Aladdins cycling cave is hidden in Drogheda

There are two types of bike shops. Those owned and operated by cyclists and those that are just commercial ventures. No prizes for guessing which will give you the best experience.

Many of those owner operated shops do a lot more than just sell bikes. Many are a treasure trove of good advice whilst some even have treasures hidden within.

The cyclist will often have memorabilia from their own racing days, whilst some may even have memorabilia from a few professionals.

Then there is Austin Walsh of Quay Cycles in Drogheda. As you enter his shop the first thing you notice behind a 12 inch girls bike that Santa may be bringing to a young 4 year old this Christmas, is an Irish Team Jersey which Mark Scanlon wore to victory in the World Junior championships in Valkenberg. Across from that is Paul Kimmages’ RMO Liberia Team bike. Approaching the counter you notice two glass cabinets. One Kelly, one Roche. Each with bikes, jerseys, books and trophy’s galore. You think to yourself how amazing Austins’ collection is, until he invites you into the back of the shop where the true treasure awaits.

Last week Paul Butler and I accompanied Sean Kelly as he became reacquainted with his glorious past in the back of a small bike shop in Drogheda. This is what we found :

Sean Kelly’s Vitus De Gribaldy

Stephen Roche’s MBK

Paul Kimmage’s RMO Liberia

Martin Early’s Rossin

Nicolas Roche’s Kuota

Laurence Roche’s Stephen Roche

Malcolm Elliott’s Peugeot

Sean Yates’ Peugeot

Barry Hoban’s Mercier

Dominique Arnaud’s Raleigh

Deno Davie’s Carrera

Raleigh Banana

Graeme Obree’s Hour Record Washing Machine bike

Chris Boardman’s Cougar

Sean and Austin

Stephen Roche’s Fagor MBK

Another Sean Kelly Vitus De Gribaldy

Stephen Roche’s Battaglin

Sean impressed with this pair of 100 year old wheels with Bamboo rims. Weight : 1400g for the pair.

Shay O’Hanlon’s Mercian

Shay Elliott career photo gallery 

Brian Robinson Collection

Team Jerseys of Morgan Fox and Ciaran Power

Raphael Kimmage 

Andy Roche

John ‘Kippers’ McQuaid

Malcolm Elliott

Joey McLoughlin

Greg LeMond’s World Champion Jersey

Matt Brammier

Les West

Mark Scanlon’s Jersey from his Junior World Championship victory.

Many happy memories for Sean

Sean won so many races sometimes it was thought that there was more than one of him.

A bus driver going past the shop recognised Sean 

This is where you will find Austin and his incredible collection :

11 N Quay, Lagavooren, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 NW40

 

I highly recommend a visit for any cycling fan.

 

Barry

 

thecyclingblog.com

seankellycycling.com

 

9 COMMENTS

  • Jim McGuire

    Spent a few hours down with Austin earlier this year,honoured to be in the company of a real enthusiast whose enthusiasm was magnetic he has a treasure trove of memorabilia well worth a visit,he even puts money in the meter to avoid you getting a Parking Ticket wish everybody had the drive to keep alive our wonderful cycling history!

  • Olivier Vandystadt

    Hi Austin,

    First of all, congratulations for your amazing collection! I am a big fan of Sean Kelly, I followed all his career! Just one King!!!

    Would you accept to sell your jersey Peugeot ACBB Boulogne Billancourt? Your price is my price.

    Hope one day to come to your shop for a visit.

    My Instagram is (biciclissima), you are welcome.
    Best regards,
    Olivier (Paris)

  • John Crump

    Alan McCormack anything about him?

  • john Crump

    Alan McCormack?

  • Pierre

    Thanks for the Jean de Gribaldy (my uncle) with Sean Kelly picture in your shop.
    Best from France.
    Pierre
    jeandegribaldy.com

    • Austin

      Hello Pierre, many thanks for your kind comments. Very important to remember Jean.. Can you please give me an email to contact you on someday. Best regards, austin

  • Bernard McCormack

    Hi Austin.
    What a collection of fantastic memorabilia from the glory days of Irish Cycling. Brilliant to see all those super bikes and photos. Fair play to you and keep up the good work. Kudos.

    Berni McCormack

  • Pierre

    I have a bike that may interested you
    Contact me on Instagram
    PBCH_Company

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