And, what is more he stole all plaudits with a superb ride up the testing "Turlough Hill" in the vicinity of Glendalough.
What is more, Cycleways CC went through the barrier when it came to numbers. The 'championship' attracted a record 76 entries and the 'challenge over the same course had 55 starters.
Conditions for the twin events was held in bright sunshine in the general area of the Glendalough Hotel which offered first class facilities, but spare a thought for Joanne O'Shea of the Sorrento CC, the official timekeeper for the event. Whilst her colleagues working in tandem with her, had all the benefits of fine weather conditions! In her domain at the finish line on Turlough Hill, the opposite was not in vogue. Joanne, unfortunately was bathed in low freezing clouds, but like her dad, the late and much missed Danny O'Shea she rose to the occasion and delivered her expertise in the art of time keeping despite the conditions.
So, Ryan and co delivered the goods, not only as organisers but he now has a unique distinction of been the first organiser to my knowledge and maybe beyond of running a national championship and for good weather coming away with the laurels of victory.
In second place was the French based Anthony Walsh of Apoge Super with Greg Swinand of the Usher Irish Road Club getting the bronze.
In the senior category it goes without saying that Ryan and Anthony were in the driving seat with West Clare CC's Colm Turner in third position
Sadly for Colm he missed out on a medal as the championship was based on the top three how. Usher Irish Road Club's Greg Swinand competing in the 'Veteran Section' was thirteen seconds better than Colm./
In the Junior section Danny Bruton of DID/Dunboyne CC as winner got a special mention from Ryan as one to watch for the future. And considering he is a first year junior what is in the tank for next year. For Mickey Moriarty from the Tralee CC, the journey to the 'Garden of Ireland' was rewarded with a second placing ahead of Luke Gillespie from the Naas CC outfit.
What is more the ladies participating the event was a record number over previous years. Dundrum Town Centre/Orwell Wheelers CC adding to their tally of successes this season with Rachel Glendon getting the verdict ahead of Michelle Geoghegan of Steeds Vooram and Amy Brice of the Phoenix CC.
If this was a yardstick for future of National Hill Climb Championships, the future is bright.
Finally the last word has to go Ryan and his team for an exhilarating promotion by both Cycleways CC and the Glendlough Hotel.
Believe it or not all FOUR Provinces were represented.
Some pictures courtesy of Gillian Peelo
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CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
1 Ryan Sherlock (Cycleways CC), 25mins.07 seconds;
2 Anthony Walsh (Apoge Super), 26.36;
3 Greg Swinand (Usher Irish Road Club), 26.51.
Seniors
1 Ryan Sherlock;
2 Anthony Walsh;
3 Colm Turner (West Clare CC), 27.04.
Junior
1 Danny Bruton (DID Dunboyne CC), 27.44;
2 Mickey Moriarty (Tralee CC), 33.20;
3 Luke Gillespie (Naas CC), 35.35.
Veteran
1 Ggeg Swinand (Usher Irish Road Club)
2 Frank Billings (Stagg Cycles Lucan CC), 28.14;
3 Michael Jordan EPIC), 29.38.
Ladies
1 Rachel Glendon (DTC Orwell Wheelers CC), 32.49;
2 Michele Geoghegan (Steeds Vooram), 33.06;
3 Amy Brice (Phoenix CC), 35.01.