91-year-old among participants in suicide charity cycle

A 91-year-old man from Drum is planning to take part in a South Roscommon charity cycle in aid of the suicide prevention group Pieta House West this weekend. Nonagenarian Jim McManus from Nure, Drum, will lead a group cycling 6.7 miles from the Birch Grove pub, Ballinasloe, to Connaughton's pub in Clonark on Saturday. Upwards of 70 people are expected to take part in various stages of a cycle between Galway and Johnstown, which will culminate with a night of music in Connaughton's. Drum man Tom Devine is organising what will be an emotional event for him and his family. Tom's 22-year-old son, Gerry, died by suicide fourteen years ago. When Tom and his daughter Deirdre take part in the cycle this weekend, he will be riding Gerry's bike, which has been lying idle in a shed since his death. "It took us fourteen years before myself and my family were able to do something like this," said Tom. "It brings back a lot, but at the same time you have to try to raise awareness." The event was launched earlier this summer and €2,500 has already been raised. Tom has been organising charity fundraisers for many years but he was taken aback by the response to this one. "The response from people has been absolutely overwhelming and humbling. We're hoping that when all is said and done we will have raised somewhere in the region of €20,000," he said. "Money alone is not going to save a life but if people see a large group, including a 91-year-old man, taking part in a cycle to raise money and raise awareness about suicide, that might hit a nerve." He added that Pieta House West was hoping to establish a new facility for the prevention of suicide and self-harm which could be used by people from the Athlone area, and he was trying to help make that a reality. Some of the participants in Saturday's cycle will set off on a 90-mile journey from Johnstown to Galway and back, while buses to Galway will be provided for those taking part in a 45-mile cycle, one way, from Galway to Johnstown. Jim McManus, 91 years young, will lead the group cycling from Ballinasloe to Connaughton's. They will begin this leg at approximately 6.45pm on Saturday, arriving roughly an hour later. A group of walkers will also make the journey from Millar's pub in Ballydangan to Connaughton's, leaving Millar's at 7.15pm. Three bands will be performing at the South Roscommon music festival in Connaughton's, starting at 8pm, and there will be a barbecue for the cycle participants which has been sponsored by O'Connor Meats and Sean Duignan. There will also be a raffle on the night with impressive prizes such as a bullock donated by Tommy Duignan, a calf donated by Jackie McManus, two lambs donated by Joe Green, and four rounds of golf with tuition from golf pro Nigel Coyle at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway. Tom stated that anyone interested in taking part this weekend was welcome to contact him on 087 9695999.