McNally Swords Cycling Club
Summer Edition 2005
<2005 Club League Fixture List>

Club Launch: The launch of the Club season took place in the Carnegie Court Hotel on 4th of April. There was a good turnout. Kevin McFeely welcomed the new members into the club and wished all cyclists a good and accident free season. Once again, many thanks to Breda and Joe for continuing as our sponsors for the coming season.

2005 The Season so Far : (by Hugh Byrne)
The 2005 season has got off to a great start with barely a race going by without one of our Juniors, Sean, Michael or Stephen out of the first 3 in their class and indeed Sean has had some impressive placings in combined races. It seems that Sean Rock not only 'a god' as Ludsie puts it, but is developing into a mean sprinter!!! Indeed Stephen & Michael are also mean finishers, and have picked up much under the guidance of the Legend himself. Indeed all three gave a good showing in the Gorey 3-Day as part of a 10 rider Swords entry. Plenty of happy faces on show on the club website courtesy of Kieran Whelan.

In the IVCA we have had two galloping wins from Liam Maguire, a win for Sam McArdle (fresh from Gorey!!!) and an overdue reward for Gerry Martin also with a win to his credit and a 'nearly win' for Sean, placing 2nd. We also have seen some impressive riding from Brendan Kennedy and its only a matter of time before he gets something on the board

At U12 James Morgan took his first win in the Brendan Carroll Memorial, and has since place 3rd twice. I wonder if his famous uncle or cousin had chalked up their first victory at that age!!! Thankfully his whole family were out to witness his win and what we hope is the start of an illustrious cycling career!!!

In the B category Alister was beaten into 2nd place in the Dundalk Traders Club, by Mat Kelly (Stam MD) and Brian Crinion also had to settle for 2nd after an aggressive display of riding in the C race in the Stamullen Grand Prix. However Brian has been doing serious damage in the Triatlon scene with two big wins to his credit and a 2nd spot (beaten in the sprint to the line). Our very own Superstar Caroline Kearney, has also had wins on the domestic triathlon scene (nothing new there) and has had the odd foray into the open race scene where she also has had wins. Indeed she got a great write up in Irelands new Cycling Magazine regarding her impressive win in Round 1 of the Ladies League at the Boot Inn.

Jason O'Callaghan has made an impressive return to racing being promoted to B cat in record time. Some good placings and placing 1st C in the Phoenix Park sealed his fate on that score. He also has been placing well in our club league so he may not be a B for long either!! Jason was a member some years back when he raced at u/age. Indeed the famous Seve is also back (was he ever really gone?) and riding well. I also have to mention that its great to see Fran O'Sullivan & Anto Rock back riding in our club league. They may not be as fast as they were when some years back they rode the Ras in Swords colours (remember those orange multicolour jerseys!!) but their experience will benifit many of our rising stars.

So if anyone out there knows anyone else out there who has strayed from the fold, please encourage them to get back on their bikes and rejoin!!!! Cycling isn't just a sport, its a lifestyle and if it’s in your blood it’s in there forever.

Finally I have to wish our Conor McGrane a continued speedy recovery from his horrific crash. Its great to see you our at the league waving the flag with the arm thats not broken!!. And for those afraid to ask.........the bike wasn't badly damaged (and anxiosly awaits his return)!!

Update : PS. I had no sooner written the above report when we had a great result for the club in the Noel & Kieran Hammond Memorial races. Newly upgraded B, Jason O'Callaghan picked up a pot as 3rd Unplaced B, we had three riders in the top in the combined C/V/J race where John Shortt was just pipped on the line with Sean Lally a very close 4th and a rider who was going to feature all week, Stephen Halpin 6th. Stephen then took another 6th in the Phoenix Park two days later and placed 3rd behind that man again Jason O'Callaghan (2nd) and Chris O'Hare (Stam MD) in our Club League in Man-O-War the very next night!!!

Update on Touring: The IVCA Leisure League is well under way with the first four rounds having been successfully completed. The toughest round yet (Peaks and Valleys) took place on the 1^st May. Only two Swords representatives took part. We had a better tunout for the next leisure event, namely the East Coast Tour which took place on the 15^th of May. Four members of Swords CC took part, namely Ken Brennan, Tommy Markham, Frank Rooney and myself. There was a good turnout for the event due to the very good weather. It was great to see Tommy back after an enforced layoff. This was ideal preparation for the Wicklow 200 which is fast approaching. Below are the next three rounds of the IVCA Leisure League.

2 Day Leisure Tour of Mayo and Galway
The Junior Tour of Ireland begins on July 12^th this year and finishes on July 17^th. To help with the enormous expense in putting on an event like this a two day Leisure Tour of Mayo and Galway will take place on the Sunday and Monday of the June Bank Holliday Weekend. The plan is as Follows,

1. Sun 5^th June 2005, Start Castlebar, 110 kms through North Mayo and finishing in Cararoe, Galway, Overnight in Ostain Cararoe, where Accommodation and meals will be provided.
2. Mon 6^th June 2005, Start Cararoe, 110 kms through South Galway along the banks of Lough Corrib and Finishing in Castlebar.

What will be provided?

1. Overnight Accommodation, evening meal and breakfast the following morning.
2. Full Support and backup services.
3. A good Nights Entertainment in Cararoe which you will not forget

What have you to do?
If you are interested we will send you out a sponsorship card and all you have to do is raise €250. I would be grateful if this could be circulated to as many members of your club as possible.

Anyone Interested can ring Pat Dowd
087-2435940
01-6284994
fundthejuniours@eircom.net

Annual Club Tour: The annual club tour will take place on Sunday 29^h of May from Fingallians GAA Club. Registration (€10) is at 8.30am, departing at 9.00 a.m. There will be an 80 and 50 mile route. There will be a tea stop at Julianstown at 40 miles approx. This event was very successful last year and we would appreciate if members could make themselves available and support the event again. Non club members are also welcome to participate so bring along anyone who wishes to enjoy a leisurely cycle of north County Dublin.
The exact route can be viewed on the club website at www.swordscc.com.

Fundraiser: At a recent committee meeting various ideas were tabled in relation to raising funds for the club. Breda McNally suggested that the hall in Finngallians be booked in late summer and a few different bands hired for the night. A final date has yet to be decided but keep your diary free for late August. Exact details will be posted as soon as they are available

Week-End Away: The weekend away will take place on November 5^th costing €60 for bed, breakfast, and evening meal. The venue chosen for this year is the Bellingham Castle Hotel in Castlebellingham, Co. Louth. This location is just a short trip of about 40 miles. Those wishing to cycle there may have to add on some extra miles while a 60 mile route for those wishing to cycle around the area will be organised. A cheque for the full amount made payable to the Bellingham Castle Hotel will be accepted. All cheques should be forwarded to
Martin Joyce, 14 Seabury View, Malahide, Co. Dublin
mobile 086 3809039 or 8455697.
There are 30 places available, so first come first served!!