Amazing 80-year-old cyclist completes circuit of Co Carlow
Pascal Tomlinson in Bagenalstown at the beginning of his journey right around the border of County Carlow
AN 80-YEAR-OLD cyclist has just completed a circuit of Co Carlow, covering an impressive 260 kilometres in two days.
Paschal Tomlinson from Tinryland is a member of Carlow Road Cycling Club and decided to mark his 80th birthday by cycling along the county’s border.
He was joined on the two-day odyssey by veteran cyclists John Gethings and Pat Healy, both of whom are members of the Baltinglass Mad Wheeler (BMW) Cycling Club.
On the first day, Paschal and his fellow bikers set off from Bagenalstown and cycled through Old Leighlin, Carlow town, Hacketstown, Clonmore and Tullow. On the following day, their excursion took them on some very challenging hills as they cycled through Tullow, Bunclody, Kilbrannish, the Nine Stones, St Mullins, Borris and Goresbridge, before having to cycle back home again!
“In total, I cycled 262 kilometres over the two days, because I had to cycle home afterwards, too. Not bad for an 80-year-old!” said Paschal.
Paschal is married to Mary Abbot and they have four daughters.
“They thought that it was a big task because of the hills, especially around the likes of Bilboa and Mount Leinster,” he continued.
Paschal took up cycling in 1990 at the age of 46 so that he could get fit.
“I played football until I was 18 and then I discovered that I was no good at it! When I reached my 40s, I wanted to start something demanding so I considered cross-country running. That wouldn’t have been good for my knees so I took up cycling instead,” said Paschal. “I got out cycling about three to four times a week. After cycling along the county border, I was a bit tired, but I recovered the next day.” Paschal’s fellow members in the cycling club were very impressed with his milestone birthday achievement.
“This is an impressive distance in its own right, but when you consider that Paschal has just turned 80 years of age, it puts it in a new light!” said Brian Doran, PRO of Carlow Road Cycling Club. “Our club has an age range of ten to 80 years’ old, not many sports would have that. It’s fantastic that members are still active at the age of 80.”
