Local cyclists raise €5,000 for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland

On July 1, a group of cyclists from the Ballymahon area embarked on a 130km cycle to raise money in support of Phyllis Baker's fundraising efforts for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, who have been a great support to her son, Zac, and his recovery from a brain injury.

This cycle, organised by Darren Mulledy, began in Maynooth and followed the 130km long cycle route down the Royal Canal Greenway to Clondra. The group consisted of cyclists that varied in ages from 14 years to 65 years.

At 9am on the morning of their cycle, the group ran into Sonia O'Sullivan, who was “delighted to stand in for a photograph.”

The cyclists wish to thank Con Egan, a keen cyclist himself, who sponsored the group with water and energy bars. Their “man in a van” met the group at different sections on the canal to top off water bottles and give out some lovely Wexford strawberries.

At the 90km mark, the group stopped in the Rustic Inn in Abbeyshrule, where the food was kindly sponsored by Rustic Inn themselves. While the inn in Abbeyshrule was the finishing point for some cyclists, 15 others continued on in high spirits to Clondra.

The group arrived at their finish line at 8pm, “sore and drained but happy faces all round.”

Phyllis Baker was in Clondra to thank everyone for their support to her fundraising efforts, which include taking on the Dublin Marathon in October.

Zac Martin (20), son of Phyllis and her husband, Paul, who is from Glasson, was the victim of an unprovoked assault in Ballymahon in November 2021

Additionally, Darren, Phyllis, and everyone involved wish to thank Moran Coaches Athlone, Pauric Connolly Cars, Ballymahon Greenway Cycles, and Damien Mulvihill Heating & Plumbing.

They want to send a special word of thanks as well “to all the people who wished us well on route and for the people who cheered us home coming into Clondra.”