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EMYVALE

County Cycling Championships

There was a really good turnout of cyclists for the inaugural county cycling championships on Friday evening. About 35 cyclists competed in the event to determine a cycling champion for Monaghan. The cyclists were divided into two groups. The first group containing veterans and fourth category riders got a five minute time advantage over the second group containing senior 1&2 riders as well as some veterans. The racing began at Albert Berry Motors on the Ballybay road and the route then took the riders towards Ballybay before turning left for Tullycorbet, Ardaghy and back onto the Ballybay road. The course was 15 miles long and there were 2 laps to cover.

The weather was great and conditions were perfect for racing. By the end of the first lap it became clear the first group on the road were not going to be caught. Patrick Mc Kenna forged ahead on the hill top finish to claim victory and he was followed closely by Ciaran Cosgrove and Emyvale's Barry Hughes rode a great race to take the bronze medal. Eve Mc Crystal from Garda Cycling Club was first unplaced lady and Emyvale's Sharron Mc Kenna was second lady to cross the line. Conor Grimes from Armagh's Clann Eireann CC was first unplaced A3 rider. Stephen Cassidy from Emyvale was 1st veteran on the night. The veteran prize goes to the first cyclist who was 40 years old by the first of January this year.

The race was very well supported by cyclists from the Muckno triathlon club, Carrickmacross Cycling club, Clann Eireann CC and the majority of competitors were from the host club Emyvale. The race refereee or Comissaire for the night was Mark Kavanagh from Co. Fermanagh. The race and prizes was kindly sponsored by George Mc Carron of George's Cyclosport shop in Emyvale. The winner was presented with a gold medal and a County Champion cycling jersey and cycling helmet. Silver medal was given to the second place rider Ciaran Cosgrove of Carrickmacross and bronze went to Barry Hughes of Emyvale.

Emyvale CC wish to thank George for his generosity, Tommy Martin for access to his fuel yard for sign on and presentations, all marshalls and club members who helped on the night and fitness habit gym for the use of showers afterwards.

1st Place Patrick J Mc Kenna; 2nd Place Ciaran Cosgrove; 3rd Barry Hughes;

1st unplaced Lady  Eve Mc Crystal

1st Unplaced A3  Conor Grimes Clann Eireann

1st Vet  Stephen Cassidy Emyvale CC