1,700 cyclists the first to use new motorway

Motorists passing the soon-to-be-opened M3 motorway route on Sunday morning will be forgiven for thinking the Tour de France was again starting off in Ireland, as they passed the colourful array of cyclists lined up for the M3 Cycle. Around 1,700 cyclists from across Ireland, Britain and America, as well as other overseas visitors, took part in the once-in-a-lifetime event on the as-yet unopened 60km motorway, organised as a fundraiser for Aisling Group International, the drug awareness group, launching its drug- and alcohol-free driving and cycling campaign. Ther event was officially launched by the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, who participated in the 14 kilometre event and was among the first 20 to finish. There were three distances - the Paul Healion 100km route in memory of the Dunboyne and Irish International cyclist who died in a traffic accident last year; the 55km Boyne Cycle, and the 14km family cycle. Master of ceremonies, PJ Nolan, former president of Cycling Ireland, called the swell of cyclists into their perspective distances, adding some extra wit and professionalism to the occasion. To the strains of The Killers' 'Are We Human?' ringing in their ears, the excited participants took off. Among them were former Olympian Phil Cassidy, twice winner of the FBD Ras; Cllr John Farrelly, Eamon Keane, presenter of 'Lunchtime' on Newstalk; Former Meath footballer Martin O'Connell and family, and members of Navan Road Club and many other cycling clubs. Mr Dempsey commended the Aisling Group International for the great work they do in drug and alcohol prevention, education, training and recovery. Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr William Carey, also spoke of his long admiration for the work of Aisling Group International. "When we considered hosting this event, we were delighted that the M3JV companies, represented by Enda Tyrrell and Marcus Hargreaves, were more than supportive," founder and director of Aisling Group, Marie Byrne, said. "We are delighted to have proved their faith in us was well placed by this phenomenal participation. This cycle event could only be achieved by the amazing support of all those taking part to whom we are very grateful. Our grants are depleted and this is our main fundraising event," she said. She added that the belief of PJ Nolan in the project and co-ordinating of Alan Heary liaising with the group helped make this a reality for everyone. Others thanked were Elizabeth Hannon (M3 Health and Safety), Mick Finnegan, Road Safety Officer with Meath County Council; SIAC, Ferrovial-Agroman, Eurolink M3, Navan Road Club, the staff and volunteers of Aisling Group International, Mark Cleary (security) and his team who had the motorway in a secure and pristine condition for the cycle, support services, Gardai and the media. Enda Tyrrell of Eurolink M3 added his words of recognition for the great success of the cycle before taking part in the Paul Healion 100km which he finished in an admirable time. Afterwards, a presentation of specially commissioned paintings by Bective artist John Ryan were presented to Anne Healion, wife of the late cyclist; Simon O'Dea of Navan Road Club, in recognition of historically being first home in the entire event; Alan Heary, event co-ordinator, and PJ Nolan. Aisling Group International would be grateful if anyone who has recorded footage or photographs of the cycle could forward it to them for their website at m3cycle@gmail.com or aislinggroup@eircom.net. Photos will be displayed over the coming days on www.m3cycle.ie