There was huge excitement in the club last Sunday evening when news filtered through of a great success. Brendan Coakley was first home in the Munster Cyclocross B Championship race in Co. Tipperary. Brendan had been in fine form in recent weeks, consistently finishing in the top ten. Brendan headed to Tipperary without his usual wingman, Pat McHugh. Brendan made a great start to the race which was promoted by The Upperchurch Drombane Club.Brendan consolidated his position during the middle part of the race and when he took flight for home, he wasn't for catching. Everyone in the club was super proud of Brendan's achievement, which was a maiden victory for a club member in a Cycling Ireland event. The result was a testament to Brendan's dedication and hard work. Hopefully we will see the club colours carried to victory again soon. It was great to see Josh Horgan make his debut in the underage race in Tipperary also.
The club AGM was held in the First Fruits Art Centre in Watergrasshill on Friday 24th November. The meeting was well attended and saw a number of changes in club officers. Outgoing chairperson, Cathal Gannon was replaced by Pat McHugh. Peter Curtin has taken over the role of treasurer from Paul O'Flynn. Club members expressed their gratitude to Cathal and Peter for their outstanding service to the club. The big news from the meeting was Declan Brady's appointment as a road captain. Declan's promotion to the role has been a life time ambition, and his excitement following the appointment was a joy to behold.
A major change was agreed to the club constitution which will facilitate the setting up of a juvenile section in 2018. These are exciting times for the club. The hard work setting up a juvenile committee and implementing the necessary systems and protocols now begins. It was also agreed to run a Bike For Life course in 2018. This is a "sofa to saddle" cycling programme that caters for all cyclists, from the person who has just rediscovered their bike, to the more accomplished rider who wants to take on greater challenges.The skills and knowledge gained in this programme will make the world of cycling more accessible to everyone, with the main focus being on learning skills, enjoying the bike and meeting new like-minded people.
Cycles over the past weekend had to be canceled due to icy road conditions. Club members are heading to the annual Christmas Cracker Cycle next Saturday. The Christmas Cracker Cycle is in aid of Marymount supported by MSD is a fantastic cycling event that is taking place on Saturday 2nd December. Laura Lynn's Children Hospice is also a beneficiary. The cycle starts from Marymount Hospice and goes along a very scenic West Cork route, which is reasonably flat (well it is December after all!).
