A charity cycle brought a Laois town right back in the 1940s this week - minus the high vis jackets and lycra.
July got off to a roaring start in Clonaslee with nearly 80 high nellies touring through the village, for a Community Care Cycle hosted by Clonaslee High Nelly Club. More below these great photos.
The outing took centre stage on Sunday afternoon in the scenic village at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom mountains.
The annual summer fundraiser is the centrepiece of the vintage cycling club's calendar, offering a unique opportunity for those from the village and high nelly bicycle enthusiasts from afar to gather in aid of a good cause.
This year's chosen beneficiaries are part of a three-pronged effort to support work at the heart of village life. Clonaslee Tidy Towns, were selected in recognition of their dedication to the impeccable appearance of the locality. Clonaslee won the Best Village Silver Award in the Tullamore Credit Union Pride of Place competition last year.
Proceeds from the day will also support the annual Old Folks Party held in the Community Centre. The dinner is a vital opportunity for senior citizens to come together and socialise, with outstanding work done by volunteers and organisers.
Finally, a portion of proceeds from the day will enable Clonaslee High Nelly Club to continue their substantive fundraising work. In four short years, it is a source of "great pride" to all involved to have raised north of €30,000 for charitable causes.
At 2 pm, almost 80 high nellies were pedalled through the village, with a mixture of long-time local cyclists, seasoned members of Durrow High Nelly Club and Tullamore Cycling & Touring Club alongside those taking a vintage Raleigh, Humber or Rudge for a spin for the first time.
Afterwards, an eye-catching Vintage Car Run saw a motorcade of classic vehicles.
That evening, a night of lively music was enjoyed while raffle winners were announced for a top cash prize of €300 and an assortment of generously donated goodies.
Guests in attendance described the event as a "super day out", with people from a neighbouring town saying they "loved all the vintage action" and "craic and ceol in Hickey's afterwards".
The Clonaslee High Nelly Club committee thanks everyone.
"As has become the norm, the fundraising day exceeded our expectations both in terms of those participating in the cycle and the support from those involved in both local and surrounding vintage clubs, and equally the immense assistance from volunteers, sponsors, members of the Gardai and those who donated items for our raffle, and all who came out to cheer the day on.
"We continue to be humbled by the generosity of so many and are heartened to know every cent raised is going to enrich the village.”
Members of the high nelly club were, for the first time, kitted out in stylish red polo shirts emblazoned with their club logo which were very kindly sponsored by the O'Connell family, owners of Hickey's Pub.
They were also delighted to highlight Club Secretary Tom McRedmond and made a presentation in recognition of his exceptional efforts.
"As anyone involved with any organisation knows, a club is only as good as its members. We enjoy terrific support from all at Hickey's Pub and are fortunate to have a member of their team, Tom McRedmond, as our Club Secretary.
"We wish to take this opportunity to express gratitude for Tom's outstanding work curating events behind the scenes, leading our fledgling 'Bonus Ball' draw, away trips, organising another successful raffle and playing an integral role in the design and production of our club shirts.”
The club concluded by sincerely thanking all involved in the day.
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