Bank Holiday weekend bonanza for local cyclists

 IT WAS a busy weekend on the local cycling front, with races in Williamstown, Loughglynn and Dunmore.

 In the Williamstown Grand Prix on Friday night, Dave Nugent of Realt Tuam beat Mark Quigley of Total Cycling in a sprint finish. The pair made a break for home with just a mile and a half remaining, and Nugent pipped Quigley in the closing stages.

 Padraig Marrey and young Martin Munroe were 3rd and 4th respectively in the Western Lakes colours. A field of over 30 riders made it a competitive race over 30 miles. The race had a handicap of six minutes separating the Veterans and C riders from the strong A group.

 Pat Clarke of Castlebar CC, a promising young rider, rode intelligently to claim the honours in the Dummore Grand Prix on Saturday. He held off the challenge of Padraig Marrey and Dave Nugent.

 The entourage moved to Loughglynn on Sunday for the Loughglynn Carnival Race. Winner here was Galway Bay’s Nigel Forde. He was followed home by Western Lakes man John James Flaherty, who put in a very strong performance.

 Results:

 Williamstown GP: Seniors – 1 Dave Nugent, Realt Tuam; 2 Mark Quigley, Total Cycling; 3 Padraig Marrey, Western Lakes; 4 Martin Munroe, Western Lakes; 5 Derek Burke, Realt, Tuam; Ladies – 1 Mary Brennan, Castlebar CC; Veterans – 1 Jim McCullagh, Donamon CC.

 Dunmore GP: Seniors - 1 Pat Clarke, Castlebar CC; 2 Padraig Marrey, Western Lakes; 3 Dave Nugent, Realt Tuam; 4 Eoin Whelan, Navan RC; 5 Jim McCullagh, Donamon CC; Senior C – Eamon Marrey, Western Lakes; Veterans – Stephen McGovern, Donamon CC.

 Loughglynn Carnival Race: Seniors - 1 Nigel Forde, Galway Bay CC; 2 JJ Flaherty, Western Lakes; 3 Jim Mc Cullagh, Donamon CC; 4 Eoin Whelan, Navan RC; 5 Eamon Morgan, Ennis; 6 Kevin Martin, Longford CC; Senior C – Brian O’Donnell, Galway Bay; Veterans Tom O Toole, Mayo Wheelers; King of the Hill Primes - Kevin Warde, Longford CC; Padraig Marrey, Western Lakes.