Huge turnout for Colin Kelly memorial run
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Davin Kelly from Athlone during the memorial run.Image 2 of 4
The memorial run stopped outside Colm Quinn BMW in Athlone.Image 3 of 4
Dan Kelly drives his late brother Colin’s beloved Toyota Corolla K20.Image 4 of 4
John Gavin from Mullingar Classic Vintage Club speaking to a marshall from St Luke’s during the run.There was a huge turnout for Colin Kelly Memorial Run on Sunday, August 29, with over €5,500 raised to date.
The event was organised by Mullingar Classic & Vintage Club in association with a group of Colin's friends, Frankie Coughlan, Jimmy Duffy, Cyril Friel, Barry Reid, Aidan Cunniffe, Austin and Eoin Reid and his brothers PJ and Dan Kelly.
Much-loved Athlone man, Colin Kelly from Bloomfield Drive, passed away suddenly in July at the age of 55.
The memorial run was designed as a tribute to a friend and colleague to a wide and varied group of people not just within the classic car and motorcycle clubs but through work and many other aspects of Colin's life.
A GoFundme page was also established to run concurrently with the memorial run to help raise vital funds for St Luke's Hospital who provide treatment, care and research for cancer.
Turnout for the event surpassed expectations as there were close to 80 cars at the assembly point of the run at the Roadhouse in Mullingar.
While organisers were initially a little overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, they managed to feed many of those who attended and start the run a little later than anticipated.
There were not sufficient gift packs and trophies for all the participants but anyone who registered will receive a set in the coming weeks and will be contacted to arrange collection.
The run travelled to Longford where it was warmly welcomed by Micheal Nolan and his crew from Longford Classic Car club, who provided much appreciated refreshments before the attendees departed for Ballymahon and then to Colm Quinn BMW in Athlone where Colin worked.
A large crowd had gathered outside Colm Quinn BMW to see the parade of cars approach and to catch up and speak with the drivers.
The run then proceeded through Athlone on the way to Derryglad Museum for the presentation of prizes to the drivers. Organisers also made a presentation to Suzie and Colin's children Ryan, Gary and Shauna.
The late Colin Kelly will be sadly missed but never forgotten by many especially those on the car trips over the past number of years.
Organisers of the run would like to thank the various sponsors including The Roadhouse, Caulfield's & Colton Motors for providing prizes and safety vehicles, Longford Vintage Club, Mullingar Classic and Vintage Club, especially John Gavin, Colm, Tina and Enda from Colm Quinn BMW , Declan, Mark and crew from St Luke's who provided excellent marshaling throughout the day.
They also wish to acknowledge the drivers who turned out and so generously supported this event, and all of Colin's friends and work colleagues and associates far and wide who contributed to the GoFundMe page.
Organisers have expressed an interest in organising a similar event in 2022 pending restrictions when they hope to have more time to plan and and remember a special friend.