MAG/045

BIKERS RAISE £7,000 FOR OMAGH FUND

Hundreds of motorcyclists from throughout Ireland rode into Omagh at the weekend in the Dublin to Omagh sponsored motorcycle run organised in aid of the Omagh Fund.
The motorcyclists, who travelled to Omagh to lay wreaths at the scene of the Omagh bombing, raised around £7,000 in sponsorship money for the victims' fund.
The ride from Dublin to Omagh was organised by bikers from both sides of the border.
Northern enthusiasts gave their support by meeting the group in Monaghan and travelling the remainder of the journey to Omagh with their southern counterparts.
On arrival the large contingent was met by the chairman of Omagh District Council, Mr. Sean Clarke, and the vice-chairman, Mr. Allan Rainey.
According to the northern organiser, Mr. Cyril Walker, one spectator had commented that it took 15
minutes for the convoy to pass with motorcyclists riding three abreast.
Wreaths were laid by Malachy Egan, of Kildare, on behalf of the southern riders, and by Cyril Walker, of Omagh, on behalf of the northern bikers.
The motorcyclists then had a police escort to St. Mary's Hall, Killyclogher, where refreshments were provided for everyone. The organisers have thanked everyone who helped support the event, including Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey Wilson, who lost their daughter, Lorraine, as a result of the Omagh bomb, and the McCrystal family, who lost their daughter, Geraldine Breslin. The families met the bikers in Omagh.
Meanwhile, bikers from Omagh and district are in the process of establishing a motorcycle club.
Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact Cyril Walker on (01662) 245712