Bikers’ Memorial this Friday
The 21st National Bikers’ Memorial will take place in Clones tomorrow, Friday (May 2), to remember motorcyclists who have passed away on Irish roads.
"We are looking forward to welcoming people from all over the country to Clones this Friday," said Bikers’ Memorial organiser Declan McCarville.
The Monaghan man explained that the aim of the event is to offer comfort and support to bereaved families.
"The connections made with others also grieving is hugely important," he explained, adding that these connections can "prove very helpful for all involved".
The memorial will follow its traditional pattern with candles representing bikers who lost their lives on the roads over the previous twelve months, followed by plaques in memory of hundreds of deceased bikers who’ve died over many years, as far back as the 1970s.
This year’s memorial will be officiated by Fr Stephen Joyce, Fr Tony Conlan, and the Rev Ian Cruickshank from the Church of Ireland, with Humanist Keane Harley also involved.
The Sacred Heart Church will host the occasion, however Public Relations Officer Brian MacUaid expressed that those religious and not will take something from the service.
""I think it's such a unique occasion, if anybody has any interest in motorbikes, if anybody has unfortunately lost somebody that they knew - be it a close friend, a family member or a neighbour - to come and see it.
"It's not what you expect when you arrive at a church," he said, describing that there are "shining motorbikes up around the altar".
"If you're not religious at all, you will take a lot out of it purely for the meeting of other bikers and the chat and the reminiscence of the people you have lost and people that you mightn't have talked about in ages.
"All comes out in the chats usually afterwards."
The event will begin at 8pm, with those who want a seat advised to be there before 7:30pm. Parking in and around the church is for motorbikes only except where mobility issues are concerned to increase the visual effect of this unique memorial.
Car parking will be signposted in advance, for those arriving on four wheels.