A change of direction !
On my first day in secondary school as I walked into the yard of The High School in Clonmel I bumped into the late Patrick Kennedy, the grandson of a neighbour from Grange. It was good to see a familiar friendly face and he brought me over to meet a few of his friends. He introduced me to Raymond Clarke , his neighbour from Marlefield and we found we had a common interest in cycling.
Each day at break time we would meet up and discuss Sean Kelly’s latest victory, the speed of Rays Raleigh Pulsar, the weight of my Dawes Jaguar or the number of spokes on a pair of Mavic GP4 wheels. After school we would go training together with a group of lads, all meeting at the GAA Centre on the Western road.
From second year on Ray and I would always sit next to each other in class, usually down the back in a corner where we could draw pictures of bikes, take a sneaky peek at cycling weekly or spec out our dream bikes in peace.
We socialised together, opened a shop together, were each others best men at our weddings and over the course of 15 years a really solid friendship helped grow an idea for a small bike shop into a now thriving business.
I, however, have always had a problem with ‘itchy feet’ and restlessness. After 15 years in a bike shop I felt like I needed a change. Just like always I had a chat with Ray and we discussed what to do. Together we agreed that I would step away from the shop in order to pursue other goals that have been festering in my mind.
It wasn’t the easiest decision of my life by a long shot but I decided to take the plunge and see where it leads. Along with having more time to write and blog, I have an opportunity to develop a sector of the tourism industry that would be especially beneficial to cyclists along with a few other projects which should keep me well occupied.
To work alongside my best friend day in day out for the past 15 years has been a privilege very few are lucky enough to have. I will really miss the great atmosphere and sense of satisfaction in the shop and meeting the customers who really became good friends too.
‘Thank you’ seems very little to say for all the support, help, encouragement and custom that everyone has given us over the years.
I have enjoyed every minute of my time in Worldwidecycles and know, that now he has full reign over the business Ray, with the very able help of John, Jack and Eric will bring it to even greater levels of customer service and satisfaction.
See you all on the road,
Barry
12 COMMENTS
Mick Kelly
The best of luck Barry, in your new venture , must say when I ever i call in to the shop , I will miss the chat and the old crack with you , but you are right to try new adventures , thats what life is all about , You have left the shop in very good hands with Ray and the lads , so once again good luck to you ,and we will meet on the road over the coming months .
Barry
Thanks a million Mick. I might even have time to pop into the Lazy Bean for a Latte with you 🙂
Eddie Keogh
Best of luck to both of ye in yer new uncharted lives & thanks for always having that little bit of time for a chat & a tweak of the saddle or what ever happened to be up.
Sheamus Hayden
best of luck in your new adventure, Barry…you only get one crack off life so you’re right to make the most of it !
Rory J Wyley
Barry agus Ray – go n’èirì an bòthar libh.
Barry
Thanks very much Lads
Martin Og
Barry,
Great stuff.
More blogs – More Lattes – More stories -More Lies
More Crack !!
Great addition to the Tourism industry.
Go n-eirí go hiontach leat
John Treacy
Best of luck Barry. Thanks for all your assistance over the years. Keep up the writing! John Treacy
Barry
Thanks a million lads
Josephine lambe
Great Blog Barry and the best of luck in the future. Hope the next fifteen years are as good as the last.
Helen Bennett
Barry no matter where you go or what you do I, m sure it will be a success, you have such a presence, an aura that attracts people , you, re a great people’s person, so it, s fitting that you continue blogging I speak for a lot of people when I say we look forward to your blogs,, tourism , can’t wait to see where you bring us and the history behind it , already I’m excited and it’s you who’s doing it lol. Thank for the years of serving us in WWCs, you always made me feel like I knew what I was talking about 🙂 I often said to Michael I don’t know how you &Ray ever got work done having to talk to all your customers . Best of luck and I admire your courage to follow dreams,
Barry
Thanks a million Ladies. I really appreciate the comments and it has definitely helped my confidence levels as I begin the next adventure.
@Helen you were always a pleasure to see coming in to the shop and I really did think you knew all about Sram Red Bottom brackets 😉