2005: The Season so Far

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 Triathlon 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 Ireland’s 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 multi-colour jerseys!!) but their experience will benefit 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 that’s not broken!!). And for those afraid to ask………The bike wasn’t badly damaged (and anxiously 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!!!