Togher speeds to victory
Jarlath Togher from Cong, sprints to his first every win in the Western Lakes Covey Wheelers league held in Westport over 27 miles using an out and back circuit to Louisburg.
Jarlath only took up cycling a year a go when he got the bug by participating in the Cornamona 50 mile cycle challenge and has progressed steadily since but this victory is by far his greatest achievement.
Noel Brady and Joe Marrey mad most of their handicap by staying away from the scratch group and caught everyone else ahead, at Murrisk with 8k to go both men made what they thought was the winning move only to be dragged back by group one and 2 with 1.5k to go setting up a mass bunch sprint.
In the sprint Jarlath lead out and narrowly held of the challenge of Nick Duckett from Westport in a very tight sprint.
Next round June 11th in Westport.
Results
1st Jarlath Togher Cong
2nd Nick Duckett Westport
3rd Brendan Scullion Claddaghduff
4th Francis Sheridan Newport
5th Graham Casey The Neale
6th Dara Reidy Westport
7th Chris Kennedy Westport
8th Ray Staunton Westport
9th Joe Marrey Ballinrobe
10th Padraig Gannon Westport
Western Lakes riders perform well.
In last week Mullingar grand prix JJ Flaherty and Mark Quigley were very aggressive with Mark been in the opening break after lap one, this break was brought back by the bunch and 10 riders immediately countered with JJ Flaherty part of this group. This group stayed away till the finish. JJ Flaherty tried to win by braking away with 2 k to go but was brought back close to the finish, JJ eventually finished 7th.
Mark finished well up in the bunch gallop.
The Mask challenge
In terrible conditions 50 cyclist braved the wet and windy condition to complete the 38 miles around the lake.
Maire Lukes Tourmakeady provided teas and refreshment for the cyclists.
All funds raised will go towards the Lough Mask life boat.
A big thanks to all that helped and participated in the event.
Club promotes races for the Bog week in Letterfrack.
Western Lakes CC can never be accused about the lack of promotions. Twelve months of the year you can rely on the Co. Mayo Club to be serving up good fare.
And despite the magnetism of the FBD Ras, the club have two promotions this weekend in conjunction with Conamara Environmental Education & Cultural Centre. Cycling has become part of the 'Bog Week' of activities in the Letterfrack area of Co. Galway. On Saturday we have the first of two promotions. The cycling scene kicks off with 'The Conamara Bog Week Grand Prix' catering for all categories with a race distance of 65kms Sat. 23rd May - 4.00pm. Race open to all categories and sign on at Bards Den Letterfrack 3.00pm.
According to race organiser for both events. The Gogarty event is held in honour of the gentleman who retired to this part of the world. So it is appropriate that he remembered in this art of the world said JJ Flaherty. Also JJ is hopeful that there will be a big turnout. Favourites for both events have to be Padraig Marrey and runner up in the Credit Union Grand Prix last Sunday in Mullingar, Donal Kelly of Galway Bay. Also JJ briefed me on Oliver Gogarty.
Oliver Joseph St John Gogarty (August 17, 1878 - September 22, 1957) was an Irish physician and ear surgeon, poet and author, one of the most prominent Dublin wits. He was also a football player for Bohemian F.C. and an Olympic bronze medallist for literature. He is remembered as the inspiration for Buck Mulligan in James Joyce's novel Ulysses.
By Tommy Campbell
WESTERN LAKES CYCLING CLUB
