It has been a difficult few years for everybody, in Ireland and indeed, the world.

Covid changed so many things people were used to, leaving death and disruption in its wake. Events the world over suffered, as did the Annual Bikers’ Memorial group, who had to cancel their 2020 and 2021 memorials.

The difficulties caused meant some events have not, as yet, been able to return – but not so the Bikers’ Memorial, which will return on Friday, May 6 at 8pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Clones, Co. Monaghan.

Speaking on behalf of the Bikers’ Memorial committee, its PRO, Brian MacUaid, said that everything attendees are used to seeing at this unique event will be there.

‘A unique event’

“The memorial is a unique event – one that welcomes people from all across the country, and those of every religion and no religion,” he added.

Sadly, for a huge number of people, the 36 months since the last memorial service have seen a lot of families bereaved.

Such deaths are a huge loss to those closest to the deceased, but are also a loss to their friends in the ‘biking family’.

It is hoped that with the return of the memorial, some solace, friendship and wonderful memories can be shared with those grieving.

Unfortunately, loss and bereavement have also been close to the committee recently, following the death after a long illness of Chairperson Fr. John Kearns last December 20, and the sudden passing on March 19 of Committee Treasurer Kieran KB Brennan in a motorcycle collision.

“We lost two great friends and fantastic advocates for the biking community in Fr. John and KB, who were wonderful, energetic workers whose roles in the committee were pivotal,” said Mr. MacUaid.

However, he’s certain that both men would want the memorial to go on.

“The memorial started 20 years ago to help and support families through their darkest times. We owe it to them and the work they put in to help others, to continue with their dream,” he added.

The memorial this year will be officiated at by Fr. Stephen Joyce, Fr. Tony Conlan, Cannon Helen Steed, Church of Ireland, and Fr. Jim Moore, P.P. Clones parish.

The committee expressed its heartfelt thanks to Fr. Moore for his assistance and permission to use the beautiful Clones church, to Fr. Stephen, who will step in the shoes of the late Fr. Kearns, and also Fr. Tony, a biker priest who has participated in the memorial for the past nine years.

The committee added that it is particularly looking forward to Cannon Helen re-joining events, having been unable to attend the last memorial in 2019.

All who plan to attend are advised to come early if they wish to have a seat inside the Sacred Heart Church, and to be there before 7.30pm at the latest.

Parking in and around the church is for motorbikes only (except where mobility issues are concerned), so as to increase the visual effect of this unique occasion for those attending.

Signposted

Car parking will be signposted in advance, for those arriving on four wheels. Those families who are to collect a candle for a loved one are reminded to contact Ann Marie before 7.45pm, and to take the candle home after the memorial.

Finally, lifelong biker Vinny West wished everybody a safe journey to and from the memorial, and stressed his desire to see those attending allowing themselves plenty of time to get there, and extra time for the journey home.

The committee loves to see at the end of the memorial bikers and families having the time to chat together, remembering fellow bikers, sharing good times, and making the connections with bereaved families that the bikers’ memorial is now well known for.

It is looking forward to seeing everyone at 8pm at the Annual Bikers’ Memorial on Friday, May 6, in the Sacred Heart Church, Clones, Co. Monaghan.