A LOCAL music star he was “very thankful” to take part in the hugely successful and popular ‘Wheels and Jigs’ cycle tour which saw musicians cycle from Fermanagh to Clare for charity.
Some of Fermanagh’s leading musicians took part in the 161-mile charity cycle to Miltown Malbay, raising over £5,000 for an Omagh musician who “experienced a devastating motorcycle accident”.
Boho musician Maggie Maguire was one of the main organisers of the fundraising cycle, with ‘The Tumbling Paddies’ members, John McCann and Martin Treacy, hopping on the bikes for the cause.
The ‘Wheels and Jigs’ cycle has supported a number of different causes over the years, with the £5,600 raised from the recent trip to Clare going towards Omagh man Finbar McCann.
“In December 2021, Finbar [McCann] experienced a devastating motorcycle accident in Australia,” said a spokesperson for the ‘Wheels and Jigs’ group.
“Since then, he has been enduring rigorous treatment to address his leg injury.
“All funds raised will be specifically allocated to support Finbar’s journey towards receiving the essential treatment required for his recovery.
“These funds will contribute to the invaluable efforts of the medical professionals involved and offer much-needed assistance to Finbar’s family as they navigate through this difficult period.”
John McCann, a member of ‘The Tumbling Paddies’, has been a long-standing member of ‘Wheels and Jigs’, who performed a number of tunes at the ‘Willie Clancy Traditional Irish’ music week in Clare.
“We’re very thankful to each and every one of you who participated, sponsored, or supported us in any way,” said two-time All-Ireland Fleadh champion, McCann.
“Your unwavering dedication made this event not just a fundraiser, but a celebration of love, friendship, and cherished memories.”
Last year, the ‘Wheels and Jigs’ crew used the cycle to Miltown Malby as a way to honour the late Ashling Murphy, who was murdered in January 2022.
To read more on this story see this week’s Fermanagh Herald. Can’t get to the shop to collect your copy? No problem! You can download a copy straight to your device by following this link… Subscribe to current edition