Coombes Connor Memorial 'A' Race 

CASSIDY DOMINATES IN WINTRY CONDITIONS IN COOMBES/CONNOR MEMORIAL RACE IN DONORE: 

Today in Donore, Co. Meath, Drogheda Wheelers C.C. promoted the Coombes/Connor Memorial Races. The Senior 'A' Race (held over a distance of 72 miles) for the Coombes/Connor Memorial Cup attracted a huge entry of cyclists to the beautiful Boyne Valley.

The race set out in the worst possible conditions imaginable, with gale force winds accompanied by hail showers and freezing conditions. As the race crossed the finish line at the end of the 2nd lap, a 12 man break went clear of the main field and opened up a gap of 30 seconds. By the time they entered the 3rd lap, this break was down to just five riders, Cassidy, 0'Donoghue from Carrick Cidona C.C. Denis Easton from Maryland Wheelers C.C. Christian Hallsten from Sweeden and Chris Greene from Clann Eireann C.C. in Lurgan. Two laps later, as the bell sounded for the last lap, that iron man of Irish Cycling Philip Cassidy went out on the final lap, alone, 1 minute, 5 seconds ahead of 0'Donoghue, who had a further 1 minute to spare over the next group. By the time Cassidy approached the chequered flag, he had built up a winning margin of just over 2 minutes from his nearest rivals. Cassidy has always been renowned for his victories in these severe racing conditions.

RESULTS: 1. Philip Cassidy, Cycleways (3.00.18) 2. Eddie 0'Donoghue, Carrick Cidona C.C. (3.02.20) 3. Martin 0'Loughlin, Carrick Cidona C.C. (3.04.00) 4. Chris Greene, Clann Eireann C./C. (3.04.21) 5. Stephen Gallagher, Orchard Wheelers C.C. Armagh (3.04.38) 6. Christian Hallsten, Sweeden, (3.05.14) 7. Denis Easton, Maryland Whlrs (same time) 8. Philip Finnegan, Cycleways, (3.05.50)