(Irish Times)
'President's men' on charity mission
All the president’s men were handed a rather novel mission today as they led a convoy of 1,000 charity motorcyclists on the first leg of a fundraising ride across the country.
Irish Army troopers who usually escort Mary McAleese on her presidential duties headed up a much larger cavalcade as they left Dawson Street in Dublin.
The outriders were at the head of the 10th annual Across Ireland motorcycle run in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation - a charity for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses.
Dressed in full military uniform, the riders accompanied the thousand strong bike troop out of the city before leaving them to complete the two day ride to Galway and back.
The participants aim to raise €180,000 for the foundation as they make their way across Ireland.
Anne King from Make a Wish said the Presidential outriders had ensured a spectacular start to the trip.
“It was amazing to have them escort us across the city, with people cheering us on,” she said. “It made us feel pretty special.”
After a night in Galway, the bikers will make the return trip to Dublin tomorrow.
PA
'President's men' on charity mission
All the president’s men were handed a rather novel mission today as they led a convoy of 1,000 charity motorcyclists on the first leg of a fundraising ride across the country.
Irish Army troopers who usually escort Mary McAleese on her presidential duties headed up a much larger cavalcade as they left Dawson Street in Dublin.
The outriders were at the head of the 10th annual Across Ireland motorcycle run in aid of the Make a Wish Foundation - a charity for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses.
Dressed in full military uniform, the riders accompanied the thousand strong bike troop out of the city before leaving them to complete the two day ride to Galway and back.
The participants aim to raise €180,000 for the foundation as they make their way across Ireland.
Anne King from Make a Wish said the Presidential outriders had ensured a spectacular start to the trip.
“It was amazing to have them escort us across the city, with people cheering us on,” she said. “It made us feel pretty special.”
After a night in Galway, the bikers will make the return trip to Dublin tomorrow.
PA
nearly 5 hours later I was one wet puppy. 
Glad to hear you all got home safely.
