Irish 500

33 years and still going stonger than ever.

BY MARY MURPHY

The Irish 500, a Cathedral tradition based on thefamous Indy 500, is the final all school assembly at the end of every school year. Now, the students don’t drive race cars for 200 laps, but something much much smaller. The teams ride on the tiniest tricycles that have been around forever. While they aren’t the easiest to ride, that’s where most of the entertainment is found. There are few high schoolers that fit on the little tricycle so watching a bunch of 15-19 year olds teenagers try to ride a kids bike, is truly something to remember.

Now, with this being an all school event, students from each grade must participate. 16 students from each class level make up four different teams for their class. First, the freshman ride. All four freshman teams gather on the starting line to start their race. The winning team moves on to the finals. Then the sophomores go. Then the juniors, and then the seniors. The winning team of each grade then lines up for the victory of the “Irish 500”. Round and round the little tricycles go, with many crashes, tumbles, laughs, and some injuries.

The Irish 500 is one of many class battles throughout the year. This one in particular is super important to the students because the Irish 500 is an unofficial summer kickoff and the last hurrah before final exams and the seniors end their journey on The Hill. Senior Liam Eiffert explains that, “It’s just a fun way to bring the whole school together. It is also a good time as we usher the seniors out. Honestly, it is just a good ending to the school year.” Cathedral has many fun traditions but the Irish 500 is quite a legacy. The Cathedral Irish 500 is a tradition that has been around for a long time. It has been 33 years since the first race on May 25th, 1990. Things were a little different back then. 100 dollars was rewarded to the winners of the first race in 1990. With time, the tradition has been modified in many ways. Most notably, the location change. The Irish 500 used to take place in the Mimms gym. While looking back at old pictures, fitting the entire school in the Mimms gym was definitely a challenge. Now, the race takes place in the WAC. There is lots more room to be rowdy and race to class victory. Alumni Mrs. Nicole Beasley '98, and current Executive Vice President of Advancement talked about the difference between gyms. She says,“I felt the Mimms gym was a more thrilling environment because you are practically on top of the course.” Another Cathedral educator and alumni class of 1997 Jean Smith says, “I believe it is very similar. Both are and were so crowded and jam packed. Almost like the snake pit. Being in the Wac is just the same as not being able to move in the mimms.” The Irish 500 is an annual Cathedral tradition that has been going on since 1990. With time comes memories. The “Irish 500” is most definitely a memorable four moments throughout a student's high school career. Sophomore Grayson Hill’ 25 says that one of her favorite memories of the “Irish 500'' is “ Watching Nicky Neale with his one leg bent on the tricycle and the other leg pushing him to victory. It was simply hilarious.” Mind you, Nicky is a 6’1 football player riding a child’s bike. Senior Liam Eiffert '24 says, “My favorite memory is competing and strategizing on which way is fastest. We did not succeed and in fact didn't even make it to the finals. It was fun to see the random strategies for riding on those little tricycles.”

Former Cathedral student Andrew Christiansen '99 explains his journey while competing in the Irish 500 back in 1999. He explains how one of his wheels falls off and “Winning felt good senior year.” Mr. Christiansen wanted to make sure it was known that his class was the ONLY Cathedral graduating class that has been unable to TP the hill. Mr Christiansen remembers these Cathedral traditions like they happened yesterday. Cathedrals traditions make a lasting impression on one's life and even when your journey is over, you are always welcome back.

The Irish 500 is an annual Cathedral tradition that has been around for a very long time. With each race comes more memories, laughs, and excitement. The tricycle race is truly unforgettable. Ending each school year all together watching high schoolers ride tiny tricycles is truly a Cathedral spin.