Story courtesy of our sponsor Sticky Bottle: The Irish cycling community is coming together to fundraise for a wheelchair accessible car for one of our own; Martin Lacey. He is one of the founding members of Tralee BC and father of former road race cyclists Sean and Brendan. Martin organised the Lacey Cup season opener every year in Co Kerry. He was involved in a crash on a group ride two years ago, the week before the 2023 edition of the race was due to to be held. Tragically, Martin suffered very serious injuries and was left paralysed from the neck down. And now his family – and his many friends across the Irish cycling community – are fundraising to buy a vehicle that can help with his mobility. A not insignificant sum is needed, some €48,000. However, already a quarter of that amount has been raised, with just over 200 donors chipping in so far.
The Irish cycling community has proven very generous in the past when one of our own has faced massive challenges. And we’re confident this fundraiser will go the same way, especially for the Laceys, who have played such a strong role in Irish cycling. As well as Martin helping found Tralee BC, and organising races with his brothers, his sons were top quality riders; Sean a former international who won most of the big races in the country and the Classic League, now National Road Series. You can donate by following this link, and even small amounts will help get up to the target required, once we all get behind this effort.
Martin’s daughter, Aisling, has explained on the GoFundMe page that her dad retired a couple of years before the crash and was taking car of her mother, who has suffered from MS for 30 years.
“They were both thoroughly enjoying this chapter of their lives,” she said. “They both loved being active, whether it was cycling, going for a walk downtown and popping in for a cup of coffee. They just loved spending time together. “Unfortunately, since dad’s accident the future is now looking very different. Dad who was always such an independent man is now dependent on everyone for everything. He is unable to go out and about or attend a lot of activities and events with his family.“I am hoping to raise enough money to buy dad a more suitable wheelchair accessible car which will only be used by dad but will allow his family to travel with him, to allow us to bring him out and which I believe will greatly improve his quality of life.”
Let’s do this – here’s the link again and thanks in advance. https://www.gofundme.com/f/buy-a-wheelchair-accessible-car-for-my-dad
ARDS CC all clubs in the neighbourhood of Newtownards to join our famous Christmas 10 Mile TT… yes it is FREE, you just need to enter on https://eventmaster.ie/event/1AY8HwDHeM
Some participants come in full festive gear. Others take it more seriously. Entry is free with a competitive CI license, but everyone is encouraged to bring a small gift (including supporters) There will be hot drinks after courtesy of ex Chairman Desi…now that a DEAL would you agree!!
Oldcastle Adventure X annual run on lanes and gravel track. Open to Cyclocross bikes and MTB bikes 60K route!! This on Saturday 28th December and in aid of the travel fund of TC-Racing (all girl development team) Entry on https://eventmaster.ie/event/3jdOhx4tZW
Islandeady Christmas Jumper Cycle, leisure spin suitable for all abilities. Spot prizes for best Christmas costume and decorated bike. Saturday 28th December, with entry details on https://eventmaster.ie/event/4RpEf4rFEe
Hope to see you some of you on the 31st December..Register on
https://forms.gle/T5ttzhDUbsy2JuU37
Round 4 of the National Cyclo-cross Series will take place at the McCrystal Track in County Louth on Sunday 5 January 2025 hosted by Bellurgan Wheelers. This is a pre-registration only event with entries closing on Friday 3 January at 8 pm. https://eventmaster.ie/event/1pVGCwDHeM
Ballinasloe cycling club are delighted to be hosting CYCLING IRELAND NATIONALS CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS Jan 11th and 12th jan 2025 in the centre of our town and community in our fair green. Entry now open!! Get your entry in: https://eventmaster.pulse.ly/plkmturlbk
For any more info follow us on Ballinasloe cycling club or email Ballinasloecyclingclub@gmail.com
We as a club would love if anyone could help us out for the weekend . Any local clubs or groups who would like to volunteer and be part of this great day let us know
Keep on eye on the Carn’s social media for details >> https://www.facebook.com/carnwheelers
Full list of Ulster Championship plus CX and Track League now online. https://www.cyclingulster.com/2024-cycling-ulster-award…/ Tickets for the Award Ceremony are available through Eventmaster and sold out last year.
https://eventmaster.ie/event/r4qqIPmS9y Please contact gemma.mcnamara@cyclingireland.ie if you have a query around results or the ceremony.
