Former international road rider Paul McQuaid has been working to provide bikes to Ukrainian refugees who have fled the war by coming to Ireland. But now the Rás Tailteann winner has had his own bike stolen from outside his home.
McQuaid is owner of River Cycles on Ushers Island in central Dublin and has appealed for bikes for Ukrainians in Ireland. As the bikes have been donated in recent weeks, the Dubliner has fixed them up and got them out to those who find themselves in Ireland having been displaced by war.
However, in a very disappointing blow, his cargo bike worth €6,500 has been stolen from outside his home in Portobello, south Dublin. He had used the Larry Vs Harry Bullitt cargo bike to collect the donated bikes in recent weeks.
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And for years he also brought his British bulldog, Frankie, everywhere with him on the bike, including to work every day. McQuaid told the Irish Independent that because Frankie had since died, the bike was of great sentimental value to him.
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He added he was in shock the bike had been taken and was appealing for any information as to its whereabouts as he was very keen to have it returned to him.
“I had been using the cargo bike up to five times a day to collect donated bikes,” he said. “That bike is more than just a toy and I don’t know what I’m going to do without it – I’m absolutely livid and still in shock.”
“I was in complete disbelief when I realised it was gone,” he said. “The bike is exceptionally distinctive and I would ask anyone with information to contact gardaí in Kevin Street.”
If you have any information you could also contact McQuaid at River Cycles.
