THE ROYAL DASH

The British & Irish Lions are heading to Dublin Friday 20th June to play Argentina ahead of their tour to Australia.. Before that there are two events taking place in Northern Ireland supporting two charities associated with Doddie Weir (B&I Lion number 670) and Tom Smith (B&I Lion number 668)..

Doddie Weir & Tom Smith passed away in 2022. Doddie, who earned 61 caps for Scotland and also represented the British and Irish Lions in 1997, faced his biggest challenge as he battled MND, a condition that affects the brain and nerves.
He set up the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation in 2017 after announcing that he had been diagnosed with MND, to help raise awareness and funds to find a cure for this devastating disease. Sadly, Doddie passed away 26th November 2022 aged 52.

Tom also earned 61 caps for Scotland and toured with the 1997 & 2001 British & Irish Lions playing in all 6 tests. Tom was regarded as one of the best loose heads in modern rugby. Tom’s final match in the blue jersey was against England in 2005.

Tom was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2019, with tumours in his colon, brain and liver and sadly passed away 6th April 2022 aged 50. 40tude curing colon cancer

The Royal Dash is a cycle event keeping the theme of the B&I Lions, when four teams, Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales will cycle 180 miles from Royal County Down Golf Club to Royal Portrush Golf Club then finish at The Royal Belfast Golf Club. Lead by ex-international players you can pick a team to join and enjoy the 'race'..

The event starts with an overnight stay on the Tuesday night at the Burrendale Hotel & SPA in Newcastle before the cycle on the Wednesday. Cyclists will also attend the 'long Lions lunch' at The Royal Belfast Golf Club on the Thursday..

For more information message me or send me an email: ceo@royalbelfast.com