Pedalling hope in city in fast lane to future

Any colour as long as it’s pink was the message from Belfast this week as the greatest cycle race in the world rolled into town.

And the city surpassed even the wildest expectations of the Giro d’Italia organisers and fans with the warmth of its welcome and the exuberance of its celebration.

And no wonder because the arrival of the Giro signified another stage passed in the Belfast’s miraculous journey from war to peace.

The economists have had their say: the Giro’s spectacle will boost our tourism industry and by projecting an image of stability and prosperity to 600-million-plus people worldwide will attract investment.

But for me the real triumph of the Giro is in generating the positive energy which fuels Belfast’s sprint into the future.

Giro lifts the city’s spirits, turbo-charges our ambition and gives us the courage to shoot for the moon every time.

So to the tourist board, Visit Belfast, Tourism Ireland, the PSNI, first-aiders and magnificent volunteers who made it all possible: Grazie Mille!

I am writing from Dublin Airport as I wait to board the plane to Boston to ink a sister city agreement with the Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh. Belfast already had an incredible story to tell our Boston cousins, post-Giro that story just even more  inspiring.

Amidst the celebrations through, Belfast was dealt a bitter blow with news that our greatest superhero Fearless Oscar Knox had passed away. In five short years, he brought great joy and unity to Belfast, brightening the lives of so many. Our thoughts are with his parents Stephen and Leona and the wider Knox family at this time of heartbreak. But thank you for sharing Oscar with us. Tonight, Belfast City Hall (with the agreement of all parties) will be lit up in the colours of Team Oscar, teal and yellow, to celebrate his short life. Ar dheis láimh Dé go raibh sé. #TeamOscarForever