Mayo cyclists hop on high nellies for charity event
Pictured at the cycle launch are Martin Donnelly, Brendan Calvey, Caroline McLoughlin (Parkinson's Mayo), Chris Hingerton (sitting), John Jo McTigue, Charlie Shaw, Joe Langan (sitting) and Willie Creighton. Picture: Michael Maye
A unique charity cycle will see a group traverse the Great Western Greenway in West Mayo on high nelly bicycles.
The vintage bike escapade is the brainchild of well-known Mayo woodturner Willie Creighton.
The Ballina native has joined forces with Ballinrobe's Martin Donnelly to combine their collection of high nelly bicycles for the charity endeavour.
The cycle will raise funds for Parkinson’s and stroke patients and takes place on Sunday next, September 21.
Approximately 50 people are expected to hop on a high nelly and cycle the Greenway from Newport to Achill.
Willie, who runs his own business in Aghamore, Ballyhaunis has previously given woodturning demonstrations for stroke patients.
“We have got a great response and a lot of people have donated money already,” said Willie.
Cyclists from all over the county are taking part in the charity event.
“We have our health and there is no reason we can’t get up on the bikes. There are a lot of people out there less fortunate than we are and if we can do something for them it would be great,” he added.
Willie has a long-held interest in the vintage bicycle..
“When I was a young fella serving my time in Archer’s in Ballina, I bought a bicycle and I remember saving up for it when I was on £5.20 a week. I eventually bought one in 1978 for £38.”
Willie is no stranger to putting the high nelly to the test for charity.
“In 2021, when Mayo played Tyrone in the All-Ireland Final, three of us did a cycle from Ballina to Croke Park for the Sensory Park in Ballina and Cancer Action Mayo. It went fantastic, the only problem was Mayo didn’t beat Tyrone!”
