Latest news with #AustinO'Callaghan
Irish Post
15-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Mass motorcycle ride will raise cash for mental health charity
A KILDARE man who served for years as a member of An Garda Siochana is leading a motorcycle ride to raise cash for a mental health charity. Austin O'Callaghan will lead the ride Austin O'Callaghan said his experience of the effects that working as a first responder has on mental health inspired him to take part in the Distinguished Gentlemen's Ride (DGR). The annual global event takes place on May 18 and seeks to increase awareness of prostate cancer and men's mental health. Mr O'Callaghan is hosting the 2025 ride for the third year at his hotel, Barberstown Castle, in Kildare. Mr O'Callaghan will host this third ride this weekend It is expected to draw a record number of riders this weekend – who will wear their most dapper outfits while raising funds for the global men's health charity Movember. 'DGR is more than just a motorcycle ride,' Mr O'Callaghan said. 'It's a movement that transcends borders, bringing together all types of distinguished bike enthusiasts in a common mission to raise awareness and support men's health.' Mental health is particularly close to the hotelier's heart as he witnessed many people struggling during his 25 years as a garda, during which he spent 20 years investigating serious crimes and murders. Mr O'Callaghan formerly worked in An Garda Siochana for 25 years 'I have been one of the lucky ones as my own mental health was always strong and I learned coping skills, you had to look at things in a different way, but I've seen people go down the rabbit hole of alcohol and depression – it isn't a nice place to go,' he said. Movember Phone Booth's will be stationed at the Barberstown Castle hotel at the ride gets underway this weekend. The installation invites people to share their stories an experiences with their mental health. This years marks ten years of partnership between Movember and The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. This year, tens of thousands of dapper-dressed bike enthusiasts and health advocates aer expected to take to the streets in cities across the globe.
Irish Independent
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
International motorbike charity run returns to Kildare to raise money for men's health
The world-renowned Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) brings together classic and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts from around Ireland and further afield to Barberstown Castle in Co Kildare for a charitable cause. DGR, the world's largest motorcycling charity event, is not just about bikes; it's a celebration of a bygone era's fashion and fun, while also raising money in support of men's health. 'DGR is a movement that brings together all types of distinguished bike enthusiasts in a common mission to raise awareness and support men's health,' said event organiser, Austin O'Callaghan. 'On May 18, 2025, tens of thousands of riders worldwide will don their cravats, tweak their moustaches and ride their classic and vintage motorcycles to shine a light on prostate cancer and men's mental health and suicide prevention programs. "We are calling on all Irish riders to do the same and join us at Barberstown Castle in Co Kildare.' Building upon the success of previous years, the Kildare event enters its third edition with the ambitious goal to exceed 250 registered riders. Worldwide, over 100,000 riders from more than 1,000 cities across 120 countries are expected to participate. On the day, there will also be a special motorcycle and scooter display in Barbersown Castle. This year there will also be a new feature in conjunction with Movember Ireland. Throughout the weekend, the Movember Phone Booth will be at Barberstown Castle with 'Talk to the MO and share your Moments'. This unique and thought provoking installation invites people to share their stories and experiences on men's mental health. People can share and speak about their struggles, triumphs and everything in between. This will highlight the need for open dialogue about men's mental health in our community. Funds raised through the ride will be directed towards both local and global prostate cancer research and men's mental health and suicide prevention programs, in collaboration with the official charity partner, Movember. Participants will also have the chance to win a Mash TT 400 Café Racer, specially commissioned for Kildare DGR 2025, with front and rear paddock stands and a matching helmet. Every registered rider in the Kildare DGR will automatically be entered into the draw. Additionally, anyone who sponsors a registered DGR Kildare rider with a donation of over €20 will also be entered. Tickets are also on sale at only €10 each or three tickets for €20 and are available at the castle, online and other locations, which will be announced through social media sites. The draw will take place live on Monday June 2, 2025. To participate in DGR, riders must adhere to the classic and vintage motorcycle style guide, embodying the essence of 'distinguished gentlemanship,' added Mr O'Callaghan. "This year we are also putting out an appeal to non riders that would like to be involved, to contact DGR Kildare if they would like to help us in the organisation of the ride and its administration. Please contact austinocallaghan@ for more information.' Anyone looking to sign-up for the charity motorbike ride or to donate can visit the Kildare page of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride website.
