Up in Convoy courtesy of Four Masters CC who are staging a leisure and road race to raise funds deserving funds for Crumlin Hospital. Plus a note for diaries in the coming weeks.
They are gearing up for a big weekend courtesy of Limerick CC with support from Sporting Limerick, TriBikes.ie, Cycling Munster and Cycling Ireland. Yes, it is the National Youth Championship promoted by Limerick CC with Tom Shanahan as the one front of stage. �NO, this a team effort by Limerick CC..We have broken through the sound barrier when it comes o numbers. A lot of promotion was done and as of now we are happy that we can cater for all comers,� said Tom.
Reliable sources within the club suggest we are ahead of last years' listing. The plan is to pre register everyone on Friday evening to get the tags on the bikes. On Saturday morning they have a window of one hour to cater for those that did not overnight in the city.
The time trial will not have that exclusive timing apparatus that was used in the 'Errigal International Youth Tour, but the course is a testing one with some drags. Presumably the restaurant for those who want to ave breakfast in Birdhill or a soft drink at the finish outside Herbert's pub. Two landmarks that have gone west with the new and exclusive motorway.
The Road Race in Clonlara across the border in County Clare has a 1km climb at the start of the 13km lap, then it settles into a rolling section and ends with a flat run in to the finish. Those with knowledge of the course suggest that the competitors will find this to be a wearing down circuit and the winner will earn the title.
Compared to the recent criterium in and around Letterkenny, the proposed one in Annacotty will be tougher and a little more technical. (Dean Wattson) of sports timing better know to many in the Kerry Group Ras Mumhan is taking care of the timing but on standby will be the photo finish camera.
Back to Tom �Limerick CC decided to take on this race because we now have a growing Youth section in our club, which hasn�t been seen in Limerick for over 20 years. �Henry Cooke, Mark O Callaghan, Shane O Hara and Stephen Shanahan, have been on the podium before for individual or team prizes at championship and stage events. Obviously home success this weekend would be the best possible finish to their youth racing and the best possible step to Junior level.
�Sean Yelverton, who is relatively new to racing, will be looking for an opportunity to snatch a medal in the U15 category. �Laura Cooke will compete in the first ever girls only race in this year�s championships. 19 girls will compete for two sets of medals this year as well as a team prize for girls. In addition, the Women�s commission has stepped in with a further prize for the first six girls overall. �Evan O Donnell will represent the club in the U12 category and I think we could see a medal going his direction also. �Jonathan Cooke, will keep up the family tradition by competing in the U11 category.
�Now all we need is to replicate the weather that seemingly was the best in the country on the August Bank Holiday weekend at the Errigal International Youth Tour in Donegal,� said Tom as he ushered me out the door as he continued his preparations for the 'Youth Championship.
Knowing Limerick for promoting cycling at all levels, I have no doubts that all and sundry on the way home on Sunday will be saying, �some operation by that crew.�
The race HQ will be The Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent's Centre, Lisnagry, Co. Limerick both days. But, don't rule out the prospects of Eddie Dunbar, Mark Downey and Fintan Ryan in the under 16's. Jake Grey, Adam Stenson, Dillon Corkery in the 14's. PJ Doogan, Tom Dore and Conor Gallagher in the 12's. In the ladies section, Hayley Priestley, Laura Cooke, Amy Harkin plus Ciara Doogan, Roisin Carter and Shauna McFadden can add to their previous successes.
Or if you have any doubts bout the promotion, then check www.limerickcc.com
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Z�ch O'Donnell Trophy - Convoy GAA Club / GOOD CAUSE
The annual Zach O Donnell Convoy road race and leisure cycle takes place this coming Sunday 26th August. The route has changed from last year and this years route is Convoy, Townparks, Donegal Truck Spares, Drumkeen, Kilross and back to Convoy.
Z�ch O Donnell was born on 7th November of 2010 with down syndrome and due to his complications was given four months to live. Sadly Z�ch passed away after spending his short life in the care of the medical staff of Crumlin hospital. His parents Kenny, who is a member of Four Masters CC, and Paula want to give something back to the hospital which looked after their son so well.
Sign on will be open at the Convoy GAA from 10am with the event starting at 11.00am. The Leisure run will do 2 laps, B race 3 laps and A race is 4 laps.
This event is being held to raise money for the Crumlin Hospital in Dublin, and all funds raised will go directly to the hospital. Entry fee for both events is �10.00 and all donations are welcome. So why not come along and enjoy a great days cycling with all the family at the Zach O Donnell Trophy this Sunday in Convoy, Co Donegal. Race director Gavin Harris can be contacted on 087-2319520
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Chernobyl Childrens Fund.
Geraldine Meehan will host the annual coffee morning on Saturday 1st September 2012, from 10am-2pm, in aid of the Chernobyl Childrens Fund. The venue, as before, is Athronan, Dunsany, Co. Meath (not far from a number of the IVCA racing circuits). If your club is going for a spin that day, consider having your coffee stop here. Plenty of nice cakes etc guaranteed. What you donate is up to you, all assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Cyclists have given great support over the past few years and I hope to see a few of you there again. Hopefully the weather will be an improvement on last year!
To get there, using Grange Cross as a starting point, continue out the Trim road, past the Dunsany Lodge Hotel and through Kiltale. Pass the Esso Garage and take the next turn right [signposted 'Dunsany Horse Hay']. Continue along this road for 1.2 miles, turn right and continue for another 1/2 mile. The house is on your right and will be marked.
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TRACK RACING
Gentle Reminder about closing dates for Entries to various track events
Senior National Track Championships - Sat 1st and Sun 2nd September
Closing Date - Midnight Wed 29th August
Email to trackcyclingireland@gmail.com
Name - Club - Event - UCI IRL number and 12??? licence number or equivalent.
More details on www.trackcycling.ie
Vets Omnium National Track Championship - Sat 8th September
Closing Date - Midnight Wed 5th September
Email to trackcyclingireland@gmail.com
Name - Club - Event - UCI IRL number and 12??? licence number or equivalent.
More details on www.trackcycling.ie
World Masters Track Championships - 6th - 14th October
Closing date Sept 10th
More details on www.cyclingmasters.com
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ACT Host Round 13 of Race Series:
Adamstown Cycling Team will host the Final Round of the very popular Womens Race Series at the purpose built Race Track in Corkagh Park on Tuesday ( Aug 28). The hadicapped A/B event will cater for Beginners up to Elite riders.
To mark the final race of the Series, and to promote cyclist�s safety, Adamstown Cycling Team has decided to sponsor an extra prize of three RoadID wrist bands for the first three riders over the line. The Wrist ID Slim http://www.roadid.com/p/the-Wrist-ID-Slim is already worn by ACT riders, and provides riders with peace of mind while they train and race.
The bands will be laser engraved with the winners� name, emergency contact information and any relevant medical details. Ladies Race Series Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/CorkaghParkLadiesRacing
Racing Starts at 7pm - Prizes For First Three over the line & First Three Unplaced B Riders.