2022 ‘Wheels & Jigs Cycle from here to Clare’ - in memory of fellow friend and musician, Ashling Murphy.

The 'Wheels and Jigs' Cycle will make the astounding journey from Dromore, Co. Tyrone to Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare ‪arriving on the Monday 4th July 2022. Leading the cycle will be The Tumbling Paddies, The Knockmore Ceili Band, The Whistlin' Donkeys and many acclaimed musicians, friends and family from all over the country and is sought out to be none other than a musical adventure building up to the ‘Willie Clancy Traditional Irish’ music week.

This year; The ‘Wheels & Jigs’ cycle will be in memory of their late and dear friend, Ashling Murphy. Setting out to raise money for the 'Ashling Murphy Memorial Trust' which has been set up by the Murphy family.

Shock, numbness and disbelief shattered the nation on January 12th 2022 when Ashling Murphy was tragically taken from this world. Ashling was an amazing young lady who was an extremely talented primary school teacher, camogie player, singer and most of all an outstanding musician. She was a natural leader and has inspired so many young people in the traditional music scene. The traditional Irish music scene have lost a close friend who had such a passion for the Irish culture.

Ashling performed with Fermanagh musicians and cyclists John Mc Cann and Gareth Maguire on the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Concert Tours. To mark this special occasion, the musicians will team up with fellow musicians, friends and family members of the late Ashling Murphy in Tullamore, they will leave Tullamore on the morning of the 4th July. Many of Ashling’s close friends and musicians who had the pleasure of growing up with her will be taking part in the cycle and joining the cyclists on their route to Miltown. Ashling was a regular attendee to “Willie Clancy Festival in Miltown.” It will be with great honour that all cyclists come together to remember her as they approach the first Willie Clancy Festival without her. Ashling’s family are very grateful for all the support they are receiving from everybody and are very proud to think people are remembering their fabulour daughter in so many ways. This cycle will remember the life of Ashling Murphy and will be sure to be a fun filled adventure with a tune or two along the way!

Since ‘Wheels & Jigs’ was founded in 2015, the cyclists have astonishingly made a significant difference to many charitable organisations and families all over Ireland. Having raised over a remarkable £20,000, ‘Wheels & Jigs’ always set out with a purpose - to raise funds for charities that will always remain close to their hearts. Thus far, Alzheimer’s, NI Children Hospice, Galway Hospice, Pieta House and Action Mental Health, Fermanagh Women’s Aid, Chest Heart & Stroke and Marie Curie!

In the early hours of ‪Sunday morning, the team of cyclists will set off from ‘The Clock’ in Dromore, Co. Tyrone, and embark on their 220-mile journey to be completed within TWO DAYS to Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare! Day one will end in the great Tullamore in Co. Offaly and day two will be taking off from O’ Connor Square in Tullamore on Monday, 4th July at cock crow.

The cyclists always look forward to meeting new supporters and they know that many friends, family members and fellow musicians will be supporting them on their route and also there to welcome them on arrival to Miltown Malbay on Monday evening.

Finally, this fundraiser will reach and resonate with many across the country and world. It is to support the Ashling Murphy Memorial fund that the Murphy family have set up in their beloved daughter’s honour. People are encouraged to spread the word and share the link to donate to the memorial fund. If anyone wishes to sponsor the event, they can contact a member of the organising committee. A tremendous thank you to all of the sponsors and members of the public for their generous donations and continuous support to date, it is immeasurably appreciated.