Grandad Gregory conquers greenway in charity cycle
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Adventurous 82 year old grandfather, Gregory O'Reilly who embarked on a 30km charity cycle on his vintage bicycle pictured with his grandson Shaun. Gregory raised €4,750 to donate towards a new school bus for the school Shaun attends.Image 2 of 3
Cheque Presentation to Rachel Moynagh, Principal from the Holy Family School Cootehill for €4,750 proceeds raised from Gregory O'Reilly's Vintage Charity Cycle & raffle which took place on the 27th July 2024 in lieu of gifts for their 61st Wedding Anniversary towards the cost of a new accessible bus. Pictured in the picture Orla Curran, Mary O'Reilly, Shaun Curran, Gregory O'Reilly, Rachel Moynagh Principal, Pupils from the Holly Class and Emma Murphy (Class Teacher).Image 3 of 3
Gregory O’Reilly pictured with supporters prior to cycling the full length of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands GreenwayAn adventurous 82-year-old grandfather who embarked on a 30km charity cycle on his vintage bicycle has raised €4,750 for a cause close to his heart.
Young at heart Gregory O'Reilly who stated that age was “just a state of mind” cycled the full length of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway in July on his 1960 Vintage Raleigh Bike to raise funds for a new minibus for the the Holy Family Special School, Cootehill, which his grandson attends.
It was also a novel way to celebrate his and wife Mary's 61st wedding anniversary. No stranger to charity endeavours, inspirational Gregory celebrated his 80th birthday by cycling from his home in Virginia to Bailieboro, raising over €3,000 for the Holy Family Special School.
For his 79th birthday, the octogenarian undertook a 20km charity cycle from Virginia to Mullagh for Virginia Cancer Care.
Gregory said he was “thrilled” to be able to donate funds in aid of a new school bus.
“We are so grateful to everyone who donated for a new accessible bus for the Holy Family Special School, Cootehill. A special thanks To PARK BEO Greenway Services and Gartlans Pub for looking after everyone.
“To all the cyclists who joined from near and far including Diane, Mairead, Mark, Dessie, Kevin, Seamus, John and Noel and to Shaun who cycled the last section with his grandad. The backing crew Dave who transported the bikes and an extra word of thanks to all our family and friends who met me on my arrival and joined us afterwards for refreshments.”
Gregory spoke of his special connection to the school.
“My grandson, Shaun is a student in the Holy Family School, he is going from strength to strength and they look after him so well,” said Gregory.
“This year they are trying to raise money to buy a minibus so I decided at 82 that I'd have a go and raise some funds,” he added.
“We will be 61 years married on 27th July so instead of getting presents that we don't need or want, we decided to give something back to those who are worthy of it.
“If you ask anyone that knows me, they will tell you I can't sit still for long!”
Although now a seasoned cyclist, there was no suggestion the Baileboro native would be the maestro he has become.
“I had a bicycle at home as a teenager and I went to England when I was 19, I was 10 years there and I was 35 years in Dublin but during that time I never was on a bicycle at all,” laughs Gregory.