Over 200 take part in High Nellie cycle

Over 200 cyclists registered for the recent High Nellie Tour around Trim which signifies the start of the Scurlogstown Olympiad festival time. Meath West TD Ray Butler cut the tape to start the tour off, with the first stop at Tom and Annette Barry, The Rock, where they and their helpers fed and watered all. Pat Farrelly and Tommy Murray laid a comemorative wreath at the grave of poet FR Higgins at Laracor. Next stop was where Ollie and Bridgie and staff provided refreshments. Scurlogstown PRO John Marron said it is amazing how the Barry and Doherty Families can provide so generously for such numbers descending upon them, even having goodies for the very young cyclists. He continued: "We pedalled to Trim, where some of the cyclists visited Knightsbridge & St Joseph's. We were due to stop at the Judge and Jury but due to the huge numbers we had to move after a brief stop. It was then onto Marcie's for a pint and sandwich before arriving safely back at Jack's thanks to the expert marshalling en route by Gerry Curran, his motorbike outriders and the Trim Gardai and Gardai Traffic Corps, Trim Branch Irish Red Cross and Ray, Gerry and their support crew." Mickey Fitzsimons had over 90 old bikes ready for those who did not have their own. Among those who enjoyed the cycle and hospitality were two Italian, one French and a Down man, all students based in Teagasc, Grange, and four US and two Canadian archaeological students staying in Kiltale Holiday Homes. President of Trim and District Chamber of Commerce, Noel French; Trevor Golden, chairman of Trim Town Council; and Brian Heffernan, chairman of Trim Tidy Towns, were all suitably dressed for the occasion, as were two former Meath footballers Frank O'Sullivan and Evan Kelly. Robert Douglas won the best dressed gent, Mary Murray the best dressed lady and Francis Cotter had the best old bike. Tadg Cotter and Aoife Smith were best dressed boy and girl. Afterwards, entertainment for the evening was provided by the music of Eddie Caffrey of the Green Scene. Larry Daly unveiled mirrors, in Jack Quinn's Lounge of two former great cyclists, Bertie Donnelly and Sean Kelly, both kindly donated by Tossie Harrington. All adults who participated on the tour received commemorative badges and underage participants received 'high-viz' vests kindly donated by the RSA.