Racing News

The Emyvale race took place on Sunday last the 26th of May. The start of the race, which was scheduled for 1.00pm, had to be moved back to 2.00pm due to the replay of the Armagh and Tyrone games. The race circuit started in Emyvale and continued to Monaghan, silver stream, Glaslough and back to Emyvale. As this was one of the main events on the racing calendar there was a huge turn out of cyclists in all categories from all over the country, with riders as far away as Killarney Galway and Kanturk, Co. Cork taking part.

The event was well organised and the huge spectator turnout enjoyed the opportunity to view some of the country’s best cyclists in action on their on door step. The club had two such cyclists representing them on the day and these where our own Paul Brady and Connor Murphy who was recently chosen to ride on both the Irish and Ulster teams.

In the A’s and B’s category which was run around the circuit 5 times for a total of 75 miles, there was an early breakaway which contained our own Connor Murphy. The breakaway managed to stay away from the main bunch for most of the race. This provided the spectators with the prospect of a very exciting sprint finish, and they where not disappointed. As the breakaway came over the bridge in Emyvale every one went for the line with the lead changing a number of times in the process. But it was our own Connor Murphy who bridged a 26 year gap for a Emyvale man to win the Emyvale Grand Prix coincidently it was Connors father Tony who was the last Emyvale man to win it back in 1976. Conner also collected the Oliver Treacy cup for first local rider home . Keith Murphy put in another good performance to come home in the main bunch.

The C’s, Vet’s and Junior categories provided another great days entertainment. The race was run around the circuit 4 times for a total of 60 miles. It was all action right from the start with a number of riders trying to breakaway. With all this going on it wasn’t long until two riders went clear. These two stayed away for a few laps but where reeled in by our own Paul Brady, who subsequently left them behind and went for the finish on his own. Unfortunately he did not manage to hold of the main bunch until the end and the race came together again one lap from the finish. This again provided the spectators with a great bunch finish and our own Paul Brady came through to claim second over all and first Junior. This is a great achievement for Paul as this is only his first year racing as a Junior.

In 12’s, 14’s and 16’s categories there was more prize winners for the Emyvale club with Stephen Mc Donald putting in a great performance with a 2nd in the under 12’s in his first year. Darren Mc Kiernan had a good race as well and came home in 4th. Garth Mc Adams was the best of four Emyvale riders in the under 14’s with a 2nd place finish. Michael Mc Aree in his first year had an excellent 4th, with James Kane coming home in 7th. Barry Hughes received the Peter Mc Mahon perpetual shield for most progressive cyclist in the club. In the under 16 event Gary Mc Kenna had an excellent race and claimed 4th place.

The club would like to thank the civil defence, marshals and every one who contributed to the successful running of the event. Special thanks go to all the sponsors who included Town of Monaghan Co. Op, Francie Mc Quaid Tyres, Universal Graphics, PC Whirl and Tommy Martin Fuels.

The next Event that club will be hosting is one of the most prestige’s events on the racing calendar, the Under 23, Vet’s and Junior All Ireland Championships which will be held on the 14th of July. The main sponsor for the event will be Mc Elvaney Motors.

Race Results

A’s & B’s
1st - Connor Murphy, Emyvale CC
2nd - Lenny Kirk, Ards
3rd - Jonathan Dempsey, Dave Kane
4th - Derek Cunningham, Bray and 1st B and winner of the Barry Murphy memorial cup.

C’s, Vet’s & Juniors
1st - Eddie Crory, Newry
2nd - Paul Brady, Emyvale CC and 1st Junior and winner of the Green Mount Cup,
3rd - Theo Hardwick, Killorglin
4th - Mickey Gallon, Omagh

Ladies
1st - Bet Mc Cluskey, Dublin
2nd - Rebecca O Connell, Dublin
3rd - Suzan Lavery, Dublin

Under 16’s
1st - Mark Mc Girr, Lakeland
2nd - Brian Henning, Newry
3rd - Richard Jones, Fintona
4th - Gary Mc Kenna, Emyvale CC

Under 14’s
1st - Simon Williams, Orchard Wheelers
2nd - Garth Mc Adam, Emyvale CC
3rd - Michael Furphy, Lurgan
4th - Michael Mc Aree, Emyvale CC

Under 12’s
1st - Peter Williams, Orchard Wheelers
2nd - Stephen Mc Donald, Emyvale CC
3rd - Eoin Mc Mahon, Dublin
4th - Darren Kerns, Emyvale CC 4th.

Touring News

There were eight cyclists from the club in attendance on Sunday last at the Slave Gullian run which was over a distance of 60 miles. The members where Seamus Mc Elory, Barry Murray, Fergus Murray, Tommy Martin, Pat Noonan, Gerard Hughes and Paul “90” Hughes all of whom are in top shape and should have no difficulty in completing the notorious Wicklow 200.

The continuing Tuesday and Thursday night spins, which leave Emyvale at 6.45pm, are a perfect opportunity for new members to join and take part in low distance spins. With a number of members looking forward to taking part in the Wicklow 200km there will be an alternative route on these nights which will provide a few more climbs and will be leaving at 7.00pm. The Sunday spin will be leaving Emyvale at the usual time of 9.30am.

Anyone interested in participating in the Wicklow 200 should contact Barry on 047-86100 for an entry form as the closing date for receiving entries is the 4th of June.

Up coming outings for the touring club include the Wicklow 200(km) on the 16th of June. This will be followed by the two day Border Trek the week after which consists of 100 miles each day. MEETING on Tuesday 4th June in Emyvale Leisure Centre at 9oclock all members please attend

Other News

22nd May 2002
14th May 2002
25th April 2002