By Avril Horan

THE roar of motorcycles is not a sound typically associated with Christmas, and yet the spectacle of the Tribes Motorcycle Club’s annual Santa Toy Run has become part and parcel of Galway’s festive season.

For one of the founding members, Stephen MacDermot, the inspiration came from a visit to COPE’s Waterside House in the mid-1980s, arriving with “a van load of toys” and £250.

“I could actually see the abused women and children who had nowhere to go, bar down to Waterside House, coming up to Christmas, and it broke my heart,” he says.

“The whole idea was, first of all, to improve the image of biking. But when I brought the toys and money there, I saw with my heart and eyes what was happening and it changed my reason for doing the event. It’s to help people who need help. We have been collecting for them ever since.”

Now the annual charity run has taken on wings of its own. Stephen proudly admits he built the club’s Santa sleigh, which is used during the run, over a decade ago.

“Who built it? Santa and his elves,” he jokes.

“I did. Ten years ago. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade.”

They now collect vital funds not only for COPE Galway, but also for the paediatric unit at UHG and for East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support in Ballinasloe.

“They are so short of funds, it’s crazy,” Stephen says of the cancer charity.  “Last year, we gave them around €3,000 and they said they would have to close their doors for Christmas if we hadn’t donated that money.”

This year’s Santy Ride Out — as he calls it — took place on Saturday, November 22, beginning in Eyre Square, where bikers from Galway, Mayo, Clare, and beyond gathered with Santa, elves, and collection buckets.

From there, the convoy rumbled through Gort, Loughrea, Ballinasloe, and back into the city, raising money along the way.

“The generosity this year was unreal,” Stephen says.  “There were more notes than coins going into the buckets. People are incredible.”

The club has built its own traditions over the years, including one Galway businesses now look forward to.

“When we walk the bikes down Shop Street and Quay Street, we always warn the pubs first,” Stephen explains.  “But they love it. They tell us it’s a part of their Christmas buzz every year.”

And even after the big ride out, the club’s work is far from finished. There are toy drop-offs and special escorts ahead.

On December 7, the Carnmore community has asked the club to transport Santa and Mrs Claus from the airport stores to the community hall. Later in December, the bikers plan to head to the paediatric unit at UHG with a cheque and teddies to brighten the children’s wards.

“We’ve a busy schedule yet,” Stephen says.  “But sure, that’s what it’s all about.”

Last year, despite battling red weather warnings, the club still gathered a huge turnout and collected €14,200. The year before, they raised over €16,000. This season, Stephen believes they could surpass both.

■ For those wishing to support, go to iDonate.ie and search for Tribes MCC.

Pictured: Revving up: members of the Tribes Motorcycle Club about to set off from Eyre Square on their annual Santa Toy Run last Saturday.