Western Lakes CC Awards night report
On Saturday the 13th of October the Western Lakes members got together in Flannerys Bar Ballinrobe to toast their success in the cycling world and they had every right to. With an increase in membership to over 130 riders it has helped the club achieve the highest membership of a cycling club in Connacht.
The racers in the club didn't let themselves down with two members winning All Ireland gold medals at the National tandem championship and fielding a full team at this year’s An Post Ras. While our leisure riders also stood out from the crowd with 25 of its members completing the 600k Mizen to Malin challenge on the tenth anniversary of the club’s first undertaking of the iconic journey across Ireland.
David Mac Dermott, the club chairman, spoke boastfully on why he is proud to be part of the club. In his address he stated “This club organises 12 National events during the year, twice as many as most other clubs in the province and we have a excellent combined eleven round club league with Covey wheelers, who are our both our closest of friends and our best of rivals.
A first for the club was the hosting of a beginner’s league in 2012 which proved very successful with 70 riders taking part with some astonishing improvements noted".
He continued by adding "The club invested time, money and resources into expanding its BMX track and cycling centre building which is the club’s main hub.
Every week there are structured training spins, BMX sessions and events to be travelled to for both the racing and the leisure members. Never a club to miss a good night out, the social side is well catered for with weekend’s away and warm weather camps organised.”
David also thanked all of the volunteers and organisers who helped to make the club what it is today. "A club is nothing without the will and effort of both the members, Loyal Sponsors and volunteers and this club is lucky to have them in abundance"
He finished by reminding members that with "off season" nearly over and the first training weekend away fast approaching that he expects to see them all joining in the training spins on Saturday and Sunday leaving from Cornmarket at 10am sharp and that he hoped to see new potential members coming along.
League awards winners and Mizen to Malin commemorative jerseys were presented by Martin Joyce on the night.
Award winners were as follows
Club person of the year; Shane Gilligan
Club Racer of the year; Donal Harrington
Club leisure rider of the year; Paul Duddy.
Club wheel sucker of the year; Martin Joyce.
Club Championship 2012.
1st Padraig Marrey Ballinrobe
2nd Donal Harrington Curry
3rd Joe Marrey Ballinrobe
