Saturday 26th July saw 80+ club members participate in our 10th and final Jim Boggan Memorial Cycle.
It was a tremendous day which truly reflected the character and community spirit of Crumlin GAA Club.
It was a 6am early start for everyone as we travelled by coach to Taghmon in Co. Wexford, Jim’s burial place. Everyone was in great spirits, some with a tingle of nerves. For those who knew him, perhaps some quiet reflection on their memories of Jim too.
Before the cycle home began, we gathered at Jim’s grave to hear about the great man he was. There were words, song and fond memories shared from those who played under Jim, friends and family and even an uileann pipe rendition of ‘Mo Ghile Mear’.
After a moment’s silence it was time for the group photo and a final bike check! Thank you to Wolfe Cycles, Sundrive Road for being at the ready all day for bicycle maintenance to keep us on the road.
Luckily, it was a dry morning with a perfect temperature as we began the 145km cycle back to Crumlin which included stops at Marshalstown GAA Club, Rathvilly GAA Club & Blessington GAA Club. We would like to thank these GAA clubs for facilitating us for our rest breaks. It is wonderful to see GAA clubs help each other with a common goal.
At these rest stops we had physiotherapists on hand for those feeling the effects of the small but constant uphill elevation. We are grateful for your time and well needed skills.
As we rested at each stop we were provided food & drink refreshments and had access to our personal belongings as they were transported to each stop by van. Thank you to all those assisting in making sandwiches, setting up gazebos, boiling the kettle and driving for the day.
Throughout the day there were safety officers and road marshals, thank you all for pointing us in the right direction and keeping us safe. Thank you to The Order of Malta for their services. Special thanks to the Gardai for their assistance as we navigated dangerous sections along the route home.
As with all training sessions, matches and fundraisers in the club, the cycle could just simply not happen without the support and volunteerism of our club members. As you have read above, there were so many volunteers involved and they are too many to personally thank here but you know who you are, take a bow and know that you made it happen for the cyclists.
The cyclists. What an amazing bunch! They sought sponsors and helped raise vital funds for the club. They took on this challenge and nailed it. Some suffered physical pain and some with the mental battle to keep going but they all gave it everything and made it home. Congratulations.
Thank you to everyone involved, not only last Saturday, but for all 9 previous Jim Boggan Memorial Cycles. The cycle was more than a club fundraiser, it was about helping & backing each other as Jim would have. We are sure he’d be proud of everyone involved.
A final thank you is reserved for two people who truly were the heartbeat and driving force behind the 10 years of the Jim Boggan Memorial Cycle. We are truly indebted to Ger & Ruth Gavigan for the dedication and months of planning on their own time to make the cycle so successful over the years. Dubbed the King & Queen ( and rightfully so) as we took formation into a parade group, they led us home to the clubhouse and to the applause and cheers of proud family & friends. Thank you Ger. Thank you Ruth.
Croimghlinn abú!
If you would still like to make a donation or sponsor a cyclist you can do so at the following GoFundMe link here.
We will have a photo album of the day ASAP and will post a link on social media.
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Crumlin GAA 