Winter League Stage 1 a Great Success

Post date: Dec 22, 2011 2:55:19 PM

(By Mark Monaghan)

The first round of the winter league took place on Saturday last in the picturesque setting of Damien O’Brien’s house on the shores of Louugh Owel. Richie Leinihan our MTB officer has kindly written us a report the day’s event.

On arrival to Damien’s place at 10 o’clock it was already evident that Damien had being busy all morning, with the course all taped out, sambos stacked high, trays of biscuits and sweets all layed out. One o’clock saw the first of the cars pull in and by 1:30 the car-park was full with everyone chatting and warming up for the first race.

The youths were off first for their four lap race. Eoin Lynch took up the early pace setting but the dreaded puncture fairy came a long a put a dampener on his race. With Eoin now out of the reckoning, Shane Hughes took up the lead and never looked back. Thomas Kilmurray came in second with Cian Humphries rounding off the podium in third. Well doe to all the lads that took part.

The big guns were off next, with Carmel Buckley & Paula Murray flying the flag for the ladies, they both tackled the course with ease. In the men’s race the more experienced MTB riders of Craig, Steve & Paul ran away with the race with Shay O’Toole also looking strong at the end. Everyone finished with red faces & heavy breathing but with smiles on their faces. A good race was had by all.

With the cold weather setting in & the sun going down, we all made our way into Damien’s house for some well earned refreshments as our reward after all our hard work, tea, coffee, chocolate and sambos & as always a good old chat & a race debrief!

A big thank you to the O’Brien family for their hospitality, hard work & use of their beautiful surroundings. For lots more pictures see the gallery.