Heaven’s Angel offers up bikers’ blessing

HE’S more Heaven than Hell’s Angel but a Donegal priest did his bit for bikers across Ireland.

Fr Gerard Sweeney, a biking enthusiast for almost 17 years, held a Mass for dozens of motorcyclists, which included a blessing of their machines.

The motorbike-mad cleric, who drives a powerful Suzuki, held the event at St Aengus’s Church in Burt on the Inishowen Peninsula.

According to Fr Gerard, the aim of the Mass was to pray for the safety of all bikers across Donegal. The bikers also held a collection for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The interdenominational service focused on remembering bikers who have died on the roads in the past 12 months — a message reflected in the prayers of the faithful.

“We have all heard about people dying on our roads and motorcyclists are no exception. Many of my friends have been on to me for a long time now about holding such a Mass and I am delighted we did. It was a very touching occasion.

“I know first-hand how dangerous it can be for motorcyclists on the road and I wanted to highlight that. The old advert — think once, think twice, think bike — is very true. People should remember that,” he said.

Fr Sweeney admits he receives a few strange looks when he takes off his helmet and motorbike leathers and people realise he has a priest’s collar on.

Fr Sweeney, who has been a curate in the Donegal parish for a year, revealed his interest goes back 17 years when a fellow priest bought him six motorbike lessons as a Christmas present.

“I have been hooked ever since,” he said.