2005
Index
2004 League &
Racing Round-up by Hugh Byrne November 2004
Swords riders fare well in Christmas
Races by Hugh Byrne Debember 2004
IVCA Ashbourne :Win
for Liam Maguire by Hugh Byrne April 3rd2005
Stamullen Grand Prix
: C Race by Brian Crinion
IVCA Batterstwn CP by Liam Maguire April 24th 2005
Mullagh CP: 'Fail
Trying ....or Fail to Try!!!' by Brendan Kennedy May 3rd 2005
Joey Hannon Triathlon May 8th 2005 from
TriathlonIreland.com
2005: The Season so
Far by Hugh Byrne May 13th 2005
2005:The Season so
Far May
13th 2005
Report
from 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. The 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 its in your blood its 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!!!
Joey Hannon Triathlon May 8th 2005
Report
from TriathlonIreland.com
Sunday morning at 11am saw the start of the 13th Joey
Hannan memorial Triathlon kick off in St Enda’s
Sports Complex. The Triathlon was being hosted by
Limerick Triathlon Club with the assistance of main
Sponsors PJ Mathews, Gleeson’s Sports Scene, The
Bike Shop, Frank Hogan Motors, Ballygowan, Bell Sports,
Gubbins-O Connor-Murphy Auctioneers, Shannon Development,
Siopa Rothar and Limerick Sports Store.
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The Triathlon is a huge
event on the Limerick Triathlon Calendar and is
held in memory of Limerick Triathlete and
“Ironman” Joey Hannan who was
tragically killed while training on his bicycle
almost 15 years ago. But the memory of Joey grows
stronger every year and the numbers of long
standing athletes coming back year after year
show how much Joey was loved by so many people.
This year we had a record entry of 200
competitors, double the figures of last year.
Competitors travelled from all over the country
to race against each other and pay tribute to
Joey, with many of Joeys old friends making huge
efforts to come down and race on the day. The swim starts went off in 6
separate heats according to speed with the final
heat being made up of the some of Irelands Top
Triathletes including International Pro Caroline
Kearney from Dublin and Belparks’ Brian
Crinion who is showing great form in 2005.
Limericks own triathletes were also out in fine
force, with Lisa Horgan, Shane Scully, Brian
Jenkins, Mark Dempsey, Mark Higgins, Barry Kent,
John O’Shea, Liam Butler, Liam Liddy and
Noel Higgins all looking for a top 10 finish.
International Caroline Kearney showed great speed
in the swim clocking the fastest time, with Mark
Higgins and Lisa Higgins-Horgan coming out of the
water in second and third respectively.
<<Event
Winner Brian Crinion
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The
windy weather played a huge role in the race by making
sure no athlete had an easy time on the 32km cycle leg
out and back the Killmallock road. Athletes battled into
the energy sapping north-westerly breeze on the return
leg to St Enda’s. Many triathletes came in exhausted
after the cycle leg, but drove on and started out on the
2 lap 8km run leg of the race. It was Brian Crinion who
after exiting the pool in 11th position “eat”
up road on the cycle and passed all 11 athletes in front
of him, exhibiting impressive power on the bike. Mark
Higgins and Caroline Kearney followed in some minutes
later ahead of the rest of the competitors. Coming into
the transition area in 4th, 5th, 6th places was Jenkins,
Scully and Dempsey. The run was to be the deciding event
of the day with the chasing group of the three above
overtaking Kearney and Higgins. Crinion held off the
opposition with the fastest run split of the day, with
West Limerick AC’s Joe Chawke posting the second
fastest run time of the day. It was a great event that
was enjoyed by all the spectators and participants. .
"Everyone’s
enthusiasm was a tribute to our never forgotten
Triathlete, Joey Hannan"
Sunday 8th May :Joey Hannon
Memorial Triathlon, Limerick
(1km Swim, 30km Cycle, 8km Run)
Male Senior
1. B Crinion (Belpark) 1.35.25
2. S Scully (Limerick) 1.39.47
3. B Jenkins (Limerick) 1.39.59
4. M Dempsey (Limerick) 1.40.23
5. M Higgins (Limerick) 1.41.48 |
|
Female Senior
1. C Kearney (3Dtri/Montpellier) 1.41.19
2. L Horgan (Limerick) 1.47.22
3. E Maslova (Piranha) 1.55.01
4. M Griffen (Limerick) 2.00.42
5. A McCarthy (Limerick) 2.04.32 |
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Mullagh CP: 'Fail
Trying ....or Fail to Try!!!'May 3rd 2005
Report
from Brendan Kennedy
The Tuesday
League got under way with a real bang this Tue 3rd May
with a 42Km CP in Batterstown, using the Mullagh Circuit.
With the weather being crap all day, with heavy thundery
showers, & a very strong North-Easterly wind blowing
I had some reservations as to whether to go and ride this.With
about 30-35 riders eventually signed on I decided I was
here now, so lets get stuck in. My plan for the night was
to go straight from the start and sod everybody else as
whether they could come through, hang on or get dropped,
I was going to drive as much as possible from the front
even if it meant I would be spent for the finish. It had
been arranged that there would only be three groups (Limit
@12 mins, to Greens & Whites 10mins, to Yellows
& only 1min to Blacks combined with Scratch. The
scratch group had a number of Cycling Ireland riders
taking part, due to the fact that there had not been a
event over the weekend in Leinster, so I knew this was
going to be tough (to say the least). I had heard a
comment before the race that they where going to take
control and show us how its really done, (WOW were they
to get a kick in the Ass). This inspired me even more,
& made me more determined to make it as difficult as
I could. After the off I went straight to the front, put
my head down & drove the group along encouraging
everybody to come through. As per usually only 4-5 riders
were taking turns coming through & this was out of 12
riders in the Yellow group. By the time we had approached
the Mullagh for the first time I was already a bit
cheesed off with the attitude, and decided to take a
flyer off the front, so I attacked up the climb over the
Mullagh, I could hear the shouts coming from behind, 'Easy,Easy'
but this fell on my deaf ears, I just kept going, only
one other rider came with me and we worked together up
until we got onto the Trim - Dunboyne road. Unfortunately
for us both there was a slight tail wind and the group
decided they would work & we were caught. Some miles
later we then faced a very strong head wind coming into
Batterstown & I could see a group up the road at
about 30 seconds, and behind us were the scratch group at
about 20 seconds. I made 2 attempts to bridge the gap on
my own, but with that wind I only managed to pull back
about 10-12 seconds. I knew it would not be long before
the scratch caught us, so I was hoping that 2 or 3 riders
may try to go clear from their group, and come up to me
& we may have a chance getting clear up over the
Mullagh for the 2nd time. However I was caught just
before the left turn towards Cullmullan, and at that
moment Noel Beggs (Lucan) , a couple of lads from Usher
& Gerry Brannigan (Orwell) attacked really hard
up the climb gaining a good gap of about 15-20 sec, this
worried me (especially remembering the comment before the
start) so I jumped and eventually got across to them
before the top, I was joined by Stephen Fennell (Dub Whs)
& Pat Blount followed up behind him, the 6 of us
worked well but I noticed that the CI lads were
concocting plans and trying to work over the IVCA lads.
On the run in towards Dunboyne they attacked a couple of
times but NO way was I letting them get too far! I chased
every thing every time(I was to pay for it later). Gerry
Brannigan had another go and got about 10 sec but he was
not really going anywhere, Jimmy Lally made a good effort
to get across to him, and knowing Jimmy to be strong I
followed his wheel the 3 of us tried to worked but we got
caught & as we did so Noel Beggs made a run for home
with only about 5-6km to go. I knew the run in towards
Batterstown would be hard for him on his own, but the CI
Lads where at their old tactics, slowing down at
the head of the Bunch. Beggs was getting further &
further away, & no one was looking like they wanted
to chase him, (I was screaming at guys to go around the
CI lads and chase him, but it fell on deaf ears).With
about 30 yards from the left turn into Batterstown I
jumped off & managed to get a gap on the the
Bunch. This move, which I hoped would be enough
to get me up to Noel Beggs & then hopefully
because he was dying a death, jump him to the line. Well
I did get up to Noel but Forgetting the distance from the
last corner to the line, & facing that head wind,
& maybe all the chasing I had done there was
absolutely nothing left in the legs, & both us were
caught by the fast moving gallop, But I was delighted to
see a team mate Gerry Martin getting a very well deserved
win.(WELL DONE GERRY). As for me I finished in the group
in 20th place. Not getting in the points was
disappointing, but on reflection the way in which I rode
is just as important to me. As Hughie Byrne pointed out
to me"If I had won tonight that would be better than
100 6th places". Ok tonight I didn't win, but
I was happy with my performance and beside my teamate
Gerry, a rider who always gives everything, and someone
who tries to make things happen, took the honours.
Please understand I'm not writing this to say 'I'm great',nor
am I writing about Gerry's win. I'm just trying to make
the point that you have to ride to your strenghts, at
least try to take the race by the scruff of the neck, and
that its better to fail trying than to fail to try!!!!!!!!!
...........and besides eventually it will pay off!!!
Brendan
Kennedy
IVCA Batterstown CP April 24th 2005
Report
from Liam Maguire
Today's
race was a 3 group CP with small time gaps between each
group. Starting promptly at 09.30 with dry but cold
conditions, our group of 'Yellows' were 2nd to go. Almost
from the start we organised ourselves and got the chain
of riders going through, keeping the pace fast and eating
into the time gap and by the end of the first of three
laps out quarry was in sight. Again keeping the pace high
we merged with the lead group and as many of us reckoned
we might stay clear of scratch we worked together to
maintain our advantage. Last time up the hill at
Culmullin the race started in earnest, when Dave Kelly (Bray
Wh), Ned Costello (Usher), and Brendan Kennedy (McNally
Swords) made a good attempt to get clear on the hill only
to be brought back by a determimed chase led by a IMBRC /
Orwell combination. Turning right onto the Summerhill
Road for the last time Dave Kelly (Bray Wh) attacked
again on the slight rise, this time going clear. This
move certainly set alarm bells ringing in the bunch. He
had a good gap, but despite a valiant effort he was never
out of sight. I was calmed by the experience and ability
of temmate Brendan Kennedy who pointed out to me that
Dave was battling alone into the wind and it was a long
way to the finish. I also knew when push came to shove he
would help close that gap........ when the time was right!
Slowly the bunch closed in on the brave attacker but didn't
reel him completely until about 3 miles from the finish.
At this stage I started to think I had a chance for the
win. My loyal temmate Brendan closed down everything and
at one stage found himself just off the front with Ned
and an Orwell rider. I was happy with this situation as
it wasn't up to me to close that gap, and if they got
clear I fancied Brendan's chances of the win. As it was
this gap was closed and it was all together as we headed
into the last corner. I came around the corner in about 6th
place and after all the hard work by my teammate I was
left relaxed and feeling strong for the sprint. I kept on
the outside making sure I wouldnt be boxed and waited for
the right moment to unleash my sprint. I timed it just
right and had the power to deliver another win for Swords
CC with Brendan getting a well deserved 7th.
Liam
Maguire
Stamullen Grand Prix
: C Race!! April 17th 2005
Report from
Brian Crinion
On the start line I said to the
others,
" Lads, I'm breaking up this group on the first hill. Who's
coming with me?".
Nobody was prepared to commit. So 2miles out from the
start, I lead up the first hill. I made it over the
top with two guys in tow. We had opened up a gap by
the Naul and without much effort from us the gap
continued to open and soon the breakaway was down to just
a guy from Antrim and I. By Gormanstown the chase group
were nowhere to be seen and we could see the juniors and
vets race ahead, so we put in a big effort to catch them
by Stamullen on the second time, thinking that all we had
to do was sit in with them for the rest of the race.
Unfortunately the race commissioners had other ideas, but
we managed to hang in going up the hill for the second
time and decided to go again on the way out . Then on a
hill 2 miles out from Gormanstown, I attacked and got
away for just over a minute, then I attacked again as we
passed Gormanstown College, but again to no avail. It was
then down to a sprint for the line in Stamullen, which as
you
can see from the photo on IrishCycling.com .......I lost.
I'll be at the next hilly road race, to go one better.
Brian
Crinion.
IVCA Ashbourne :Win
for Liam Maguire!!! April 3rd 2005
Report
from Hugh Byrne
We were no sooner
started when the race practically came to a stop as the
bunch tried to get by a few loose horses without spooking
them. We eventually got by in ones & twos and and
waited till everyone got back before hostilities resumed.
A few riders tried to break clear on the stretch down to
the Ashbourne Road, but as this is the fastest part of
the course and with a tailwind, no one was going to get
clear here despite speeds of 36mph. A few miles later
Paul Deans and another rider went on the attack and got
about 200 yards of a gap. As they turned into the wind on
the back stretch maintaining this gap would become hard
work and no one in the bunch particulaily wanted to pull
them back. Let them 'stew' a bit is probably the
terminology. Cruelly enough the bunch held them at this
range for about 10 miles despite the speed droppping
considerably on the roly section before Soldiers Hill. It
seemed that everytime they slowed so also did the bunch
controlled mainly by the Orwell riders at this stage.
There were a few cries & name calling from one or two
riders within the bunch trying to stimulate the chase,
but they weren't chasing either so their bluffs were
largely ignored. All came back together on Soldier's but
no major counter move was made as perhaps riders were
mindful of how long the hill was and how far it was to
the finish. On the second lap Damien Carroll (Newbridge)
had a dig but quickly found out how difficult it was into
the wind and this wind made most riders reluctanct to
make a move at least until we were back onto the Navan
Road. Orla Hendron had a few goes which were covered,
although she was quite strong, 'fresh' from a good
showing in the Gorey 3-Day. I made a few jumps myself
trying to stimulate an attack before we turned for the
final assent of Soldiers. I hoped that it might be of
benifit to Brendan Kennedy, my training partner. We rode
the course many times during the winter and I knew what
he was capable of if he had a good go on the hill. As it
turned out two riders got away up the hill and Brendan
rode tempo on the hill (as many of us were swinging on
the back!!!!). He eventually got everyone back and got
into the counter move of a few riders but no one was
being let go very far and it was a weary bunch together
as we turned for home. Paul Deans & Brian Reynolds
made token moves on the run in but at this stage it was
definitely coming down to a sprint. I was serioulsy just
hanging on most of the day, but if the better riders
havent got rid of you they would have to suffer the
consequences. I got into a good position on Liam Maguire
wheel but after a slight flurry I somehow ended up a
little too near the front and catching more wind than I
wanted. A rider on my left 'welcomed' me to the buisness
end of the race to which I replied ' expletive deletive'
and that I was up there to win it. Some chance of that,
my legs were shot and my field of vision had narrowed so
much that the finish was in front of me before I knew
what was happening. The final move went on my right, I
tried to respond but there was nothing there. I saw Liam
go over the top of the attacking riders and such was his
power that I knew he had timed it equsitly right and the
win was his. On his wheel or not there would never be
enough time to come off it and besides his attack was so
decisive that the win was never in doubt. The best riders
finished in the top 6 and I cant help thinking that had
they been more persistant in attacking during the race
that such was the terrain that they could have blown the
race (incl me most definitely!!!) apart lomg before the
finish. Plenty of good gallopers finished well down the
bunch which tells its own story. A deserved 2nd place for
new vet, Ian O'Keefe, an impressive 3rd from Orla Hendron
narrowly beating my mate Brendan (the climber!!!) who
squeezed through the narrowist of gaps, followed closely
by Romano and another new face, David Kelly who both were
strong finishers.
Hugh
Byrne
Swords
riders fare well in Christmas Races!!! December 2004
Report
from Hugh Byrne
You can always tell
when the Christmas Races are approaching as the tempo
rises ever so’ slightly’ on the club training
spins as those who have been training for the 2005 season
try for a mini-peak in form (not forgetting trying to put
a bit of meat on the table for Christmas!!! )
The first of the series was our own Invitaion Race. This
was run on the Boot Inn circuit with the Vets group
catching the U16 group and all working hard to stay clear
of Scratch. Pat Halpin attacked an got clear with a lap
and a half to go. It took quite some time before he was
reeled in and on the last lap he attacked again ( in the
same spot), but this time the bunch weren’t going to
give anyone a head of steam!!! Had Pat saved his attack
for the last lap, the result might have been different,
but it was going to come down to a bunch sprint as long
as Scratch could be held at bay. The gallop was won by
Terry Ferris (Murphy-Gunn) from Sean Lally with our 2004
League Winner Stephen Halpin 3rd.
Second place for any sprinter is always the one that
hurts the most, so this was the trimmings sorted , two
more races to sort out the turkey!!!. Strangely if you
look at the Dave Blake’s photos of Terry winning you
can see everyone in the first 6 except Sean, and they say
the camera never lies!!! Alsiter Cole won the sprint from
the scratch group showing that is continuing his fine
form on which he finshed the 2004 season.
The next ‘social’
gathering was the Obelisk/Ravens Race and this was run
over the Batterstown / Green Sheds circuit. All groups
were together with 15 miles to go and there were plenty
of big guns in town. The riders had to battle agianst a
strong headwind on the run in and it made it less likely
that anyone might escape. Still riders went up the road
in ones and twos and all moves had to be covered by the
ever attentive sprinters. For the second week running our
soon to be Juniors Stephen Halpin and Michael Daly were
well up there mixing it with the best of them. This was
most definitely going to big a big bunch gallop and as it
was into a headwind no one would want to lead this one
out too early. The slightest of stalls by the bunch with
about 800 metres to go was greeted by an instant attack
of devastating acceleration by Keith Daly which gave him
such a gap that he was able to hold off the whole bunch
to line to win by a couple of lenghts. Sean was pipped
for 2nd (still no turkey!), but
the day belonged to Keith who won with the sweetist of
moves, requiring all his talents a sprinter to get clear
and his talent a great rider to hold them off.
The last of the Christmas Races was
the John Sweeney Memorial (hosted by Dublin Wheelers).
From the gun, hard riding form our own Pat Halpin and
Dublin Wheeler’s Sé Weston made it less likely that
scatch were going to get up in this race, but it also
blew their group apart reducing it to six riders incl.
Sean Lally, brother Jimmy, Mick Rock, and Darren McMahon
(Cycleways). These six worked together catching the
earlier groups. Pat Halpin once again showed the ambition
that comes from getting his first big road win this
season, and probally fueled by having his son Stephen
snapping at his heels (or is it the other way round!!!).
Pat attacked an got clear with a few miles to go and for
a while looked like he was going to win it until Sé
Weston went in hot pusuit with about a mile to go. It was
still touch and go whether he would catch Pat or not but
when he did and passed him it took a huge effort from
Sean Lally to get back on terms, but as far Sean was
concerned it was ‘all in’ .........win or
nothing! Forced now to lead it out, he caught Sé and
managed to hold off Terry Ferris (the Rematch!!).
Christmas Dinner sorted!!!! Also for the third week in a
row Micheal Daly(4th) &
Stephen Halipn(6th) were well up
there, showing great form and gaining invaluable
experience. This win was extra special for Sean as John
Sweeney, in whose memory this race is run, was an ex
clubmate of Sean’s and someone he knew well and of
whom he had high regard.
Anyway Christmas Races over and plenty of Swords names
well up there!!!!
Swords
CC Hamper Race
: Boot Inn Sunday 5th Dec 2004
1. Terry Ferris (Murphy-Gunn) 2.
Sean Lally (McNally Swords CC)
3. Stephen Halpin (McNally
Swords CC)
4. Mick Rock (McNally Swords CC ) 5.
Darren McMahon (Cycleways) 6.
Michael Daly (McNally Swords CC )
Fastest Scratch: Alister Cole (McNally
Swords CC )
1st Lady: Coleen Foley (McNally Swords CC )
Obelisk
/ Ravens Hamper Race : Batterstown Sunday 12th Dec 2004
1. Keith Daly (McNally Swords CC) 2.
Ken Norgrove (DW -All Systems) 3. Sean
Lally (McNally Swords CC)
4. Eugene Murtagh (Ravens CRT)
6. Simon Whelan (Nth Kildare) 7.
Jimmy lally (DW-All Systems)
The
John Sweeney Memorial (Hosted by Dublin
Wheelers) Batterstown Sunday 19th Dec 2004
1. Sean Lally (McNally Swords CC) 2.
Terry Ferris (Murphy-Gunn)
3. Jimmy Lally (DW -All Systems)
4. Michael Daly (McNally Swords CC ) 5.
Ryan Francis (Mullingar CC) 6.
Stephen Halpin (McNally Swords CC )
Hugh
Byrne
2004 League &
Racing Round-up November 2004
Report
from Hugh Byrne
A season in review..............where do I start !!!!!!!
I suppose a good place to start is with the ‘young
guns’ as this is where the future of the club in top
flight racing terms lies. Our league has been a launching
pad for quite a few of our younger riders. This year our
Club League saw another two young riders, Michael Daly
& Stephen Halpin, battle it out all the way to the
line each pushing each other to new levels and finishing
1st & 2nd with Stephen taking the honours. These two
combined and with the help of Grace took an All Ireland
Gold in the team classification in the U/age National C/ship
w/end of racing. Michael also added a Silver at U16 in
the Leinster C/ship a Bronze in the All Ireland on the
Track.
Both Sean Rock & James Whelan pitted themselves
against the best in Europe in the Junior Tour. McNally
Swords CC had three riders guesting and all did quite
well in a field comprised mostly of ‘savage’
foreigners !!!. . (And in case any of ye oldies are out
of touch ‘savage’ in todays parlance means
awesome ) James Whelan place 19th overall (4th Irish);
Derek Burke 16th (3rd Irish); Shane O’Halloran 26th
(6th Irish); Urban Monks 64th. As Sean only decided to
ride the tour two weeks prior to the event he rode with
the Meath team along side Stephen McKenna (Stam MD) with
placed 42nd overall and Stephen placing 35th.
We have already seen what Sean & Keith are capable of
but lately we have witnessed the emergence of James
Whelan who has improved hugely this year adding some
great road results to his time trial achievements. This
year he won the Club Road Race C/ship in some style and
added the 25 Shield for good measure and donned the Green
Jersey in Ras Connachta. He then went on to take two Gold
& two Silvers at Junior in the All Ireland Track
Championships despite crashing heavily in qualifying.
Next stop the National Time Trial C/ship in Killorglan
when he won the Junior title by a convincing margin. Much
credit goes to his family who support him in everything
he does and to his coach Aidan Hammond. James follows
Aidans advice to the letter, as he puts it because he
‘peaks everytime Aidan tells him he will’.
Other recent Medal winners were Sean Rock (J) , and
Fergus Ryan (C) both taking respective Silvers at the
Leinster C/ships. Adriaan & Alister have been
upgraded to B Cat while Gearoid ploughs a lonely furrow
with A's. Indeed Alister finaly tasted victory, after
being so close so often this season, when he won the
final race of our club league.
Also great to see our regular visitors doing well
with Nathan (Les Jeune) 1st Vet, Gerard Cromwell (Stam
MD) 1st B and Darren McMahon (Cycleways) 1st C on a
w/end where we had a 1-2 in the Juniors &
Ladies with James , Sean , Grace & Coleen.
In the Vets Sean Lally & Karl Naylor were won the A
and B races in the IVCA Memorial Cups on the day that
Fred Harte sealed overall victory in the IVCA League.
Indeed we nearly had a clean sweep in the Vets as Dave
Blake was beaten into 2nd spot in the C race by an ex All
Ireland Track Sprint Champion. Karl has 4 wins up in the
Vets todate (all since he joined our club I might add!!)
placed third in the Tuesday League. Sean has 4 road wins,
and fastest in the Alfresco 25 and winner of the 50 mile
TT Championship. Fred has knocked lumps off his previous
TT times and posted a 63 in the 25 and a 2:05:43 in the
50 which must make his the most improved rider in the
IVCA. I also must mention Pat Halpin getting his first
road win in a race which himself and Anto worked the
tactics down to a tee to get a Swords 1-2 in the IVCA (40-49)
C/ship (a race won by Anto last year). Report on this
race on our website. <Link to Report on this race on
our website>
As a club we also probably have more ladies than any
other club with many of them competed in the Ladies
league and four of them Grace, Emma, Caroline &
Coleen recently took on an International Field the TQ
Papers 2 Day in the colours of Leinster and on the
Ireland B team.On the Triathlon scene we have had quite a
few results from Brian Crinnion, who organised (.....and
won a few) of the Dublin City Duathlon Series races. Good
results also from Emma Quirke & Rachel Beck while
Caroline Kearney competed abroad this year on the Grand
Prix circuit with much success, and I look forward to the
day when she unleashes herself on the domestic cycle
racing scene!!!! On the Tandem scene we have 'Pilots',
Bernie McNally and new member Ian Mahon and I have
reports posted by both Bernie and Ian on the website.
Indeed Ian is representing Ireland as a 'Pilot' in the
Athens Para-Olympics in Tandem Track Racing.
This year we have had a huge influx of new members, some
new to cycling, some returning after a few years and many
from the world of triathlon. All seem to have settled
well into our League and have gone from strength to
strength. The League has brought many of them up to open
race standard and in recent weeks there have been many
new faces in Swords Jerseys in the Cycling Ireland events.
Keep up the training over the winter and I look forward
to writing about your successes next year!!!!!
Hugh
Byrne
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