The Rise of Kildare’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

As the last revs echoed across the grounds of Barberstown Castle and the crowd swayed gently to music in the fading evening light, Austin O’Callaghan stood at the centre of something much bigger than a motorcycle event. “It’s not just about bikes anymore,” he said. “It’s become a family event. It’s become something that people feel — something they bring their kids to. Something they bring their stories to.”

From a modest start of 57 riders in year one to 308 on the road this year, the Kildare chapter of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has morphed into a movement — one driven by emotion, community, and purpose.

“We took up about four and a half kilometres of road in convoy today,” Austin smiled. “You’re going through towns and people are clapping, cheering, waving out of windows. That’s when you know you’re reaching people.”

A Ride With Roots

The DGR began in Australia in 2012, an idea from Mark Hawwa to connect motorcycle culture with awareness for men’s health — particularly mental health and prostate cancer. In the years since, it’s grown into a global force. But here in Kildare, the growth feels especially human.

Austin first brought DGR to Barberstown Castle three years ago. “It was like a child,” he reflects. “And now it’s just getting bigger and bigger. I just hope it doesn’t become a monster.”

Yet it’s this careful stewardship and leadership — keeping the emotion and feelings intact while the scale of the event rises — that has made Kildare’s edition so distinctive. It’s why people return. Why new riders join. Why sponsors and partners are saying yes. It is a way to give back, to be present and shine a light on men’s mental health and prostate cancer.

Personal, Always

“This year, I met a motorcycle group, and they were all women,” Austin said. “They came because they’ve lost men to suicide. And they’re trying to get men to talk more. Open up more.”

He’s speaking of Motorbike Women Ireland, some of whom began their own journeys at earlier DGR events. “I remember Lisa coming to the first Kildare ride with her little learner tabard” he says. “She was only on a bike six months. Now she’s helped create a whole network of women riders. It’s incredible.”

This intersection — of personal history, community growth, and real emotional need — is what gives DGR Kildare its unique quality. Welcoming everyone together. A real willingness to talk, to share, to support. It was magical to see.

Barberstown’s Heart

Austin is quick to deflect credit. “The team here at Barberstown — Amanda, Richard, the whole team — they’ve been amazing. From the start, they’ve believed in this.”

Amanda Torrens, owner of Barberstown Castle, described it simply: “Everybody is touched by Movember in some way. Whether it’s through a partner, an uncle, a father. Men’s mental health is a big one.”

The castle became more than a venue — it became the stage for something larger. With live music, food, prizes, ice cream truck, and even a communion girl trying on a biker jacket on a Joe’s Trike for a picture, the energy never wavered. The emotion and vibe was oh so real.

The reality talking to people is a little more sombre, a lot of people participating and supporting have lost people to suicide. They have lost loved ones, friends, and this is their way of honouring them and standing up. It was powerful to hear some of the stories… some would make you laugh and others bring a tear. It was magic though… on the same page, no judgement… just a common cause everyone wanted to support.

€48,000+ Raised, and Counting

The scale of the support isn’t just emotional — it’s financial. Over €48,000 has been raised so far through DGR Kildare, with funds going toward mental health initiatives, suicide prevention, and prostate cancer research.

Outside the main castle entrance, the Movember “Talk Mo” phone box stood quietly — a space for people to step inside, pick up the receiver, and leave a message about how they were really feeling. No spotlight. Just honesty.

“It means something,” Austin said. “Even just that — picking up the phone and leaving a message — that can be the start of something for someone.”

The Road Ahead

So what’s next?

“Five hundred riders,” Austin says about next year, without hesitation. “Let’s fill the roads. Let’s keep building. But let’s never forget why we’re doing it.”

Because for all the suits, the style, the spectacle — the real engine here is vulnerability. And leadership like Austin’s proves that it’s possible to be bold and open, committed and kind, all at the same time. His speech to kick off the event brought tears to many and really set the tone… we have all lost men in our lives. This is a way to try help others, to support others and hopefully save some lives.

A community coming together because it is ok not to feel ok.

“It’s not about being perfect,” he says. “It’s just about showing up. That’s what matters.”

I’ve seen a lot of events. But this one? It’s different. It’s not built on hype. It’s built on heart. People showed up. They dressed up. But more importantly, they opened up.

You felt it in the convoy. You heard it in the speeches. You saw it in the quiet moments — the hugs, the tears, the laughter. What Austin’s built here matters. The community that is building matters. It’s not just a ride anymore. It’s a movement with a pulse. And after yesterday, it’s louder and stronger than ever.

Here’s to next year and many more. It was an honour to be involved again for the 3rd year in a row. This is a cause very close to our hearts here at Grassroots and we couldn’t be prouder watching it grow from strength to strength. Huge congrats to Austin, Amanda and all the team that come together to make this possible.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Kildare is a special event. Mark the date for next year, the goal is 500 Bikes, we love Austin’s vision.

Until Next Time,

Shane