Tireless club officer Mary Munroe has been named as the Western Lakes Cycling Club club person of the year for 2004.

Mary was honoured at the club’s dinner-dance held in the Station House Hotel, Clifden, which was an outstanding success.

Club treasurer Mary reaches into every area of the club’s activities, and was a very popular winner.

The club celebrated another outstanding year, during which the selection of Mary’s son Martin on the Irish team for the World Junior Championships in Verona, Italy, was one of the major highlights.

The other award winners were:

International Rider – Martin Munroe;

Senior Club Rider – John James Flaherty;

Under-age Rider – William Connolly;

Leisure Rider – Pat Grimes.

The club is planning another busy year in 2005, during which the recruitment of more female cyclists will be a key priority.

A number of efforts have been made to attract more women into the sport, primarily as a leisure activity. A number of females have rallied to the call, but the club is keen in 2005 to improve the numbers taking part.

Cycling is for people of all ages, and while the competitive side of the club is extremely healthy, Western Lakes are keen to stress that they welcome people of all abilities and fitness. Anyone who would like to try their hand at the sport should contact secretary Noel Gibbons (087 7870055.)