Preparations underway for the 21st Annual Bikers’ Memorial

20th memorial airs in BBC 1 NI documentary ‘Ride or Die’ Wednesday April 9 at 10:40pm

Twelve months have once again slipped by with alarming speed for the Bikers’ Memorial committee members. A busy year for a number of reasons and one sadly that will bring new people to this unique memorial due to their sad loss of a loved one on Irish roads during the previous year.

Following the attendance of a BBC film crew at last years memorial, the results of that work, can be seen Wednesday 9th April BBC 1 NI and again on Thursday, April 10 on BBC 1 at 10:40pm. It will also be available on BBC IPlayers for the foreseeable future.

Speaking to this paper, Bikers’ Memorial Chairperson Anne Marie Marshall once again thanked all who help put this unique event together. ‘In the past year we’ve added a number of new members to our committee and that has been of huge benefit to all that we do’ said the Fermanagh Biker.

The new members Aaron Corley, Declan McCarville & Kevin Boylan have brought new energy, ideas and abilities, to the committee and the Chairperson believes this will be of benefit to all grieving families who attend the Clones event.

The Sacred Heart church will as it’s done for more than 10 years, host this emotional occasion. ‘It’s the perfect place for the Memorial states Ms. Marshall ‘And we are so grateful to Fr. Jim Moore, P.P. Clones, and the Parish of Clones for their continued support of the Bikers’ Memorial’.

The memorial will follow it’s traditional pattern with candles representing Bikers who died in the past twelve months, this followed by Plaques in memory of hundreds of deceased Bikers who’ve died over many years, as far back as the 1970’s. This year will be officiated by Fr. Stephen Joyce, Fr. Tony Conlan, the Rev Ian Cruickshank, Church of Ireland, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. There will also be, for the first time, Humanist Keane Harley, in attendance. All bikers are going to feel right at home in Clones at 8pm on Friday May 2nd.

New committee member, Aaron Corley, is looking forward to his first time being part of the organising committee. A long time Biker he has attended the Clones event many times before, but ‘it’s going to be a bit different attending as an organiser’ said the Clones man.

As normal, if you wish to have a seat inside the Sacred Heart Church, you are advised to be there before 7:30pm. 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 to those attending. Car parking will be signposted in advance, for those arriving on four wheels.

The carrying up of candles is a hugely important and symbolic part of this unique memorial. 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.

Best wishes to all attending the 21st Annual Bikers’ Memorial, please be safe and leave extra time for your journey to and from Clones.