A convoy of cyclists comprised of sixteen Gardaí from Mullingar Garda Station took to the open road and made their way west last Wednesday morning, 22 June cycling from Mullingar to Westport, County Mayo, as part of fundraising drive for the charity Temporary Emergency Accommodation Mullingar (T.E.A.M.).
Organised by Sgt. Blaithín Moran and her colleagues of the Community Policing Unit at Mullingar Garda Station, the cycle had been months in the planning, with many of those taking part new to the cycling scene. “Our Community Gardaí would be used to cycling the streets of Mullingar, however for those less able, a tough training session was required,” said Sgt. Moran.
“Luckily, we had the assistance of a training programme from Lakeside Wheelers, which paced everyone to make sure we were all ready and in perfect shape for the cycle.”
On Wednesday morning at 7am, the cyclists departed from Mullingar Garda Station, stopping at various stages along the journey. The cyclists’ Garda colleagues at Tulsk Garda Station hosted them for lunch in what was the halfway point of the cycle.
Arriving in Westport on Wednesday afternoon at 4pm, the cyclists were given ample time to rest and soak up the renowned tourism hospitality of the County Mayo town, as well as the buzz which was surrounding the area, with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visiting the picturesque town the same day.
Following a much-needed overnight rest on Wednesday, a number of cyclists took on a further challenge on Thursday, climbing the 2,500 feet of Croagh Patrick on the outskirts of Westport.
Following the cycle and climb, Sgt. Moran and her colleagues have expressed their thanks to all of those who have contributed to the fundraiser cycle and climb for T.E.A.M., which provides which provides shelter for homeless women and children.
