December 2003

NAVAN RC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS: (Dec 2) On Tuesday the 25th a civic reception was held in the chambers of Navan U.D.C. in honour of Navan Road Club's 50th Anniversary. Mayor of Navan Alison Boyle spoke of the achievements of the club and its members throughout the years and Cycling Ireland President P.J. Nolan spoke of some of his experiences as a member of the club. Also in attendance were founding members Tommy Flanagan and Dessie Clarke, Ràs winner Seamus Kennedy, Club President Mayphail Reilly and Rùairì Collins. Mayphail's late husband Frank and Rùairì's late father Leo, were also founding members of the club. Attention was brought to the numerous times club members have represented Ireland at world championships and Olympic Games and also to the many national champions and Ràs winners the club has produced. 

However the club has always asserted that cycling is not just about competing and has always managed to find a successful balance between catering for racing cyclists and those who ride just for the fun of it. Lei This year the club has raised over ?34,000 for various charities and organisations. 60 events were run through the year including 10 annual leisure "Tours", the 2-day "Roosky and Back" challenge and 9 days of racing. Navan Road Club is always on the lookout for new members, regardless of their age, sex or ability. If you would like to join the club or find out about any of their events you can contact Club Secretary Paul Nolan at 041-9825653 or Leisure Organiser Larry Clarke at 041-9824460 or e-mail navanroadclub@eircom.net

November 2003

Plaque Unveiled for Eddie Tobin: (Nov 21) At a reception on Friday last Enniscorthy Town Council had a plaque in appreciation of Eddie Tobin's contribution to the town unveiled by Sean Kelly in their 1798 centre on Millpark road. Read More Here

Dickie Comerford Remembered At the Usher Irish Road Clubs 113th Annual Dinner Dance in the Citywest Hotel in Saggart on Friday 21st November the Comerford family and friends, twenty-six in all, will gather together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their parents, Dickie and Eileen Comerford' Read More Here

Tommy Evans on his way to winning last Tuesday's 10 mile TT with a
super fast time  of 19.23 a new Irish record! A fitting tribute to the 
 irreplaceable gentleman  the late Jim Traynor. Picture by Jerome Rafferty

 
August 2003

NICF Road Race League: (By Jim Traynor Aug 30) At Dunseverick, unattached veteran Norman Campbell outsprinted Jim McConnell (East Antrim CC) to win the NICF Road Race League event promoted by Bann Whs. The two finished over four minutes ahead of the field.

The two were in the front group receiving 2 minutes handicap from the scratchmen. On the first of five 8-mile laps McConnell attacked on the climb at the Giants Causeway McConnell attacked and only Campbell could go with him. When the pressure was on there was a touch of wheels causing a crash and Alastair McSorley (Apollo CT) was taken to hospital with a suspected broken collar-bone.

Although the scratchmen caught the rest of the first and middle groups, they never looked like catching the two leaders who increased their lead all the way to the finish.

NICF Road Race League,l Dunseverick, 40m.: 1, Norman Campbell (unatt) 1.41.03; 2, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) s.t.; 3, B. Thompson (Ballymena Scott RC) at 4.28; 4, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down); 5, J. kennedy (APolo CT); 6, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down); 7, W. hamilton (East Antrim CC); 8, L. O'Connor (Bann Valley CC); 9, P. Hanna (Ballymena Scott RC); 10, E. magwood (RT Autoparts East Tyrone CC) all same time.

Under 16: 1, David Mulholland (APollo CT); 2, W. Barr (Ballymena Scott RC); 3, A. Clarke (Ballymena Scott RC).

Under 14: 1, Ricky Boyd (Balloymena Scott RC); 2, Catriona McKernan (Ballymena Scott RC); 3, M. McCullough (Ballymena Scott RC).

IRISH CHAMPIONSHIPS BELFAST AND ENNISKILLEN,23/24 AUG. 2003: (By Jim Traynor Aug 24) In a major weekend of championships here, the Irish Senior Track titles were held at the Tommy Givan Stadium, Orangefield, while over 150  riders competed at the Irish Underage Championships at Eniskillen. In addition the N.I. 100 miles TT championship was held at Ballymena.

Ray Clarke (Cycleways) who recently finished 3rd in the B World Championship Kerin race won the 4,000 metres putsuit at Orangefield, beating World Masters bronze medallist, Paul Doyle in the final by by 2.28 seconds and the pair took the same placings in the Points while Doyle won the 1 km. time-trial. Keith Bannon (Tile Choice) beat teammate Mark Colbert in the Sprint final and the Omnium went to Clarke from Doyle and Bannon.

Louise Moriarty won gold in the Women's Sprint besting Gillian Darby(Tile Choice) but the placings were reversed in the Women's 500 kms TT. Moriarty won the 3,000 metres pursuit from Marie Reilly (Bohermeen CC) and was winner of the Omnium from Darby and Rudd.

Barry Woods, a stage winner and yellow jersey holder in the recent Junior Tour was best of the Juniors taking the gold medals in the Junior Sprint and Pursuit.

Dunlop Kitchens sponsored Lakekand CC's running of the Underage Championships at Enniskillen with the TT and criterium on Saturday at St. Angelo airfield and the road race yesterday at Letterbreen. Everyone there had the highest possible praise for the local club's superb promotion.

The Under 16 title went to Martin Munroe (Western Lakes ) from Lurgan's Michael Murray (Clann Eireann) by just 1 point. Munroe won the stage 1 TT and finished 3rd behind Newry's Brian Henning and Murray in the criterium but although Murray finished 6th, two places in front of him in the road race behind winner Ciaran Kelly (Usher IRC) it wasn't enough.

Jeremiah O'Sullivan (Killorglin) won the U15 by 2 points from Kieran Enright (Kanturk) after Enright had been relegated to 3rd behind O'Sullivan on the final stage for switching in the sprint. Fergus Keogh (Clonmel CC) rode for 30 miles on his own to win the road race by 2.30

Denis Dunworth (Killorglin CC) won the under 14 from Gavin Pike (unatt.). even though Pike won  two stages to Dunworth's one. Anthony Lynch (Kanturk CC) won the under 13 from Mark Scanlon's young brother Enda.

The only Ulster individual gold went to Orchard CC's Peter Williams in the U12 after he won all three stages. Liam O'Neill (Western Lakes) was runner up. The under 11 overall went to Cian Corcoran Corcoran (Killorglin CC) from Bernard Maguire (Drogheda Whs.).

The team races as usual were a struggle between Killorglin and Kanturk with the Cork club taking three to Kanturk's two while Monaghan club Emyvale CC were rewarded for their hard work for underage cycling for many years taking the team medals in the under 14 category.

Results:

Irish Track Championships, Belfast: Men's Sprint: 1, Keith Bannon (Tile Choice); 2, M. Colbert (Tile Choice); 3, M. Fitzgerald (Navan Avonmore); 4, M. Goggin (Tile Choice).. Women's Sprint: 1, Louise Moriarty (Dublin Skip); 2, G. Darby (Tile Choice); 3, K. Rudd (Orwell Whs.).

Junior Sprint: 1, Barry Woods (Killorglin CC); 2, I. Norman (Autowell, Clonmel).

Men's 4,000m. Pursuit: 1, Ray Clarke (Cycleways Lee Strand) 5.25.48; 2, P. Doyle 5.28.16; 3, E. O'Donoghue (Usher IRC) 5.36.08; 4, P. Nugent (Classic Walls) 5.40.05.

Women's 3,000 metre Pursuit: 1, L. Moriarty; 2, M. Reilly (Bohermeen CC); 3, K. Rudd.

Junior 3,000m Pursuit: 1, B. Woods 4.19.00; 2, I Norman 4.26.00.

1,000m. TT: 1, P. Doyle 1.16.77; 2, R. Clarke 1.18.02; 3, M. Fitzgerald 1.19.58.

500m. TT: 1, G. Darby 43.38; 2, L. Moriarty 43.41; 3, K. Rudd 44.65.

500m. Junior: 1, B. Woods 38.56; 2, W. Morman 39.55.

Points: 1, R. Clarke 58; 2, P. Doyle 36; 3, G. Rodgers (Banbridge CC) 26.

Men's Omnium: 1, R. Clarke; 2, P. Doyle; 3, K. Bannon.

Women's Omnium: 1, L. Moriarty; 2, G. Darby; 3, K. Rudd.

Irish Underage Championships, Enniskillen: U16: 1, Martin Munroe (Western Lakes) 284; 2, M. Murray (Clann Eireann) 283; 3, C. Lanigan (Killorglin CC) 282; 4, B. Henning (Newry Haldane Fisher) 281; 5, A. Coyle (Shannonside) 266; 6, T. Juul-Jensen (Sorrento CC) 265. Ladies: 1, Mary Brennan (Castlebar CC); 2, Erin Turkington (Clann Eireann). Team: Kanturk CC.

Under 15: 1, Jeremiah O'Sullivan (Killorglin CC) 294; 2, K. Enright (Kanturk CC) 292; 3, G. Brown (Kanturk CC) 282; 4, F. Keogh (Clonmel CC); 5, S. Williams (Orchard Whs.) 274; 6, G. McAdam (Emyvale CC) 271. Ladies: 1, Grace McNally (Swords CC); 2, Annamarie Campbell (Lakeland CC). Team Kanturk CC.

Under 14: 1, Denis Dunworth (Killorglin CC) 290; 2, G. Pike (unatt.) 288; 3, T. Martin (Clann Eireann) 279; 4, J. O'Hanrahan (Clonmel CC) 276; 5, J. Kane (Emyvale CC) 272; 6, Christopher Juul-Jensen (Sorrento CC) 271. Team: Emyvale CC.

Under 13: 1, Anthony Lynch (Kanturk CC) 295; 2, E. Scanlon (Sligo CC) 292; 3, E. Leahy (Kanturk CC) 285; 4, A. O'Connor (Killorglin CC) 282; 5, N. Rock (McNally Swords) 271; 6, S. Downey (Banbridge CC) 270. Ladies: 1, Tina Walker (Killorglin CC); 2, Laura McKenna (Stamullen M. Donnelly CC); 3, Chloe Farrell (Hillcrest Hire Kiicullen). Team: Kanturk CC.

Under 12: 1, Peter Williams (Orchard Whs.) 295; 2, L. McNeill (Western Lakes) 287; 3, L. Keane (Kanturk CC) 282; 4, S. Doona (Killorglin CC) 281; 5,  P. Tancred (Kanturk CC) 280; 6, M. McDonald (Killorglin CC) 271. Ladies: 1, Sharon Enright (Kanturk CC); 2, Ciara Crawley (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 3, Elspeth Ahern (Kanturk CC). Team: Kanturk CC.

Under 11: 1, Cian Corcoran (Killorglin CC) 283; 2, Bernard Maguire (Drogheda Whs.) 282; 3, Elaine Cawley (Castlebar CC) 281; 4, D.Rice (Killorglin CC) 281; 5, Emma Casey (Clann Eireann) 280; 6, D. O'Connor (Killorglin CC) 275. Ladies: 1, Elaine Cawley; 2, Emma Casey; 3, Laura Casey (Clann Eireann). Team: Killorglin CC.

NICF 100-mile time trial championship: 1 M McCann (Team Madigan) 4hrs 15mins 29secs; 2 J Kyle (Team Madigan) 4:26.30; 3 J McClean (Ballymena/Scott) 4:26.35; 4 C McCluskey (Team Madigan) 4:50.37. Team: Madigan (13hrs 22mins 36secs).

Eric Maxwell Mem. Ten, Banbridge: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 21.21; 2, A. Deane (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 21.50; 3, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) 22.25; 4 (tie) R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) and Colm Barry (Banbridge CC) 22.26; 6, W. Hamilton (West Down Whs.) 22.28; 7 J Sweeney (Newry Haldane Fisher) 22.52; 8 R Patton (Bann Valley) 23.16; 9 C Adamson (Whirline West Down Whs) 24.00; 10 C McCaughan (Ballymena/Scott) 24.01. Veteran: Barry; Junior: McCaughan; Under-16: A Macaulay (Team Madigan) 27.44. Under-14: M Mitchell (Toyota ND) 28.45.

Sperrins Community Festival Race:1 Willie Hamilton (East Antrim CC); 2 P. Slane (Slane Cycles); 3 M. Ward (Phoenix CC); 4. D. Easton (unatt.); 5 C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland).

NORTHERN IRELAND RR CHAMPS: (By Jim Traynor Aug 16) Liam Nelson (Ballymena Scott RC) got his hat-trick up when he won his third successive NICF Northern Ireland Senior Road Race Championship at Broughshane in a sprint from breakaway companions Mark Lyttle (unattached) and Tommy Wilson (Ballymena Scott RC).

Run over seven laps of just over 10 miles, three riders went away on the opening circuit: Nelson, and teammate Rhan Bankhead along with Paul Ferguson (Toyota North Down CC). Next time round they were joined by Mark Lyttle, Tommy Wilson and Jimmy Davidson (Roe Valley CC) and these six opened up a good lead.

On the hill on lap three Ferguaon had just come back from his turn at the front when an attack saw Nelson, Lyttle and Wilson go clear. Ferguson tried to react but spent the rest of the race chasing on his own as the three opened up a lead of over 2 minutes on him by the finish while the rest of the field came in over 7 minutes down.

NICF Northern Ireland Senior Road Race Championship, Broughshane, 72m.: 1, Liam Nelson (Ballymena Scott RC) 3.09.16; 2, M. Lyttle (unatt.); 3, T. Wilson (Ballyemena Scott RC) all same time; 4, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down CC) at 2.41; 5, J. Davidson (Roe Valley CC) at 7.47; 6, R. Bankhead (Ballymena scott RC) at 7.59; 7, K. Miller (Toyota North Down CC) at 8.44; 8, B. Marshall (Toyota North Down CC) at 8.48; 9, P. Savage (West Down Whs.); 10, B. Thompson (Ballymena Scott RC) all same time.

Junior: David Dougan (Ballymena Scott RC).

Under 16: Andrew Macauley (Team Madigan CC).

Under 14: Stuart Henry (Toyota North Down CC).

IRISH UNDERAGE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS, ORANGEFIELD, BELFAST: (By Jim Traynor Aug 16) A good entry enjoyed perfect weather at the Irish underage Track Championships held at the Tommy GIvan Stadium, Orangefield.

The first event, the 200metres flying start saw Brian Henning (Newry Haldane Fisher) win from Urban Monks (Bray Whs.) and Mark McGirr (Lakeland CC). William Connolly (Western Lakes) was best in the under 14's from Gary rigley (Bray Whs.) and Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann) and Liam O'Neill (Western Lakes) won the under 12.

Next came the 500 metres TT which was used for seeding the Sprint semi finals. Michael Murray (Clann Eireann) was best of the under 16's from Martin Munroe (Western Lakes) and Henning. William Connolly won the under 14 from Martin and Rigley and Liam O'Neill took the U12.

Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann) won the under 14 scratch race from Connolly and Rigley, while Michael Murray beat Henning and Monks in the U16 and Liam O'Neill won the U12.

Then came theSsprint finals. The u16 went to Henning from Martin Munroe (Western Lakes) with Monks taking bronze while in the U14 Rigley won from Connolly and Martin with O'Neill once again taking gold in the U12.

The meeting finished with a 1 lap handicap for all grades which was won by Murray from Munroe and Henning.

Lurgan Criterium: (By Jim Traynor Aug 15) Aidan Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand) won the third event in the Lurgan Cycling Festival the town centre criterium.

An early attacker was Willie Hamilton (East Antrim CC) who stayed away for several laps and when he was brought back Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) and Myles McCorry (Apollo CT) were very active in attacks with Crowley having to do most of the chasing, successfully as it proved as the race finished with a bunch sprint which he won.

Lurgan Festival Criterium (sponsored Agnew Plant Services: 1, Aidan Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand) 38.27; 2, D. Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 3, T. Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 4, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC); 5, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland); 6, P. Bloomer (Harps CC), all same time. First 2nd cat.: Andy Layhe (Apollo CT). First 3rd cat.: M. McConville (Clann Eireann). Under 16: 1, Michael Murray (Clann Eireann); 2, U. Monks (Bray Whs.); 3, B. Henning (Newry Haldane Fisher). Under 14: 1, T. Martin (Clann Eireann); 2, G. Rigley (Bray Whs.); 3, W. COnnolly (Western Lakes). First Lady: Emma Casey (Clann Eireann).

Lurgan Cycling Festival, Ronnie McCabrey Cycles sponsored 10 TT: 1, Myles McCorry (Apollo CT) 22.45; 2, J. Brennan (Clann Eireann) 22.26; 3, J. Sweeney (Newry Haldane Fisher) 23.30. U.16: M. Murray (Clann Eireann) 23.38. U.14: Thomas Martin 26.51. U12: Emma Casey 24.22.

TOUR OF ARMAGH, LURGAN: (By Jim Traynor Aug 10) Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) had the best win of his career when he beat a top class field of 75 riders in Clann Eireann CC's 65 miles Tour of Armagh at Lurgan, the 42nd running of the classic.

Ward had lost out in the sprint to Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) the previous day at Kilroot but on this occasion the young Phoenix rider made no mistake at the sprint at Craigavon Civic Centre best of a four-man group ahead of Stephen O'Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand), David Peelo (Usher IRC), and Gary Cranston (East Antrim CC).

These four had gone away at Armagh with 16 miles to go and despite the continuous efforts of the bunch held on to aa slender lead which was never more than 20 seconds. Earlier a 3-man break: Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC), Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) and Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) had held a 2-minute lead over the Keady Mountains. Ward had also been in this break but dropped back to the bunch saving his strength for later.

Easton dropped back at the top of the climb but the other two persisted but, when the chase got organised after the descent, their lead started to fall and they were caught by the bunch at Armagh just before the winning more was made. 10 seconds after the leader Roger Aiken won the sprint from the bunch for 5th place.

Tour of Armagh, 65 miles, Craigavon: 1, Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) 2.35.40; 2, S. O'Sullivan (Cycleways); 3, D. Peelo (Usher IRC); 4, G. Cranston (East Antrim CC) all same time; 5, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) at 10 secs; 6, C. Sweetman (M. Donnelly Stamullen CC); 7, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down CC); 8, D. Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 9, D. Travers ((Banbridge CC); 10, E. Brown (Classic Walls) all same time.

Mountain primes: R. Aiken (2); D. Travers.

MADIGAN GRAND PRIX: (By Jim Traynor Aug 9) Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) took a break from mountainbiking to score his third road race win of the year in Team Madigan's 58 miles Madigan Grand Prix.

The race was over a tough course over three laps of the Kilroot, Glynn, Gleno circuit with hard climbs at the Lizard and Seven Sisters as well as the three mile drag up from Kilroot. A surprise entrant was Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) in his first race for five weeks after getting married last month and obviously in need of racing he contented himself with a place in the chasing group.

A 7-man break formed towards the end of the first 19 mile circuit and at Whitehead they had a minute on a chasing group with the bunch a further minute back. This more or less stayed the same until the finish where six of the original move sprinted for the line with Aiken a lenght clear of Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) with Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) in third place.

Madigan Grand Prix, Kilroot, 58m.: 1, Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) 2.12.03; 2, M. Ward (Phoenix CC); 3, D. Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 4, D. Travers (Banbridge CC); 5, R. Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) all same time; 6, P. Bloomer (Harps CC) at 2 secs.; 7, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down CC) at 1.49; 8, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC) at 2.28; 9, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down CC) at 2.35; 10, J. DIll (East Antrim CC) at 4.12.

Under 16: 1, David Mulholland (Apollo CT); 2, M. Robb (Old Bleach CC); 3, A. MacSorley (Apollo CT).

Under 14: 1, Michael Mitchell (Toyota North Down CC); 2, Nadine Morris (Ballymena Scott RC); 3, R. Baird (Ballymena Scott RC).

NEW 25 Mile TT Record: (Aug 8) David McCann of Team Endurasport smashed the Irish 25mile time trial record on Thursday night with a time of 49 minutes 54 seconds in the Ulster time trial leagie event on the fast Moira to Nutts corner course. The same course where McCann's brother Cormac set the 25 record some 17 years earlier. On a hot windless evening McCann averaged just over 30 miles per hour to beat Phillip Collin's 1995 Record by a minute and a half.

Home for a 2 week break from professional racing in Italy McCann was surprised to have gone so fast, "I'm in the middle of a pretty tough training block, and was using the event as training, so I'm delighted to have broken 50 minutes." Next best, over 4 minutes back, was Paul kane of Northern CC. McCann's next race is the world ranked Havant grand prix in England.

Result: UCF League 25, 7th August 03 Moira-Nutts Corner

David Mccann (Team Endurasport) 49:54 Paul Kane (Northern CC) 54:01

ARRON DEANE WINS FPM 3-DAY: (By Jim Traynor Aug 3) Total Cycling Lindsay Ford rider Aaron Deane, in his first year serious competition, pulled off a major victory when he took the Newry 3-day, sponsored for the third year by FPM Chartered Accountants.

On the opening stage Lennie Kirk (Ards CC) won a spectacular sprint from 120 riders. The stage had to be shortened because of a security alert cutting out the five short laps in the town just leaving a loop of over 30 miles which was run off at a very high speed making it impossible for breakaways to stay and virtually the whole field sprinted for the line with Kirk getting a clear win from Colm Watson (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) and Chris tierney (Apollo CT).

Deane won Saturday morning's 10 kms. TT to take the yellow jersey. With no time gaps on the opening stage the overall was the same as the TT, Deane leading by 6 seconds from Myles McCorry (Apollo CT A) with Declan McMackin (Toyota North Down) third at 11 secs.

There was no change overall after the afternoon 60 miles stage which again finished in a spectacular mass sprint which went to Brendan Kirk (Ards CC) making it a family double after brother Lennie's win on the opening stage. Lennie Kept the points jersey finishing 4th in the sprint. Mountainbike specialist Don travers (Banbridge CC) in only his second road race of the year, led the mountains classification.

A break of seven riders went away at Katesbridge comprising Eamon Brown (Classic Walls), Gerard Heverin (Castlereagh Mattest), Tommy Wilson (Ballymena Scott RC), Mac McGready (Apollo CT B), Paul Reid (FInglas Ravens), Patrick Ennis (Orwell Whs.) and Francis Ennis (Lucan). These seven opened up a lead of over a minute but hard work by the Total Cycling team for 15 miles saw them recaptured by Gilford. In sprint Kirk won from Phillip Marshall (Toyota North Down) and Colm Watson (Totaql Cycling Lindsay Ford).

The final stage, although only 54 miles, had two climbs in the final 15 miles, the short but steep climb in Rathfriland and a 3-miles steady one out of Hilltown which seemed certain to finally aplit the huge bunch.

However it was the opposite that happened as a break which had gained over 2 minutes and which still held 1.40 at the start of the Rathfriland were brought back by a concerted chase by the bunch at the top of the Reid Hall climb and they stayed together on the descent ot the finish where Simon mulvanney (Stamullen M. Donnelly) won the sprint from Paul Reid (Fnglas Ravens) and Mac McGready (Apollo CT).

Nine riders had gone away just after the start: Colm Watson (Total Cycling), Mac McGready (Apollo CT), Brian Harris (Leinster), Anthony Crean (Bray Whs.); Philip Marshall (Toyota North Down); Daire McCaughey (Dublin Whs.); Sean Turner (Bann Valley) and Gerard Heverin (Castlereagh Mattest).

At the Banbridge prime, taken by Watson, they had 1.40 over a chasing group of three with the bunch at 2 minutes. Jim McConnell (East Antrim CC) and Donal Byrne (Orwell Whs.) were in the chasing trie and these two made it across to the leaders just before Rathfriland leaving McConnell leader on the road.

However they split apart on the climb and as the bunch started chasing on earnest they were all caught on the final climb of the day between Hilltown and Rostrevor.

FPM 3-day stage 1, Newry, 31 miles: 1, Lennie Kirk (Ards CC) 1.16.08; 2, C. Watson (Total Cyling Lindsay Ford); 3, C. Tierney (APollo CT); 4, D. Duffy (Cuchullain CC); 5, F. Kelly (Leinster Cycling); 6, M. Green (Phoenix CC); 7, P. McSorley (Apollo CT); 8, S. McGreevy (Phoenix CC); 9, E. Crory (Newry Haldane Fisher); 10, A. Steele (Bann Valley CC) all same time.

Stage 2, Newry, 5.8m. TT: 1, Arron Deane (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 12.46.00; 2, M. McCorry (Apollo CT A) 12.52.70; 3, D. McMackin (Toyota North Down) 12.57.95; 4, T. Wilson (Ballymena Scott RC) 13.00.60; 5, S. Gray (Harps CC) 13.01.86; 6, J. Sweeney (Newry Haldane Fisher A) 13.01.98; 7, D. Travers (Banbridge CC) 13.04.43; 8, J. Wall (North Kildare) 13.05.86; 9, P. Byrne (Dublin Whs.) 13.06.05; 10, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) 13.06.08.

Stage 3, Newry, 60 miles: 1, Brendan Kirk (Ards CC) 2.11.54; 2, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down); 3, C. Watson (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 4, L. Kirk (Ards CC); 5, D. McCall (Maryland Whs.); 6, S. Gray (Harps CC); 7, C. Tierney (Apollo CT A); 8, D. Nulty (Stamullen M. Donnelly RC); 9, E. Crory (Newry Haldane Fisher B); 10, D. McCaughey (Dublin Whs.) all same time.

Stage 4, Warrenpoint, 54m.: 1, Simon Mulvanney (Stamullen M. Donnelly) 2.11.24; 2, P. Reid (Finglas Ravens); 3, M. McGready (Apollo B); 4, P. McConville (Newry Haldane A); 5, M. McCorry (Apollo A); 6, L. Kirk (ards CC); 7, S. Turner (Bann Valley); 8, M. Rogers (Banbridge CC); 9, S. Gray (Harps CC); 10, D. Byrne (Orwell Whs.).

Final General Classification: 1, Arron Deane (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 5.52.12; 2, M. McCorry (Apollo CT A) at 6 secs; 3, D. McMackin (Toyota North Down) at 11 secs; 4, S. Gray (Harps CC) at 15 secs;5, D. Travers (Banbridge CC) at 18 secs; 6, J. Wall (North Kildare) at 19 secs; 7, P. Byrne (Dublin Whs.) at 20 secs; 8, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) at 20 secs; 9, L. Kirk (Ards CC) at 22 secs; 10, P. McConville (Newry Haldane A) at 27 secs.

Points Classification (PM Mendes International): 1, C. Watson 17; 2, L. Kirk 14; 3, M. McGready 12.

Mountains (Noel McKinley Builders): 1, M. McGready; 2, D. Travers; 3, P. Marshall.

Category 3, Overall: John Harty (Newry Haldane A).

Junior Overall: 1, Peter McSorley (Apollo B).

Veterans Overall: 1, J. McConnell; 2, L. Kirk; 2, B. Graham (Total Cycling)

Team: 1, Newry Haldane Fisher A 17.37.46; 2, Bann Valley at 46 secs; 3, Apollo A at 49 secs.

July 2003

Brian Stewart WINS Portaferry 3-day: (By Jim Traynor Jul 27) Young Phillip Marshall (Toyota North Down CC) had the best win of his career when he won the 51 miles final stage of the Ards CC 3-day at Portaferry.

However the major honours went to Brian Stewart (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles) who finished safely in the bunch just 4 seconds behind to successfully defend his overall lead.

Willie Hamilton (East Antrim CC) won Friday's opening stage on Kirkistown Motorsport circuit but the first yellow jersey went to Paul Ferguson (Toyota North Down) with a higher points total from the seven riders who finished equal.

After winning the morning 50 miles road race at Strangford from a three-man group which had gone away from the original 14 man break, Stewart finished 4th in the afternoon time-trial up Windmill Hill in Portaferry, just 4 seconds slower than winner Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC), to lead by 39 seconds from Ards CC's Alastair Martin going into the last day.

On the final stage a 14-man group went away early on and by halfr distance had opened up a gap of almost 2 minutes and with most of the favourites up there it looked all over. Two riders: Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) and Brendan Doherty (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) went away from the front group who then started messing around and before they knew it the bunch had closed the gap just after the bell for the final lap.

Doherty and Ward still looked good with 1 minute lead but they too saw the bunch come up to them with only 3 miles to go setting it up for a bunch sprint with Marshall stealing an early lead which he held to the line.

Stage 1, 30miles Kirkistown: Stage 1, Kirkistown: 1 Willie Hamilton (East Antrim Audi) 1 : 06 : 11; 2, M. McCrory (Apollo CT) 3, B. Stewart (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles); 4, S. Turner (Bann Valley CC); 5, R. Brownfield (Toyota North Down CC); 7, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down CC) all same time.

Stage 2, 50 miles, Strangford: 1, Brian Stewart (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles) 1.55.03; 2, A> Martin (Ards CC0 at 8 secs.; 3, B. Graham (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars) at 9 secs; 4, M. Mulvenna (Ards CC) at 50 secs; 5, R. Blayney (Ards CC); 6, G Heverin (Castlereagh Mattest); 7, P. Harte (Phoenix CC); 8, J. Rooney (Phoenix CC); 9, E. Brown (Classic Walls); 10, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down CC) all same time.

Stage 3, 1 mile TT: 1, Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) 2.51; 2, B. Doherty (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 2.52; 3, R. Blayney (Ards CC) 2.55; 4, B. Stewart (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles) 2.55; 5, G. Heverin (Castlereagh Mattest) 2.59; 6, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down) 2.59.

Stage 3, 51 miles Portaferry: 1, Phillip Marshall (Toyota North Down) 1.57.44; 2, J. Davidson (Bann Valley) at 4 secs; 3, F. O'Kane (Phoenix CC); 4, B. Doherty (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 5, P. Harte (Phoenix CC); 6, B. Kirk (Ards CC); 7, M. Ward (Phoenix CC); 8, R. Blayney (Ards CC); 9, G. Rodgers (Banbridge CC); 10, M. Rodgers (Banbridge CC) all same time.

General Classification: 1, Brian Stewart 5.01.57; 2, A. Martin at 39 secs; 3, P. Marshall at 1.11; 4, R. Blayney at 1.11; 5, M. Mulvenna at 1.17; 6, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down) at 1.23; 7, S. Turner (Bann Valley CC) at 1.24; 8, E. Smyth (Ards CC) at 1.27; 9, M. Ward at 1.31; 10, B. Doherty at 1.38; 11, K. Gallagher (Orchard Whs.) at 1.41; 12, M. McKechnie (Ards CC) at 1.41.  Team Ards CC B.

NI CYCLING RESULTS: (By Jim Traynor Jul 19) Ryan Patton (unattached) won the third round of the NICF Road Race League promoted by Ballymena Scott RC at Ballymena.

The race was over five laps of an 8-mile circuit and the field was set off in four groups with handicaps of 1, 3 and 4 minutes.

Veteran Wilnor Worthinghton (Ballymena Scott RC) was off in the first group and he went clear on his own staying out in front for the first two circuits.

On the third laps he was joined by six riders: Patton, Paul Frguson (Toyota North Down CC), Sean Gray (Harps CC), Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) and Apolo CT pair Tony McConville and Myles McCorry.

The seven leaders stayed out in front until the final lap when Patton broke away with two miles to go openiong up a 13 second gap by the finish with Ferguson beating Gray in the sprint from the remsinder of the break.

At Enniscorthy US based pro. David O'Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardia) won the Irish Time-trial Championship promoted by Slaney RC on a 25 miles course on the Wexford Road. His winning margin over Brian Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Whs.) was 36 seconds. Past champion Paul Healion (North Kildare CC)_ took the bronze. The Ladies Championship went to Kate Rudd (Orwell Whs.) from Marie Reilly (BOhermeen CC). Theo Hardwick (Killorglin CU) won from Emyvale's Paul Brady in the Junior championship while Hughie David (Usher IRC) finished ahead of Ulster pair Lennie Kirk (Ards CC) and Jan Sweeney (Newry Haldane Fisher in the veterans.

NICF RR League, Rd. 3, Ballymena, 40m.: 1, Ryan Patton (unatt.) 1.41.59; 2, P. Frguson (Toyta North Down CC) at 13 secs; 3, S. Gray (Harps CC); 4, M. Ward (Phoenix CC); 5, T McConville (Apollo CT); 6, M. McCorry (APollo CT), all same time; 7, W. Worthington (Ballymena Scott RC) at 30 secs.; 8, A. Steele (Bann Valley) at 3.37; 9, A. Duffield (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles); 10, J. Davidson (Roe Valley CC) all same time.

Irish Time-trial Championships, Enniscorthy - Senior Men: 1, David O'Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardia) 50.49; 2, B. Kennedlly (Cidona Carrick Whs.) 51.25; 3, P. Healion (North Kildare CC) 53.18; 4, AA. Deane (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 54.12; 5, T. Barry (Cidona Carrick Whs.) 54.26; 6, R> Whelan (Navan RC) 54.41; 7, C. Bracken (Usher IRC) 54.44; 8, M. O'Loughlin (Cidona Carrick Whs.) 54.46; 9, M. Concannon (Donaman Dynamos) 55.05. Team: Cidona Carrick Wheelers.

Ladies: 1, Kate Rudd (Orwell Whs.) 1.04.10; 2, M. Reilly (Bohermeen CC) 1.04.33; 3, S. O'Meara (Dublin Whs.) 1.06.35; 4, R. Kennedy (Usher IRC) 1.09.26; 5, O. Hendron (Orwell Whs) 1.09.33; 6, M. Brennan (Castlebar CC) 1.13.47.

Juniors: 1, Theo Hardwick (Killorglin CU CC) 55.38; 2, P. Brady (McQuaid Tyres, Emyvale CC) 57.10; 3, O. Concannon (Killorglin CU CC); 4, J. Whelan (Swords CC) 59.04; 5, D. Watson (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles) 59.47; 6, A> O'Shea (Killorglin CU CC) 1.01...27.

Veterans: 1, Hughie Davis (Usher IRC) 56.33; 2, L. Kirk (Ards CC) 56.43; 3, J. Sweeney (Newry Haldane Fisher CC) 54.07; 4, S. Bracken (Usher IRC) 57.16; 5, R. Brannigan (Orwell Whs.) 59.06; P. David (Usher IRC) 59.26.

TOMMY GIVAN CUP, 50 MILES TT, LISBURN: (By Jim Traynor Jul 6) Mark Greer (Maryland Whs.) folowed up last week's win in the Red Hand Trophy with the successful defence of the Tommy Givan Cup in his own club's 50 miles time-trial at Lisburn.

Greer won by 1.15 from Aidan Hammond (Orwel Whs.) with Tony McConville (Apollo CT) third at 1.48.

The first time check at Nutts corner after 15 miles showed Greer leading by 48 seconds from Hammond with McConville a further 24 seconds and Brian Stewart (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles) lying fourth 2.47 down and the top positions stayed the same throughout.

Ards Veteran Billy Kirk who finished 8th, won the event 46 years previously in a time only 5 minutes faster.

Tommy Givan Cup 50 TT: 1, Mark Greer (Maryand Whs.) 1.58.24; 2, A> Hammond (Orwell Whs.) 1.59.39; 3, T. McConville (Apollo CT) 2.00.12; 4, B. Stewart (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles) 2.00.59; 5, P. Nugent (Classic Walls CC) 2.06.58; 6, B. McCourt (Phoenix CC) 2.07.28; 7, N. Campbell (unatt.) 2.07.32; 8, W. Kirk (Ards CC) 2.11.06; 9, J. McKeown (Phoenix CC) 2.11.13; 10, C. McCann (Phoenix CC) 2.11.59.

First Lady: Lisa Rodgers (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles) 2.20.53.

WALLER CUP RACE, BOHERMEEN: (Jul 6) SENIOR RACE: 1 Andre Engerman, St. Tiernan’s CC, 2 Robert Whelan, Navan Avonmore RC, 3 Aidan Crowley, Cycleways LS, 4 Craig Sweetman, Stamullen MD RC, 5 Fintan McCormack, Newbridge CC, 6 Eugene Murtagh, Finglas Ravens, 7 Robert Moore, Stamullen MD RC, 8 Simon Coughlan, Dynamon Dynamos CC, 9 Ryan Connor, Ballymena CC, 10 Paul Slane, Slane Cycles CC.

COMBINED SENIOR C, JUNIOR, VETS: 1 Leslie 0’Donnell, Autoview CC, 2 Colm Crawley, Stamullen MD RC, 3 Maurice Hartley, Autoview, 4 Ollie McQuaid, Emerald CC, 5 Edwin Crory, Newry Wheelers, 6 Eddie Lynch, 0rwell Wheelers CC, 7 Paul McMahon, Bray Wheelers CC, 8 Stephen McKenna, Stamullen MD RC, 9 Terry Ferris, Dublin Wheelers CC, 10 Greg Connolly, Bray Wheelers CC.

UNDER 12 1 Benner Maguire, Drogheda Wheelers CC, 2 Conor Campbell, Drogheda Wheelers CC, 3 Chloe Farrell, Hillcrest Hire CC, 4 Ciara Crawley, Stamullen MD RC, 5 Laura McKenna, Stamullen MD RC, 6 Padraig Kane, Emyvale McQuaid Tyres, 7 Eric Fitzhugh, Orwell Wheelers CC, 8 Colin Hughes, Emyvale McQuaid Tyres, 9 Laurence Roche, North Kildare CC.

UNDER 14 1 Aaron Henry, Usher IRC, 2 James Kane, Emyvale McQuaid Tyres, 3 Gary Rigley, Bray Wheelers CC, 4 Barry Hughes, Emyvale McQuaid Tyres, 5 Niall Rock, McNally Swords CC, 6 Philip Lavery, DPC First Legal, 8 Ronan Byrne, Newry Wheelers CC, 9 Liam Rawlins, Usher IRC.

UNDER 16 1 Brian Henning, Newry Wheelers CC, 2 CiaranCassidy, Usher IRC, 3 Padraig Nolan, Shannonside CC, 4 Urban Monks, Bray Wheelers CC, 5 Sean Rock, McNally Swords CC, 6 Andrew Usher, Usher IRC, 7 Daire Cleary, Orwell Wheelers CC, 8 Declan Byrne, Navan Avonmore RC

Image1: . Image2: Mary McKee (Cycling Ulster) riding to 2nd place on the stage 2 TT of the Ladies 2Day.

DANNY BOY LADIES INTERNATIONAL 2 DAY: (By Jim Traynor Jul 6) Jacqui Marshall (Team Luciano) won the Danny Boy 2-Day women's international at Limavady with a dominating display which saw her win all three stages at win by 27 seconds over Dutch girl Miriam Wiersma. Phosnix CC rider Mary Mckee, riding for Cycling Ulster had an excellent third place on the same time as Julie O'Hagan and Ruth Gamwell, but with a better time trial time. Marshall won the final road stage in Limavadyin a sprint from a 19-strong break. British champion Marshall won by 3 seconds from Wiersma (Alcmaria Vixtrix) and 8 seconds ahead of Team Luciano teammate Ruth Garnwell while Janet Hefferman (Lune RCC) led in the remainder of the break 11 seconds behind Marshall. Held over three laps of a hard course at Feeney the field stayed together until the second circuit when the bunch split with around 20 riders in the leading group. Although they lost a few riders over the final lap the leaders stayedtogether until the long uphill finish where first Marshall and then the second and third placed riders managed to gain a few seconds lead by the finish line. Marshall increased her lead by winning the short time-trial stage, 3 seconds faster than Cycling Ulster's Mary McKee with Kate Cullen (Team Letchworth) a further 5 seconds slower in third place.

Danny Boy Ladies International 2-day, Limavady, Stage 1, 40m. Feeney: 1, Jacqui Marshall (Team Luciano) 1.40.12; 2, M. Wiersma (Alcmaria Vixtrix) at 3 secs; 3, R. Garnwell (Team Luciano) at 8 secs; 4, J. Hefferman (Lune CC) at 11 secs; 5, A. Butler (Evans Cycles RT); 6, T. Brown (Cycling Ulster); 7, M. McKee (Cycling Ulster); 8, J. O'Hagan (CC Luton); 9, A. Dolan (Terri Dolan.com) all same time; 10, D. Mc~Gavin (Surrey League).

Stage 2 TT: 1, J. Marshall 2.55; 2, M. McKee 2.58; 3, K. Cullen (Team Letchworth) 3.02; 4, M. Wiersma 3.03; 5, J. O'Hagan 3.03; 6, J. Glasbergen (Alcmaria Vixtrix) 3.04; 7, J. Glasbergen (Alcmaria Vixtrix) 3.04; 7, S. Hokke (Alcmaria Vixtrix) 3.05; 8, A. Dolan 3.06; 9, T. Brown 3.08; 10, R. Gambwell 3.09. Stage 3, 43m., Limavady: 1 Jacqui Marshall 1.46.29; 2 A Butler (Evans Cycles RT); 3 Julie O'Hagan; 4 Angela Dolan; 5 Kate Cullen; 6 Ruth Gamwell; 7 M McKee; 8 Caroline Gay (Evans Cycles Rt); 9 Delia McGavin; 10 Amanda McDonnell (Team Letchworth) all same time.

Final overall: 1, J. Marshall, 3hrs 35mins 21secs; 2 M. Wiersma, at 27secs.; 3 M. McKee at 28 secs.; 4 J. O'Hagan; 5 R. Gamwell, all same time; 6 A. Dolan, at 36secs; 7 Caroline Gay, at 38secs; 8 Janet Hefferman, at 42secs; 9 Allison Butler at 43 secs.; 10 Della McGavin s.t.

Phoenix Park GP : 1, Aidan Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand); 2, C. Bracken (Usher IRC); 3, P. Doyle (Tilechoice); 4, S. Whelan (North Kildare) 5, C. Sweetman (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 6, R. Clarke (Cycleways Lee Strand) Senior 2: Barry Donnelly (Hillcrest); senior 3: Martin Fitzgerald (Orwell Wheelers); Junior: Mark Nestor (Shannonside); veteran: Oliver McQuaid (Emerald CC).

DANNY BOY LADIES INTERNATIONAL 2 DAY: (By Jim Traynor Jul 5) British champion Jacqui Marshall (Team Luciano) won the stage one of the Danny Boy Ladies 2-day (3-stage) Ladies International promoted by the Roe Valley Cycling Club at Limavady. She wears the leader's jersey going into this evening's short time-trial.

She came home 3 seconds ahead of Dutch girl Miriam Wiersma (Alcmaria Vixtrix) and 8 seconds ahead of Team Luciano teammate Ruth Garnwell while Janet Hefferman (Lune RCC) led in the remainder of the break 11 seconds behind Marshall.

The opening stage was over three laps of a hard course at Feeney used for last yera's N.I. road championships. The field stayed together until the second circuit when the bunch split with around 20 riders in the leading group.

Although they lost a few riders over the final lap the leaders stayed together until the long uphill finish where first Marshall and then the second and third placed riders managed to gain a few seconds lead by the finish line.

Danny Boy Ladies International 2-day, Limavady, 40m.: 1, Jacqui Marshall (Team Luciano) 1.40.12; 2, M. Wiersma (Alcmaria Vixtrix) at 3 secs; 3, R> Garnwell (Team Luciano) at 8 secs; 4, J. Hefferman (Lune CC) at 11 secs; 5, A. Butler (Evans Cycles RT); 6, T. Brown (Cycling Ulster); 7, M. McKee (Cycling Ulster); 8, J. O'Hagan (CC Luton); 9, A. Dolan (Terri Dolan.com) all same time; 10, D. Mc~Gavin (Surrey League).

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