Day 14 Where do I begin with this one? Firstly to thank Nora ODriscoll and her lovely husband Joe for a wonderful homestay Saturday night. It was a great way to finish a fantastic two weeks. The excitement of our homecoming was increasing as we met with all the Skerries crew in DKIT Dundalk and watched the huge numbers registered - Today was going to be an amazing day. The cycle form Dundalk was full of fun and laughter and spirits were high and for myself and Mary Boylan we were up the front and having our last giggle with the bike marshalls Paddy, Frank and John. It was funny to think that only a few weeks ago we struggled up that hill at Monasterboice and yesterday it seemed a doddle! The roads from Dundalk were lined with pink but as we drew closer to Fingal we were met with people with their orange flags and banners. As we turned at the County bridge in Balbriggan I knew we were coming home and I knew that Skerries would support us but never in a million years did I anticipate the welcome we recieved! As we reached the Ladys Stairs our infamous leader Michael Matthews led myself, Mary Boylan and Donal Rice home to a heros welcome and the rest of Micks troops followed. We were now offically 4 Lifers and we were on the home straight and I thought back to the many conversations we had all had about the pressures of the 14 day cycle and what we would do things got too much and how we would rest if needed. For me yesterday I felt I could have cycled forever as I was living off sheer adrenalin at the prospect of seeing friends and family again.As we turned the corner at Barnegeera and seen the large orange flags at the Ellis and ORourke homes I knew we were entering into a very special day in a town I love so much . As we cycled on the coast road tears flowed from all of us as we could see the people of the town waiting to welcome us. To hit the top of Hill at the top of Balbriggan road and see the hundreds of people at The plough which was decked out in pink and orange was incredible and extremely emotional and to hear the cheers and applauds just filled all of our hearts with pride.Then came that turn at Xtravision and all I can say is OMG!!!!! I knew from that moment that I had been part of a very positive movement and that the people of Skerries believed in what we had all done and not just the four lifers but as a town. Rumour has it that 200 people registered for yesterdays leg and I have no idea has to how many other people helped on the day but as a town we yet again put ourselves on the map and embraced the movement of Jim Breen and the Cycle Against Suicide and put out the message out that Its ok not to feel ok. I could go on all night and thank people but will do that at a later date but as I finished in Islandbridge with Martin Murphy i knew I had achieved my goal. To Skerries Harps and Ollie Grimes what can I say? You guys were amazing and thank you for the fantastic homecoming party - Hope no-one took photos ;-) Two weeks ago today I made a promise to Agnes Matthews on the steps of RTE studios as she wept watching us leave Dublin and I promised that I would finish this cycle her and Philly and on behalf of not only the four lifers but also everyone who participated I hope we can keep the message alive and Shoulder to Shoulder we can break the cycle of suicide on the Island of Ireland
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 17:40:44 +0000
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