The Patrick Rankin 1916 Centenary Cycle

By Aine Meehan.

10 of us (4 Cuchulainn Women) headed off this morning on the Patrick Rankin 1916 Centenary Cycle from Newry to the GPO in Dublin. We set off from Newry Sports Centre after a briefing from our excellent marshalls, some photos and a hot drop. Once up Newry Hill and onto the bypass the pace picked up a bit, the sun was shining and the form was good. It was lovely descending down into Dundalk with the bay to our left and some very familiar sights ahead. We regrouped just before the Ballymac roundabout to keep everyone safe and headed on our way around the bypass to Castlebellingham for our first stop. After a quick refuel and some photo opportunities we were on our way again for Dunleer, Monasterboice and down (thankfully) Tullyesker, into Drogheda for our main stop at O'Raghallaighs GAA Grounds. Another round of refreshments, more photos and were off again over the Boyne to make our way to Julianstown. After a brief mechanical stop with a quick fix from JMC Cycles five of us were playing catchup with the main group. We quickly caught them outside Balbriggan where we picked up our Garda Escort. Another refuel stop just before Swords and were off through the many roundabouts, up past the airport, Santry, Whitehall, Drumcondra and down onto O'Connell Street where we were very warmly welcomed by the Sunday shoppers. The Proclamation was read out and after more photos we were off to Naomh Fionnbarra GAA Grounds in Cabra for our final feast. There was a great sense of accomplishment amongst the group and lots of smiles around as we headed for home on four wheels!