Cycling Events 2002

FOCUS TURNS TO GENE MORIARTY CUP: (By Shane Stokes) This Sunday Andrew Donnellon (Dublin Wheelers) will attempt to defend his slender lead at the top of Ireland’s Classic League in the seventh of nine events, which is taking place in the Kerry town of Listowel. Donnellon currently tops the standings with a total of 35 points, two clear of the sum amassed by both Philip Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand) and Denis Easton (Totalcycling.com).

Given that a total of 12 points are on offer for a win, it is certain that one of these three will lead the league after Sunday’s 70 mile classic; Eddie O’Donoghue (Cidona Carrick Wheelers), Paul Healion (Usher IRC) and Craig Sweetman (Stamullen M Donnelly) are all just out of reach with their total of 22 points, making it crucial for them to score highly this weekend if they are to retain aspirations of winning the league overall.

The race, Listowel CC’s Gene Moriarty Cup, is expected to attract many of Ireland’s best riders. Some of the top names in Irish cycling have emerged best over the last two decades, with the roll of honour including those such as Philip Cassidy, Stephen Spratt, John Sheehan, Brian Kenneally, Martin O’Loughlin, and last year’s victor Micheál Fitzgerald.

Race organizer Tadhg Moriarty feels that the Cidona Carrick team will be a strong force. ‘O'Loughlin will try to keep the title in Co.Tipperary for the 5th year in a row and he should go close; others with an eye on the top prize will be his teamates Eddie O'Donoghue and Timmy Barry. Cork's rider Richard Cahill has always been in the shake-up in Listowel and his day will come. Vincent Gleeson of West Clare will try to add to his recent win in Sligo, while the Dublin flag will be flown by Paul Healion, 3rd last year, by Mick O'Donnell, who was runner up on two occasions and by Lee Strand Cycleways rider Philip Finnegan, who was the surprise of the National Championship in 9th place’.

‘Aidan Crowley is another top rider who would love to win in Listowel as he has raced in this event from U/12 up to senior level. Gabriel Howard is sending the Stamullen M.Donnelly team to the Kingdom in the hope that they can round off what has been a great season for them. The Earl of Desmond team of Paul Griffin, Kieran McMahon and Sean Lacey will also be aiming high.’

The Senior 1 and 2 combined Classic race takes place over 70 miles, with the riders to complete 7 laps of a mainly flat 10 mile circuit. Points towards the league will be awarded to the first ten riders home. There will also be prizes for the first fifteen and the best team. Senior 3, veterans, junior and women will also be catered for on Sunday with the 50 mile Listowel Grand Prix. This will use the same circuit as the main event and the top 6 riders will receive prizes.

The Gene Moriarty Cup has been run for the past 20 years and is held in memory of one of Kerry’s top cyclists. A noted grass track competitor and administrator of the sport, he is also the grandfather of the current Irish international Eugene Moriarty.

Classic league standings: 1, Andrew Donnellon (Dublin Wheelers) 35 points; 2, Philip Cassidy (Cycleways Lee Strand) 33 points; Denis Easton (Totalcycling.com) 33 points; 4, Eddie O’Donoghue (Cidona Carrick) 22 points; Paul Healion (Usher IRC) 22 points; Craig Sweetman (Stamullen M. Donnelly) 22 points; 7, Willie Byrne (Kilcullen CC) 19 points; 8, Timmy Barry (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) 15 points; Richie Cahill (Banteer CC) 15 points; 10, Brian Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) 12 points

Remaining events: Gene Moriarty Cup, August 4th; Tour of Armagh, August 11th; Sheefry GP, Westport August 25th.

20th Annual Gene Moriarty Cup Cycle Race

Sunday August 4th 2002 1p.m.

ROUTE

Gene Moriarty Cup Cycle Race

Sunday Aug. 4th 2002 - Start: 1pm -Finish: 4.30pm (approx.)

THE RACE TAKES IN 7 LAPS OF A 10 MILE COURSE. (16K)

START – FINISH: at W.J. GALVINS, Clieveragh.

left at roundabout on J.B. Keane Rd. straight through traffic lights left at exit onto Tarbert Rd. (Hilly to next left) left at Derry Crossroads, over to Bedford left at Bedford Cross down Clieveragh Road back to START – FINISH line. Mainly flat circuit