Mount Leinster Challenge remembering Pat O'Brien

Yesterday was one of those days that will live long in the memory. It was a truly iconic day on the bike and a day to be so proud to be a member of this great club.


Scott-Orwell Wheelers line up ahead of the Mount Leinster Challenge (photograph with thanks to Sean Rowe)

There is tonnes more photos of the day especially on Sean Rowe's Facebook page. We had 120 Orwell members take part in the Mount Leinster Challenge in memory of our friend and club mate Pat O'Brien. Pat would no doubt be smiling down on us yesterday thinking of 120 Orwell members taking part in his favourite sportif run by his hometown club across the iconic Mount Leinster(twice!). We had thrills, even the odd spills, one group had 12 punctures but everyone finished with a smile as rolled over the line thinking about Pat.

Thanks to Denis Gleeson for saying a few lovely words at the grave. Thanks to Pat's fiance Eileen, his and Eileen's family for joining us and hosting at the graveyard. Thanks to Ann Horan for helping me organise the whole day and especially bringing the family along. Thanks to Slaney Cycling Club for hosting a brilliant event. Thanks to Stephen Ryan who initially came up with the idea of doing the Mount Leinster Challenge as a Pat memorial. Above all thanks to everyone in Orwell who was there to experience one of Ireland's top sportifs in memory of a true gent of Orwell. Thanks for making it special guys.


Scott-Orwell Wheelers at the feedstop