South Longford cyclists raise €5,000 in support of Phyllis Baker’s ABI Ireland fundraising efforts

ABI Ireland has been a great support to her son Zac Martin as he recovers from a brain injury sustained during a one punch assault incident in November 2021.

Zac underwent three brain surgeries in five months and is now going through rehabilitation with ABI.

Ballymahon resident Phyllis, as part of her 'One Step at a Time' gofundme appeal, is training for the Dublin Marathon on October 29 to raise funds for ABI.

On Saturday, July 1, a group of cyclists from in and around the Ballymahon area made their way up to Maynooth to cycle the 130km route down the Royal Canal Greenway to Clondra in support of Phyllis’ fundraising efforts in aid of ABI.

They arrived in Maynooth at 9.15am and while getting ready to head off on their bikes they bumped Irish athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan. Cycle organiser Darren Mulledy remarked, “Sonia was only too delighted to stand in for a photograph before we headed off on our cycle.”

Weather conditions were not ideal as the cyclists faced a strong breeze. “Thankfully, we had a very experienced man in the van, Con Egan, to keep us hydrated. Con is a keen cyclist himself so he knew what refreshments were needed, all of which were sponsored by Con himself and for this we say a huge thank you.”

With 90km completed, the cyclists stopped at The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule for food kindly sponsored by the host restaurant. It was here that the cyclists met Phyllis Baker, who was 40km on the canal track in preparation for the Dublin City Marathon.

They were also met by Mike Egan on his Honda 50 who cheered them on and received many offers for a swap for a push bike.
Abbeyshrule was the finishing point for some of the cyclists, while fifteen others continued on their journey to the finish line down in Clondra.

Those that arrived in Clondra at 8pm were sore and drained but there were happy faces all round and they were thanked for their efforts on behalf of ABI Ireland by Phyllis Baker.

Darren reflected, “What an achievement from a group of cyclists from 14 years old up to 65. Some had never done a charity cycle event before so as you can imagine it was a great achievement.”

Darren pointed out that the cycle would not have been possible only for the following people and businesses who played a very important part;

Moran Coaches Athlone for transporting the cyclists free of charge, Pauric Connolly Cars for transporting the bikes up to Maynooth, Con Egan for support vehicle and cycling refreshments, Ballymahon Greenway Cycles for providing replacement bikes, The Rustic Inn for sponsorship of refreshments, Damien Mulvihill Heating & Plumbing for collecting bikes in Clondra and bringing them back to Ballymahon.

He concluded, “A special word of thanks to all the people who wished us well along the route and for the people who cheered us home coming into Clondra. Thanks to everyone who took on the challenge and showed their support for a local family who are benefiting from the services from Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.”