Biking in memory of Mick
WHAT started out as a simple tribute to a “fallen friend” has developed into a movement that has brought motorcyclists from across Munster together each year to raise funds for the Pieta House.
Next Saturday more than 300 bikers from across the province will don their leathers and ‘get on their bikes’ for the fifth Mick O’Regan memorial Motorcycle Run, with monies raised from the event going to the suicide and self-harm prevention centre.
The convoy will assemble at Kit Roche’s Bar in Buttevant from 10.30am for registration before heading off at 12.30pm on a 90-route across the highways and byways of north Cork.
Entry is by donation and supporters will be out with collections buckets along the route that will take in Mallow, Fermoy, Mitchelstown and Charleville before returning back to Kit Roche’s.
The event has been organised by friends and family of the late Mick O’Regan, a popular motorbike enthusiast from Buttevant who passed away in 2012.
One of Mick’s friends, Bertie O’Regan, said it was their way of remembering Mick’s life and wonderful personality.
“This is our way of paying tribute to a close friend and highly respected and liked member of the tight-knit biking community in Cork. Last year we had almost 300 bikes taking part, a sign of just how much Mick meant to people,” said Bertie.
“Of course a lot will depend on the weather, but we hope to have that and more taking part this year,” he said.
Thanking everyone who has been involved in the run over the years, Bertie said that since its inception the event had raised more than €60,000 for suicide charities.
“This great movement is not just about raising money, it is also about raising awareness of Pieta House and making it more accessible to more and more people. By doing this, we hope people in need will realise there is help available to them, help that is easily accessible,” he said.
“If all we do by holding this event is to point the vulnerable to Pieta House, we will have done a great job. But by helping us to raise funds for this wonderful organisation, donors are helping us to put the tools needed to help people in the hands of professionals, ” he added.
To find out more about Pieta House visit www.pieta.ie.
For more information about the Mick O’Regan Memorial Motorcycle Run contact Bertie on 087 638 4273.