This article is from page 109 of the 2008-10-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 109 JPG
THE speed demons of Ennis will re- unite in the town later this month to feN oo) ecko deColb ume lerbetommmlbeelO) OF
Members of the Wheels Within Wheels project will gather in Ennis on Saturday, October 18, to receive an award for their exploits in Mon- dello Park earlier this year.
Wheels Within Wheels has devel- oped over the years as a collabora- tive effort between local motorbike enthusiasts and organisations pro- moting adult education and lifelong learning.
Previous projects included restor- ing vintage motorbikes from scrap to highlight the work done by the Sim- ply Said, an annual publication of
writings by adult learners attending classes with Clare Adult Basic Edu- cation Service.
Other charities to have benefited from events organised by Wheels Within Wheels include St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin, Cahercalla Hospi- tal, Steps Youth club and the RNLI lifeboat service.
The group’s latest endeavor took them to the home of Irish motor rac- ing, Mondello Park on August 9, to take part in a fastest lap challenge against a contingent from the Rebel County, the Cork Tornadoes.
The Wheels Within Wheels team comprised of Jimmy Meere, Cathal Meere, Keith Meere, Jacko McMa- hon, Dr Sean Conlon, Adult Educa- tion Officer and representatives from
Clare VEC.
The bike used was a 1980s Java moped, restored to prefect working order by Jimmy, Dermot Kelleher and Michael Considine, and nick- named the Speed Demon.
It was ridden by Cathal Meere, ad- vised on the day by his brother Keith, the 2007 Southern Centre champion, and, at just 21 already regarded as one of the most talented performers on the circuit.
Heavy rainfall played havoc with preparations, but despite the less than ideal racing conditions, Cathal Meere raced around the track in a Mondello record book time of three minutes 18 seconds.
To mark the achievement, the team will be presented with a trophy, de-
signed by Jacko McMahon and local welder Gerry Hanrahan, at the Mon- dello Challenge Presentation night on October 18 at Mickey Kerin’s bar, Lifford Ennis.
The presentation will be made by Jim McMahon and Chris Withy- combe, two men who have been part of the Wheels Within Wheels project and who earlier this year climbed the ten peaks of the McGillycuddy Reeks, in the process raising €7,/00 for the Friend’s of St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin.
The action in Mickey’s kicks off at 9pm. There will be plenty of music and all are welcome to attend. For enquiries contact Jimmy Meere 086 0834753 or Jacko McMahon 086 0680759.