There was an outstanding field of cyclists from all over the country on Sunday for the annual Emyvale Grand Prix. The circuit started and finished in the village of Tydavnet. Underage racing began at 11 am followed by the senior events at 1.00 pm. There was a total of almost 250 cyclists competing for honours on the day. The logistical planning and execution of the event is a credit to all involved in the club and a sincere thanks to all who helped out. A special thanks goes to our sponsors New Holland Tractors and Barry Mc Kenna who is their agent and Emyvale Credit Union who sponsored the underage racing.
There were four senior categories racing with the A1&A2 race combined they did a total of 6 laps of the challenging 10.6 miles circuit. There was a break away group of 8 riders who forged a lead and held onto to the finish ahead of the chasing pack. Martin O Loughlin of Carrick Wheelers won the race and took the John Colton Memorial cup in the process. He was followed by Michael Murray of Clann Eireann and Greg Swinard of Usher CC.
Results of A1&A2 - New Holland Tractors Race
1st Martin O Loughlin (Carrick Wheelers)
2nd Mickey Murray (Clann Éireann)
3rd Greg Swinard (Usher IRC)
4th Gary Cranston (East Antrim-Audi)
5th Conor Mc Alister (Slane Cycles)
6th Damian Shaw (Lakeside Wheelers)
Senior A3 race had a field of 69 riders and was very fast paceed throughout. In the end it came down to a bunch sprint despite numerous breakaway attempts. John McCormac of Lucan CC came in strongly in front of the bunch to seal the win.
A3 Results
1. John McCormack (Lucan)
2. Darragh Zaidan (Stephens Cycleogical)
3. Bryan McKinney (Ballymoney CC)
4. John Kenny (Navan)
5. William Larmour (East Antrim)
6. Cormac Clarke (Newry Wheelers)
1st Vet Richard Davison Island Wheelers
The A4 race had a field of close to 70 riders also and was a tough affair. Fastest on the day was Dermot Keelan of Cuchulainn CC who broke away just before the finish to take the honours.
A4 Results
1. Dermot Caelan (Cuchullain CC)
2. Ryan McDermot (Westtyronevelo.com-FCC)
3. Dominic O'Farrell (Garda CC)
4. Michael Darius (Epic MTB)
5. Niall O'Hagen (Ballymoney CC)
6. Paul Quinn (Island Wheelers)
The Women’s race was a national league event and the first ten got points towards the league.
Women’s National League Results
1. Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers)
2. Fiona Meade (St. Finbars)
3. Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers)
4. Sandra Fitzgerald (Lucan)
5. Roisin Kennedy (Lucan)
6. Francine Meehan (Tullamore)
Emyvale Credit Union Youth Race Results
Under 12
1st PJ Doogan (Errigal CC)
2nd Dean Chambers (Newry Whs)
3rd Naoise Sheridan (Orwell)
4th Callum Mc Kenna (Emyvale CC)
5th Shauna Mc Fadden (Errigal CC)
6th Laura Wall (Navan RC)
1st Unplaced Alanagh O Grady (Newry Whs)
Under 14
1st Pierce Atchison (Harps CC)
2nd Michael O Loughlin (Carrick Wheelers)
3rd Aaron Swan (TSC)
4th Cathal Clarke (Newry Whs)
5th Jake Grey (East Tyrone)
6th Declan Mulholland (Clann Eireann)
1st U13 Adam Stenson (Lucan)
Under 16
1st Matthew Doyle (Foyle CC)
2nd Aidan Wall (Navan RC)
3rd Dany Bruton (Stamullen RC)
4th Aaron Mc Bride (North Pole)
5th Craig Crawford (TSC)
6th Ciaran Campbell (Drogheda Wheelers)
1st Unplaced Craig Mc Cawley (Bann Valley)