Trim to host Big Heart Cycle
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At the launch of the Big Heart cycle were Paul Leonard, Jackie Leonard and Lucy Leonard.Image 2 of 8
Taking the stage at the Big Heart charity cycle were Shauna Ennis, Eamonn Murray, Fergal Lynch, Tom Lenihan, Philip Cassidy, Paul Leonard and Laurence Roche.Image 3 of 8
Supporting the launch of the Big Heart cycle were Tosh Barry, Andy Reilly, Davy Dalton, Eamonn Murray and Fergal Lynch.Image 4 of 8
Local Gardai supporting the Big Heart Cycle included Detective Michael McGowan, Edel Dugdale, Superintendent Martina Noonan and Olga Bacon.Image 5 of 8
Darina Maher, Ciaran Tobin, Ann Tobin, Olga Bacon and Nicola Tobin at the launch of the Big Heart cycle.Image 6 of 8
Noel Harten and Sean O’Neill at the launch of the Stephen Leonard Big Heart charity cycle.Image 7 of 8
Local business men John Kiely, Richie Walsh and Rodney Leonard at the launch of the Big Heart charity cycle.Image 8 of 8
At the launch of the Big Heart Cycle in Trim were Suzanne Kiely, Rosie Dowling, John and Mary Ferry, Peter Callaghan and Jane and Rory Dowling.In March 2021 the town of Trim lost one of its most prominent business men, Stephen Leonard, when he died suddenly while out on a spin with some members of Trim Cycling Club.
The loss of such a young man stunned the town and on Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May Trim Cycling Club will host the Big Heart Cycle, supporting the Irish Heart Foundation as well as local charities, in Stephen's memory.
"Stephen was a pillar of the community of Trim and his loss has hit the town hard. We remember Stephen everyday and hope to raise some much needed funds for the Irish Heart Foundation and for local charities by hosting this Big Heart Cycle," said Gary Costello.
"Trim is a great community to be involved in and it is the heart of Co Meath, just as Meath is the heart of Ireland. We are hoping to delve into the magnificent community spirit of the town and ask people and businesses of the town to support this cycle.
"Stephen's daughters Sophie and Lucy are keen camogie players with Trim and his wife Jackie is a teacher in the town too. We are hoping to donate proceeds to the local camogie club and also to the teaching of first aid in sixth classes in primary school," said Costello.
Speaking at the launch of the Big Heart Cycle in the James Griffin Pub in Trim two-time Olympian Philip Cassidy from Dunboyne and Tour de France rider Laurence Roche, brother of famed Irish cyclist Stephen, revealed how they have had life saving heart surgery and both men encouraged everyone to get involved.
Meath Ladies manager Eamonn Murray and All-Ireland SFC winning captain Shauna Ennis spoke about the importance of education when it comes to first-aid and also about the value of sport in people's lives.
Stephen's wife Jackie was delighted with the huge turnout at the launch and thanked the community of Trim for their sympathies following Stephen's passing.
"On behalf of myself, Lucy and Sophie, I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all involved in organising the Memorial Cycle dedicated to Stephen," said Jackie.
"The launch in the James Griffin was an incredible evening and we were completely blown away with the large numbers in attendance.
"It brings us great comfort to know that he was held in such high regard by so many. He was a very special father and husband and the loss is huge for us, but friends, family, work colleagues in Scoil Mhuire and the community of Trim and beyond have somehow kept us going in the year since he passed.
"We wish the charity cycle committee, spearheaded by Gary Costello, every success in the weeks ahead as they prepare for this wonderful event in Stephen’s name," concluded Stephen's wife.
The two-day Big Heart Cycle will begin on Saturday 30th April with an 11k family cycle and the following day there will be two levels of cycling with a 65k two-county challenge and a 110k four-county challenge. All details can be found on Stephen Leonard memorial Cycle facebook page or by contacting the committee.