High Nelly fun cycle in Offaly village was a great success

THE 2023 Shannon Harbour High Nelly fun cycle was held last weekend and once again attracted a great crowd.

This year the committee is donating 10 percent to cancer in honour of Valerie Flynn and the theme is pink. Niamh Devitt is coming off the bench for Valerie, I hope she has been attending training and learned all the moves! There were lovely pink outfits and hair perms in abundance.

Marty Guinan as always has a wonderful costume, his shirt by Thomas Pink, London complemented his sartorial costume. His woodbine cigarette and friendly matches are redolent of an earlier age in keeping with the High Nelly.

Darren Joyce, masqueraded as Darrena in a fetching pink suit and perm. Joe Kelly had an appropriate pink bike. Jack Beauchamp sported a pink wig and scarf. Paudie Clancy expertly piloted Mags and sub Niamh at the head of the cyclists. Valerie and Pat Flynn brought up the rear of the participants. Joseph Johnson, 17 months, was one of the youngest spectators supporting his grandad, Seamus Gleeson. Roman 2 and Reece Lyons 1 also watched.

Dermot McIntyre and Robyn, just back from Australia for three weeks wore matching pink tops whilst Shirley was minding “The Shop”! Daniel Mc Donald masqueraded as Mrs Brown wearing a fetching pink and blue dress. Justin Buckley, Frankie Shaughnessy and Noel Guinan also participated with gusto.

The accompanying photograph is outside the Harbourmasters B & B. Despite the occasional downpour which magically morphed into sunshine about 80 participants took part and joined in the fun. All participants have free entry for the raffle. The best dressed competition men, was won by Darren Joyce; ladies Yvonne McDonald; Under age, Dan McDonald and Eve Marie Minogue.

The committee and Jolene Minogue, florist, presented Valerie with a beautiful Penny Farthing bike garlanded with flowers to recognise the last 10 years work by Valerie. The Shannon Harbour Community Association Committee of Patrick Kenny, Shirley McIntyre, Margaret Lyons, Ruth Lynch, Dominic Ryan, Adrian McManus, Michael Lyons, Darren Joyce and Niamh Devitt worked tirelessly to stage the very successful event and deserve a big thank you. Sandwiches, cakes, crisps, refreshments were provided by the committee. Hot Food was provided by Shirley Mcintyre. The High Nelly bike raffle in McIntyres was won by Alan Kenny.

With thanks to sponsors: Shirley & Dermot McIntyre: Bertie Nevin, Nevin Hurleys; Grant’s Farm Machinery; Outdoorsey Shop, Banagher; Darren Joyce & Niamh Devitt, The Harbourmaster's House, sponsored a Voucher for a one night stay; Gem Hardware and Garden Centre; Hassetts Top Line, Liffey Mills Banagher.