10-year old cycling fan 'devastated' at bike theft

Louise Walsh

A ten-year-old cycling fan was left heart-broken yesterday when he discovered his beloved bike was among six stolen from his family at the weekend.

Craig Ennis from Bohermeen was left in tears when the bike he planned to use to race competitively was robbed from the shed.

The six bicycles, including two Carrera adult bicycles and two youth bikes, one Lapierre adult bike and one Bianci were taken from the shed at the side of the house sometime on Saturday night/Sunday morning.

The well-known family have been inundated with messages of support since the theft.

"We are all so upset. We just feel so violated," said mum Ann Marie.

"Craig's friend called up on his bike on Sunday and he went to get out his own bike but they were all gone.

"I went out to the garage and discovered the theft. Craig's little eyes just welled up and his chin dropped. He was devastated.

"My husband Dave is involved in the Bohermeen Cycling Club and we all started cycling two years ago but Craig really took to it.

"He eats and sleeps cycling now. In the summer, he is forever doing laps around the house and in the winter, he is on the turbo trainer all the time.

"He turned ten years old last week and he came down the stairs on his birthday in his pyjamas and the first thing he said was, I'm ten now so I can get my race number and race competitively for the club."

"I keep telling him that we will sort it and get him another bike.. He was in bed last night and to make me feel better, he said well, I had outgrown it anyway. But I know he's still so upset.

"We have been just overwhelmed by all the calls and messages of support from cycling fans and the general community and also just want to say thanks to them.

"We live up a laneway off the beaten track in Bohermeen so I don't know how anyone knew the bikes were there. But if anyone comes across a bike for sale, please, please contact your local garda station."