved and it's been a very fitting tribute to Frank, who was the kind of person that reached out to so many people in all aspects of his life," Emily said. Emily, who travelled the entire route as part of the support-team "in Frank's honour", paid tribute to every participant and praised their families for their input, too. Taking part in the cycle was Athlone native Karl Turley, who is well-known locally for his involvement with Buccaneers RFC. Karl had previous knowledge and first-hand experience of this type of event, having in the past organised similar memorial fundraisers for his late father, Mick. Speaking about the Frank Young Memorial Cycle, Karl said: "Frank Young was best friends with my parents and I thought it was a very worthwhile event to get involved in. It was a tough test, cycling from Donegal to Cork, but a very successful and well-run event. It's a very fitting tribute to Frank Young and I'm glad I had a role in it." Gerry Callaghan was a very close friend of Frank Young and one of the main organisers of the event. He said the reason the trip went from Donegal to Cork was to signify the length and breadth of the wide range of activities and good-will spread by Frank Young during his life. "Frank was a very dear friend to me and a very important person," Gerry said. "He was a person that touched the lives of so many people around the country, and this is a fitting memorial to Frank. We had a fabulous reaction from the people of Athlone and it's astonishing the lengths people will go to to remember a great man like Frank Young," he added. However, Gerry also said, laughingly, that Frank would probably think "we're all a bunch of lunatics", to cycle from Donegal and Cork. "I think Frank would be highly embarrassed by people making such a fuss - but at the same time very proud in his own quiet way," Gerry said. Frank Young made an indelible mark on society in the Midlands for many, many years, as an agricultural advisor, volunteer with various sporting organisations, and also as a support to many asylum seekers. As an agricultural advisor, volunteer with various sporting organisations and a support to many asylum seekers. Frank sadly passed away in August 2009 after a life of service to the community. Among other things, Frank was instrumental in the foundation of Southern Gaels Hurling Club and also served as a hurling delegate on the Westmeath County Board. Frank held a Masters degree in Agriculture and worked very closely with farmers in Roscommon for 40 years, and served Teagasc with great dedication and loyalty for many years. Frank would later go on to present a farming show on local radio, and was part of the committee which formed the Fair Trade project at Athlone Institute of Technology. Later in life, Frank was also a distinguished member of New Horizon, a local refugee support group, and his devoted much of his life to helping other people in less fortunate circumstances. The sponsors of the cycle included Buckley Cycles, Seery's Cash & Carry, Hanley's Cash & Carry, Carty Meats, Danish Crown, Rosderra Meats, Friland Meats, Quinn Transport, Rustic Oil, Behan's Fruit & Veg, Dooleys Fruit & Veg, Melinn's Confectionary, and Cunningham's Pharmacy.