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We know my husband's Maternal Grandfather George Patrick McDonnell (b.1879 in Quin County Clare - d.1939 in Mullinahone, County Tipperary) was a competitive cyclist probably in County Clare/Limerick/Tipperary or possibly Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland.  We have a photo of him in his racing attire with his bike standing beside a table of trophies.  We assume it was taken sometime between 1895 and 1910?  No idea regarding the trophy table as it may have been a photo prop or ones that he had won himself or perhaps the trophies to be awarded for the race that he was due to compete in.  We know that George became the Assistant County Engineer for Tipperary and lived in Mulinahone where my mother-in-law was borne and where her father is buried.   We do have a copy of a US Patent for an early starter designed for cars which was invented by him and marketed as the Tipperary Starter Engine in an Irish automotive magazine.  He also invented a few other items although don't think he had patents for them.

Anyway - my main question is - are there any places (online) I can explore that would shed some light on his cycling exploits?  Where can I go to find further information or does anyone have any info about competitive cycling in Ireland during the timeframe noted above??  Any help gratefully received!  

Lindakb

Saturday 13th Jul 2024, 07:35PM

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