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Belfast Telegraph
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
‘For a small island, it has an enormous coastline': Timmy Mallett cycles 3,500 miles around Irish seaboard
Former children's TV presenter Timmy Mallett aimed to 'bring a smile with every mile' as he cycled more than 3,500 miles around Ireland's entire coastline. The English broadcaster is best known for presenting roles on TV-am and the Wide Awake Club, as well as for his 1990 number one hit 'Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini'. Recently, the 69-year-old has taken to the coastal roads of the island of Ireland, after circumnavigating all of Great Britain in 2023. Having cycled all 905 miles around NI last year, he initially returned this year to tackle the Wild Atlantic Way. However, with bathroom renovations still ongoing at home, his wife encouraged him to tackle the whole of the island. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph at the Titanic Slipway — his starting point three months ago — Mallett said he was largely inspired by his late brother Martin, who passed away in 2018. 'I have two big brothers: Paul, the eldest, and Martin,' Mallett explained. 'Martin, with language and learning difficulties, never let Down's syndrome define him. 'You found that Martin would live every minute of the day in the moment, the here and now. 'I realised that with Martin, with his gift for living in the now, it was really important. He would say: 'Ah, buba, you and me. I'm happy.' 'So, this is a journey about inspiring people to reach their potential. We don't have to be the best yet, just the best that we can be. 'I am keen on curiosity. I think curiosity is a fine and fabulous attribute that we don't pay enough attention to. 'I like seeing what you can find on your own around the corner. 'I cycled round the coast of Waterford. I came to 'Norn Iron' to see if I could do a circumnavigation of it. Nine-hundred and five miles later, [I realised] it's an enormous country. That is when I heard a small voice: 'Don't forget the forgotten county' — Donegal, further north, which is weirdly in the South. So, I did another 550 miles covering the coast of Donegal, all those finger peninsulas. 'That is when I wondered if I could do some more, to go down the Wild Atlantic Way. 'Two months later, I go to Kinsale, and Mrs Mallett said: 'Well, I am doing the bathroom in the house... Why don't you just keep going to see how far around the rest of the country you can go?' 'That is what this moment [arriving at Titanic Slipway] is about, because I have now cycled around the entire coast of the island of Ireland. For a small island, it has an enormous coastline. It transpires that I have cycled over 3,500 miles. That's a lot of coastline.' With such a famous face on the road, Mallett was stopped 'every kilometre, every day' by fans. 'It's a wonderful and joyful moment, because I make it a rule to always stop. I have found that this island... the Irish have a profound gift for kindness and generosity. There is a warmth of a welcome that is truly lovely. 'There is something special to somebody around these islands. Some highlights would include going to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo. 'There, I came across the grandson of Maureen Sweeney. In 1944, Maureen had been sending weather reports which she didn't know were crucial for the D-Day landings. 'Now, at the same time, my mum was working at the Supreme headquarters on the weather forecasting for D-Day. 'Maureen's grandson Fergus says that on that day, when she sent her weather forecast, a squeaky-voiced English lady picked up the phone to check the report. 'And I love the fact that these two women had a role in this titanic struggle of the time in D-Day. 'It was lovely to hear the other side of that story 80 years later. I think it has been an important pilgrimage.' When asked about his transition from TV presenter to adventurer and painter, Mallett described his life as having 'different aspects'. 'I think that we all have different aspects in our lives, and talents can be important for us to develop. 'I've been lucky enough. I had a great TV career, I had a number one hit record throughout the world, and now my art is collected across the globe. 'The important thing really is to reach our potential, make the most of each and every day, and to bring a smile. Bring a smile with every mile.'
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
1980s TV star Timmy Mallett spotted in Wicklow
Renowned for his energetic personality, colourful attire and striking spectacles, Timmy was a star of the TV screens in the 1980s and 90s, hosting television shows such as Wide Awake Club and Wacaday. In 1990 he had a number one hit single with his cover version of single Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, and more recently he appeared on I'm a Me Out of Here! In 2008. Having circumnavigated the UK on his 'Timmeee' bike, and stopping along the way to paint some of the stunning landscapes he came across, followed by a tour of the coastal boarders of Northern Ireland, Timmy decided to do a solo tour along the Wild Atlantic Way - exploring rural Ireland by bike and documenting the experience in paint and prose. He was a welcome visitor to the Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station on Thursday, where he was greeted by some of the volunteer crew and members of the fundraising branch. Wicklow RNLI PRO Tommy Dover said: 'It was great for everyone present to be able to welcome Timmy to Wicklow to the lifeboat station. He initially contacted the fundraising branch to ask if it would be OK for him to visit, and we were all delighted with the idea. He just wanted to see how the station operates and give us a nod for all the work we do. He is very much community-spirt driven. 'Some of our more 'seasoned' crew would have been very familiar with him, while some of our newer crew might not have been quite so familiar. He was very friendly and chatted away to members of the crew and the fundraising branch. You have to admire his enthusiasm, and the fact he is taking on the entire Irish coastline, aged in his late 60s.' Prior to arriving in Wicklow town, Timmy took in some of the sights in Arklow, and heard all about the history of the iconic 19 Arches Bridge over the River Avoca, constructed between 1754 and 1756. After leaving Wicklow RNLI Lifeboat Station, he cycled to Hunter's Hotel in Rathnew, where he stopped for lunch. He also went on to post an image on Instagram of the sign announcing entry to Newcastle village, before making his way on to Dublin.
