Rás Tailteann rider to launch memoir

Mickser Collins returning to native Bohermeen at weekend

Bohermeen native Michael Collins, best known for his cycling career and known to many as 'Mickser', has written a memoir looking back on his 85 years, from fond memories of his early childhood, where he describes himself as a ‘very happy little boy’, all the way to some of the more challenging moments of his later life.

“From the sun-warmed roof of a cowshed in rural County Meath to the factory floors of Dublin and the open roads of Ireland and beyond, Mickser is a vivid and deeply human memoir of an Irish life lived with humour, grit, and heart," the blurb of 'Mickser - A Memoir', says.

The career of the author takes him to various places throughout the country, including factory and printshop roles with Unidare and Hely Thom in Dublin. Then, after a brief stint working in a UCD engineering lab came work with FÁS, then known as AnCO, in Waterford. Here is where Collins could begin to give back to the next generation through teaching.

Born in 1941, Collins’ story also focuses heavily on his love and passion for cycling, shared with his late brother, Leo. This includes personal stories of preparation before, and thoughts during various Rás Tailteann participations.

“There’s a special bond that happens when you experience something like the Rás together with other people," he says. "I don’t think anyone who hasn’t ridden it would understand.”

He rode his first Rás for the Meath team in 1960, finishing ninth, and rode in nine overall.

As well as this, Collins doesn’t shy away from the trials and tribulations of his life, before, during, and after his racing career. This includes topics such as stress and grief, as well as encounters with the antagonists of his childhood, ‘The Brothers’, in Navan's De La Salle school, and happier days with his own family, with amusing anecdotes of attempting to drive to France on holiday via ferry, when everything that could go wrong, did go wrong!

In advance of a launch of the book in his native Bohermeen, Collins explains to the Meath Chronicle that it was contemplated and completed over 15 years. He didn't want to rush the process, and found the experience enjoyable and easy-going as a storyteller.

“It was very natural for me… I’m very pleased with how it turned out,” he says.

Although he did not feel as if English was a strength of his in his early years of life, he was able to develop a stride with ‘Mickser’.

“I found myself getting into a roll with the writing, as thick as I was in English and school, quite easily!”

He says he was motivated his passion for helping young men resolve problems that may stem from various parts of life, and wanted to pass valuable information on to the younger generation.

“When teaching, I always had a great thing for looking after the young lads in the class, like the way I was,” Collins said. “When I got to 40, I thought, if I only had that information when I was 15 or 16.

“I’d say I was writing more so that I could give this stuff to lads with problems," he says. "You never have any idea when you’re dealing with people what problems they might have.”

For young people who read his memoir, Collins hopes that his work can provide some wisdom and guidance.

“If they can pick out issues in that book over the few hundred pages, they might find some answers. Examples: they're vital in everything.”

The author also added that he believes everyone is equal, regardless of their qualities in education or otherwise. He believes that with the right guidance, every person can go on to fulfil their potential.

“My thing is, nobody is the best in the class, everyone is equal.”

'Mickser' is dedicated to his wife: “For Imelda, the best person in the world, my rock, my everything.” Michael and Imelda and their family lived at Lagore, Dunshaughlin, for many years, before moving to her native Summerhill, and both were captains at County Meath Golf Club in Trim.

The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon, and will officially be launched by journalist and former professional cyclist Paul Kimmage on Saturday 25th April in Bohermeen Community Centre. The event will begin at 5pm and everybody is welcome.