Twentieth annual Monaghan Bikers’ Memorial set to feature in BBC documentary

Hundreds of bikers are expected to descend on Clones in a little over two weeks time for a special memorial in honour of motorcyclists who have lost their lives on Irish roads.

The appropriately named Bikers’ Memorial celebrates its 20th year in existence in an event that is expected to form part of a BBC documentary and see more than 1,000 biking enthusiasts travel from right across the country.

The memorial takes place on May 3 in the Sacred Heart Church, Clones at 8pm and will include the display of six bikes on the altar of the church.

To add to the poignancy of the occasion, candles bearing the names of deceased bikers will be carried to the altar by family members. It will also have the ‘3 Gone But Not Forgotten’ plaques with the names and photographs of hundreds of bikers who have sadly lost their lives since the early 1980s.

Since its inception, back in 2003, the Bikers’ Memorial has grown in numbers and in reputation.

Speaking on behalf of the organising committee founding member Vinny West said the longevity of the memorial is all down to the mentality of bikers.

“(They) never forget their friends, no matter how long they’re gone,” he said.

“We will go to any lengths to help support those families who have sadly lost a loved one.”

Chairperson of the Committee Anne Marie Marshall thanked all the bikers who continually show up to show their support to bereaved families, saying their presence is hugely beneficial to grieving families.

“Being able to meet and chat with bikers who knew their loved ones, rode with them, had the craic with them is something families tell us makes them feel close to their loved one,” she stated.

On the BBC documentary the Fermanagh woman said it underlined the “very positive statement” about how far the memorial and its reputation had grown over the past two decades years.

“We were contacted several weeks ago by Double Band Films, a Belfast based company who have a long history in make documentaries,” she said.

The one-hour long documentary was commissioned by the BBC in London and will follow road racers, their families and others involved in the 2024 road racing season, exploring if and how faith plays a role in their lives.

“We are delighted to be taking part in this documentary, which will bring the memorial to an audience in England, Scotland and Wales for the first time,” added Ms Marshall.

Due to the scale of the event and the size of crowds that are expected to attend, committee members are advising patrons wishing to have a seat in the chapel should come early.

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