On Saturday night last, the Westport Country Lodge was a hive of activity for the second time in just 12 hours.
Earlier that day Westport Covey Wheelers hosted the first round of the inaugural Cycling Ireland Cyclocross series where nearly 200 participants battled the ups and downs of the foot golf course. With eight races down for decision, it was fair to say it was busy, equally so again that evening when Cycling Connacht and Westport Covey Wheelers hosted a joint awards night.
Volunteers, coaches, event organisers, and competitors’ achievements were celebrated making it a great social night for cycling in the province.
Every award nominee and winner deserved recognition, there were six recipients who deserved special recognition for their achievements, with two of those being inducted into the Cycling Connacht Hall of Fame.
Male Rider of the Year (All disciplines)
Tom Regan –Seven springs CC
Female Rider of the Year (All disciplines)
Mary Corless Challenge CC
Adult Club of the Year
Galway Bay CC
Club of the Year -Youth
Yeats CC Sligo
Adult Coach/Manager of the Year
Greg Monaghan Seven Springs CC
Youth Coach/Manager of the Year
Eimear Flannery Western Lakes CC
Event of the Year -Road Race
Ras Maigheo 2 day hosted by Westport Covey Wheelers
Leisure Event of the Year
Lough Key Classic hosted by Curlieu wheelers
Off Road Event of the Year
Galway Gravel Grind hosted by Galway Bay CC
Volunteer of the year
Cally Savage Northwest MTB
Cycling Connacht Leisure Series
Male: Shaun Rule Easkey
Female: Ann Marie O Regan Inishfree Wheelers
Club: Inishfree Wheelers
Special Achievement Award
Special achievement award: Daire Feeley for The Ras, Roscommon
Special achievement award: Ronan Grimes Paralympian
Special achievement award: Richael Timothy Paralympian
Special Achievement award: Mike Gilligan, Transplant Games, Tuam CC
Lifetime Achievement Awards.
John Ferguson Cunga CC
The Mannion brothers Paddy and Jimmy of Corrib wheelers and Tuam CC
Individual pieces on their lives in cycling is available HERE