Brian Jordan the race organiser certainly pulled all the rabbits out the proverbial hat and has delivered a top class event in the County Cork Town.
Whilst for some, particularly A1's in the Meath area, they'll have competition for county championship honours, not alone in that grade, but all other grades which may appease some of those in that particular county who met with 'house full' in Charleville. I spoke with one particular cyclist in a County Meath club who was quiet agitated at having his entry turned down. “I have always supported the event, but the shutters were up and even if I had a 'brown envelope' negotiations were out of the question. I know I read www.irishcycling.com a fortnight ago and the warning signs were there in black and white.”
Well, PJ Nolan was foxy enough to see an opportunity for the Navan Avonmore CC to fill a vacuum, with the County Meath Championships (of course he had to hold fire on the assumption that Meath could be still in the All Ireland football series). Unfortunately for the rest of the country it could be happier times for the sportifs which are a plenty this weekend. Plus of course the cancellation of the Paul Healion Memorial event certainly has not helped matters. But looking at the bigger picture the amount of cancellations this season was very minimal. In years gone by you would have needed two hands to count them.
But back to the BIG picture, whether you like it or not Charleville will be the focus of the attention.
Also because of the contour of the course, it makes life that bit difficult for not alone an outright winner, but an each way hope in the selection stakes.
THE CHARLEVILLE TWO-DAY
It is all hands to wheel now for race organiser Brian Jordan and his crew for the Charleville Two-day. Certainly the event has grown n stature. Now in its 12th edition Brian remembers with fondness the support he received from the Woodland's House in Adare who were the original sponsors.
But things have moved on and today, The Charleville Park Hotel & Leisure Club are the anchor sponsors. It has also emerged that the race now is very competitive and the courses that used in the general area are conducive to exciting and exhilarating competition which is very favorable with the riders.
TIMETABLE - CHARLEVILLE 2 DAY.
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd. September 2012. Headquarters. Charleville Park Hotel.
Saturday: stage 1. sign–on 1pm – 2.30pm. 3.00pm. A2/3 start. 3.15pm. A4 start. 5.00pm. approximately A2/3 finish. 5.15pm. approximately A4 finish.
Sunday: stage 2 TT no sign–on. first rider off 8.01 am. Sunday: stage 3. sign–on. 11.30am.
Official start at Campus service station. 1pm. A2/3 start. 1.15pm. A4 start. 3.15pm. approximately: A2/3 finish. 3.40pm. approximately: 5.00pm. approximately. prize presentation.
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MEATH CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
This Sunday (2nd September), Avonmore Navan Road Club will promote the Meath Cycling Championships catering for all riders affiliated to Co. Meath clubs'. These championships are being very kindly sponsored by Cyclize (Cycle Shop), Flowerhill, Navan, Co. Meath.
The Championships will get underway with the Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16's at 11 o'clock on the Athboy road, just outside Navan.Sadly Aidan Crowley of DID Dunboyne CC who was all geared up to race. Aidan had the misfortune to be knocked off his bike.
Following this event will be a Novice Championship open to 'new cyclists' and the start time will be 12:00 noon for this race. One Day Licence will be available at sign-on. Helmet required.
The championship for Senior A1, A2, A3, A4 riders will have a start time of 13:00pm and will race over a distance of 70K. All enquiries to PJ Nolan at 087-2848992
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CURROW CHARITY CYCLE
6th annual Castleisland Day Care Centre Charity Cycle
Currow CC promote their last event of the year with the leisure event on Sunday. The event has a choice of 10, 30 or even 50 miles and the organisers want to stress the leisure element of the event. All the clubs races have come and gone for the year so if you didn’t compete in those then don’t try and make up for it this Sunday! Sunday is a fun day for the club and its supporters with participation the key.
The registration takes place from 9am to 9.45am on Sunday morning at the Castleisland Rugby Club with a 10 am sharp start. Minimum sponsorship/entry fee is 20 euro which includes the cost of a one day licence if required.
The route takes everyone on a ten mile lap firstly after which those doing the first option can drop out. Then its back towards Tralee to the well known roundabout at Ballycarthy where those doing the 30 miles turn around and return home. Those doing the long run then head to Tralee, Castlemaine (over Sliabh Mish), Ballyfinnane, Ballycarthy and finish on the Tralee Road just before the town. All cyclists are expected back by 2pm and so are asked to do a route that can be completed comfortably in that time.
Refreshments and music by local star Timmy O'Connor from the O'C Trio in the Castleisland Rugby Club will round off what should hopefully be a good and enjoyable day where the game between the minor teams of Kerry and Dublin will also be shown followed by the Mayo/Dublin game.
We are looking forward to seeing a good crowd on Sunday for a very good local cause. Further information can be had by calling 087 7849879 or by checking www.currowcc.com
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DUNSANY COFFEE MORNING
Geraldine Meehan is hosting her annual coffee morning on Saturday 1st September 2012, from 10am-2pm, in aid of the Chernobyl Children's 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.
For any Garmin literate amongst you, the co-ordinates are 53°32'26.42"N 6°39'07.40"W
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The first Rs winner Colm Christle
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RACE CANCELLATION
Please note that the Paul Healion memorial race has been cancelled, due to circumstances beyond our control. This event was due to take place on Sunday 2nd September 2012. Michelle Lawless, South Dublin Cycling Club
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CALLING THE 'MEN OF THE RÁS' for 60th GET TOGETHER
Join your colleagues this October for a once in lifetime Gathering of “The men of the Ras” 60 years on………. in Sneem Hotel on the beautiful Ring of Kerry, Wednesday & Thursday the 17th 18th October 2012.
Meet the men you did battle with on the roads of Ireland down the years and exchange stories of woe. For some it was about winning for the rest the finish line had to be reached dead or alive. So here’s your chance to mix with greats who made up the Ras Bunch.
For reservations or further information please tel (064) 6675100 or log on to www.sneemhotel.com
Some of the 'Men of the Rs' back in 2003 at the launch of Tom Daly's 'Ras Book'
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'THE KELLY CRUISE' last Sunday morning in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
John Tracey, Sean Kelly and Roz Purcell at the start of the of the "Kelly Cruise' over 50kms. Between Saturday and Sunday at the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford over 6,700 cyclists were in action. Speaks volumes for the pulling power of the man himself "Sean Kelly."
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No doubt about it, but leisure cycling was in vogue last Saturday and Sunday in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford for the 'Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford,' which is now in its sixth year. It also forms part of the An Post Cycle Series.
On hand was the Irish Sports Council CEO, John Tracey who opted for the 50kms spin. Aptly called 'The Kelly Cruise.' Chatting with John at the start of the event which over the two days had attracted in excess of 6,700 participants
“As far as the Sports Council are concerned, we want to see people involved in recreation. Out and about enjoying themselves and this morning with the sun high in sky, there is no better place to be. Cycling is certainly one of those activities that sits well with us. It is also family oriented and there has been an increase in the amount of people on bikes. For instance yesterday there was a 12kms cycle here in Dungarvan, particularly aimed at families.
“You have to only to look here at the amount of participants for the 50kms cycle which will actually go through my home village of Villierstown. Hopefully, I'll be able to tag on to Sean Kellys' wheel as we go through the village,
Certainly the man in the spotlight on Sunday was none other than Sean Kelly truly a legend in the world of cycling.
Whilst Saturday's proceedings was all about the family cycle. Sunday was all about the three categories of cycles for the 'Kelly Cruise' the 'Heritage Route' and the 'Kelly Comeragh Challenge.'
Chatting with Cora Carrigg from Tralee a the finish of the Heritage Route, “I have participated so far in a number of events in the series. It was very pleasant and thankfully the weather held up. Also there is great camaraderie. It is great place on the bike to take in the scenery. In a car, it is gone in a flash ”
A recent to convert to cycling Donnacha McCormac from Dublin, “ I got involved in cycling a number of years ago. I have been setting goals for myself and I wanted to travel the route 'Comeragh Challenge' which I believed was a route that Sean trained on. It was interesting, admittedly the 2,000 plus that participated in that took time out to savour the hospitality of the food and water stops which were absolutely marvellous. The organisation are to be commended for their due diligence. Instead of losing a few kilos, I more than likely added a little,” said Donnacha as he packed his bike into his car and headed back home to Dublin.
Another interested participant was model Roz Purcell who took part in the 'Cruise.' Roz will be coming to you on the small screen when she acts as Celebrity Bainisteoir in the GAA series for the Newtown Cashel, Co. Longford.
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2012 National Youth Championships - Report
Acknowledgment from Limerick CC from last weekend
155 entries received for the 2012 championships. Race directors, Pat Spaight and Tom Shanahan had one objective, to host a safe, efficient and enjoyable weekend of cycle racing. We welcomed 155 competitors to Limerick on Friday evening and after the sign on, Sports Timing added the tag to each bike. Including the parents, coaches, etc, the local hotels filled about 300 rooms.
A strong Cycling Ireland presence was a great show of support for the new wave of racing cyclists in Ireland. President Rory Wyley was not afraid to take a flag and help out all weekend. Orla Hendron and Nicola Oldham were anxious to ensure the first girls championships went well. Gaybo and Kay Howard arrived to support their own riders but automatically assumed other roles at the finish and neutral service. Thanks Kay for policing the finish for us.
To manage the seven different races in each discipline, chief Comm, Dan Curtin had the expert assistance of Brian Jordan, Kieran Twohig, John Breen, Gary McIlroy and Vinnie Gleeson. The TT, literally, ran like clockwork, starting at 9AM sharp and finished at 12, as stated on race program. This is thanks to Sports timing. We would recommend the tag system but we would have some useful advice for clubs wishing to use it in future.
The road races started well but a heavy rainfall during the girls race led to a few spills. The ambulances present were kept busy. Craig McAuley ended the day’s racing with a fine win ahead of local, Stephen Shanahan. As is the case at most youth events, the highlight of the weekend was the criterium in Annacoty. If we’re to take something from this weekend it should be that Crit racing is a showcase for our sport and will definitely attract young people.
It wouldn’t be fair to name some of the winners this weekend but there is talent in the youth section of Cycling Ireland. Like last year, there will be a strong feed of new riders into the junior ranks for 2013. Riders like overall series winner, Mark Downey, second overall, Stephen Shanahan, TT winner Eddie Dunbar, Road race winner Craig McAuley. Many other riders just outside the medals this weekend will come good at junior level.
Limerick Cycling Club would like to thank it’s volunteers who were professional in their roles all weekend.
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