Taoiseach to take part in 40km charity cycle today

The Taoiseach and other TDs are taking part in a 40 kilometre charity cycle today in Co. Westmeath.

The cycle is in memory of the Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden who died from the effects of Motor Neuron Disease in March last year.

The Friends of Nicky McFadden cycle starts at 10am from Clonmore Bridge in Mullingar and will continue down the Midlands Greenway.

Nicky's sister and Longford Westmeath Fine Gael TD Gabrielle McFadden, explains how the idea for the cycle came about.

“The Taoiseach came to Moat, to open the new Midlands Greenway a couple of weeks ago and he challenged the four sitting TDs to get on a bike and cycle from Mullingar to Athlone and he promised to come back and do it with us.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, true to his word, he has come back to do it with us and it was his idea that he would raise funds in the memory of Nicky because she was his very good friend so we are now raising funds for the Motor Neuron Disease Association.