News

Brendan Carroll Memorail 09/07/08

1 Stephen 0'Sullivan, Myhome.ie
2 Stephen Halpin, McNally Swords CC
3 Urban Monks, Eurocycles CC
4 Robert Moore, Stamullen M Donnelly
5 Crag Sweetman, Stamullen M Donnelly
6 Mark Nestor, Eurocycles CC
7 Ciaran Cassidy, Myhome.ie
8 Noel McGlynn, Murphy Surveyors CC

'B' Stephen Halpin, McNally Swords CC
'B' Wes Murphy, Dublin Wheelers CC

'C' Paul Faherty, Dublin Wheelers
'C' Lorcan Davoust, S.A. CC


'V' Stephen McNally, Owell DTC
'V' Anto Moran, Ravens

'J' Mark Fitzsimons, Newbridge
'L' Coleen Foley, McNally Swords

U.16
1st Ben Dowling, Bray Wheelers
2nd Javan Nulty, Stamullen M Donnelly
3rd Blane Maloney, Avonmore Navan RC

U.14
1st Ryan Mullen, Navan Avonmore RC
2nd Aidan Wall, Avonmore Navan RC
3rd Shaun Rigley, Eurocycles

U.12
1st Declan Mulholland, Clann Eireann
2nd Ryan Orr, Old Bleech CC

Robinson wins Stage 2 of Newry 3 Day, Holds Yellow and Mountain's Jerseys.

Stamullen rider Colin Robinson put in one of the finest club performances seen in a while today at Hilltown, Co. Down when he soloed to a stage win in stage 2 of the 2008 FPM Newry 3 Days and claiming maximum points in the KOH competition on the way.

His teammate, Simon Mulvany finished in a small chase group and took 5th on the stage to make it a day to remember for the Stamullen club.

Following the afternoon's time trial at Warrenpoint, Colin goes into the last stage with a slender 1 second advantage on gc over the home clubs Kevin Lynch. Robinson also leads the KOH competition by 8 points over Cathal Smith of Pheonix CC, Belfast. Simon Mulvany goes into the last stage in 6th place overall despite a mechanical problem before the start of the TT.

Moore takes 2008 Senior B Championship in Mullingar

Mullingar, Sunday 17th May '08

Robert Moore confirmed his very strong recent form and took his best win in years when winning the 2008 Senior 'B' Road Race Championships at Mullingar. Having showed very good form for a number of weeks prior to the event, Robert was one of the main favourites going into the race. It is however not that easy to translate good form into a win on the day it matters but Moore did it in style, kicking clear of breakaway companion Paul Mulligan of Omagh Wheelers on the uphill drag to the line to take the title in fine style. Moore and Mulligan had been part of a larger group that contained most of the main favourites inc. Eddie O'Donoghue, Ciaran Steed and James McMaster. Inside 2 laps to go Moore and Mulligan went clear to contest the finish between them.

2008 Senior B Road Race Championships

1st Robert Moore, Stamullen M.D. Road Club

2nd Paul Mulligan, Omagh Wheelers

3rd Eddie O'Donoghue, Clonmel

Meath M Donnelly Team for 2008 FBD Ras

Update:

Bad luck has followed the team from KM 1 of this years Ras with Colin Robinson suffering a puncture on the start line in Navan. With very high average speeds on the way to Ballinamore, his effort to regain contact with the main field was to be in vain making his very fist stage in the Ras a very frustrating one. On day 2 Simon Mulvany and Alan Clogher came down at the midway point in a high speed crash. Both riders made it to the finish line but Mulvany was forced to pull out early on stage 4 not having recovered enough from the injuries sustained to continue in the race.

5 Club Riders will take part in this years FBD Ras which starts from Navan on Sunday 18th May. Craig Sweetman, Simon Mulvany, Colin Robinson, Frank O'Connor and Alan Clogher will line out for the 8 day event.

The team will be managed by Stamullen native Seamus Gough and mechanical duty will be shared by Dan Nulty and Colm Crawley. Masseuse for the week will be Emma Quirke from Skerries who will be doing her 4th Ras with the team.

Winter Training Update 08/01/08

The new road from Julianstown to Duleek is now passable by bike so for the rest of the winter the meeting point for the Sunday group spin will revert back to the car park of the Julianstown Inn. Group will depart from the Julianstown Inn at 10 am unless its a very frosty morning in which case a group text will be sent to advise a later departure time. 

Portumna Winter Training Camp 2008

This years winter training camp place will take place in the Co. Galway town of Portumna town from 13th to 17th Feb.  Accommodation will be "the Lodges" self catering chalets on the grounds of the Shannon Oaks  Hotel in Portumna. These lodges have been used on several occasions before by the club and have always worked out very well.

The accommodation is available from the Wed 13th but if anyone cannot make it down until the Thursday or even just the weekend, this can be arranged. It is hoped to have four arranged spins to suit differing abilities on the Thur, Fri, Sat and Sun. Wives and girlfriends are very welcome to attend the camp, we will have fully use of the leisure and spa facilities at the Shannon Oaks Hotel while staying in the Lodges and a group meal will be arranged for at least one of the evenings.

Please text 0862410759 or email webmaster@stamullenroadclub.com to register your interest ASAP if you have not done so already.

More info on the Lodges can be found here

Draw Results

1. Michael Ryan, Mosney Cross

2. Vera Reid, Balbriggan 

3. Stephen McKenna, C/O  Stamullem R.C.

4. Paul Christie, 19 Grange Walk

5. Mary Davitt, Stamullen

6. David Weldon, 24 Grace Meadow

7. Mary Davitt, Stamullen

8. Eddie Veale, c/o Nicky Veale

9. Leo McCluskey, c/o Pat Moss

10. Maureen Dennis, Gormanston

11. Emma Fleming, Delvin Road, Gormanston

12. Evelyn McCann Barry, Mountain View

13. Joey Byrne

14. Paddy Roe, Gormanston.

15. Colm Galligan, Julianstown.

Congratulations to all the prize winners and many thanks to everyone who helped with the draw this year.

PRIZE LIST

Winter Training Spins 2007/08

Training group will start to meet from Sunday 21st October at the car park for Julianstown Pitch and Putt Club. Due to continued road works on the Julianstown - Duleek Road the normal meeting point of the Old Mill Hotel is not suitable for the moment. Turn left before the Old Mill coming from Balbriggan direction on N1 and if coming from Drogheda direction continue past Old Mill on N1 and take next right (after you cross river) on the other side of the hill. 

Group will DEPART at 10 am each Sunday during the winter season unless weather conditions or other other factors dictate otherwise (a text will be sent if there is any change to the normal departure time / day)

A helmet must be worn on all club training spins and mud guards are strongly advised especially in damper conditions. If you are new to group training spins bring a spare tube, a pump and some food in your jersey pockets (a multi tool is also usefull). For further information for newcomers click HERE or email to webmaster@stamullenroadclub.com or call 086 2410759 for further information (use these details if you wish to have your mobile number added to the club text alert service)

For maps of frequently used training routes and group meeting point click HERE

PROFESSIONAL CYCLISTS TO COMPETE IN DONORE

End of dry spell for Stamullen !

Even though we are experiencing one of the wettest summers on record, Stamullen Road Club went through something of a dry spell during the past few weeks but things were put back on track at the weekend at a very wet Kilnaleck on Saturday night and at the Tour of Armagh on Sunday.   

Conditions at Kilnaleck were very bad but Nicky Veale took the first two lap primes on offer to set the ball rolling. When the handicaps were made up by the scratch group, Craig Sweetman and Simon Mulvany made the final selection of the night. Several attempts were made to go it alone but it came down to a sprint in very difficult conditions where Craig Sweetman had to settle for 2nd for the 2nd year running, this time behind Stephen McNally of Orwell. Simon Mulvany came in 5th while Nicky Veale took the prize for first lady.

At the Tour of Armagh the following day Mulvany and Sweetman again took to the start line with somewhat tired legs from the night before. An early break with almost all of the pre race fancies on board gained an advantage of over 2 mins by the time the riders reached Keady Mountain with neither of Stamullen's riders included. Some very hard riding by the chasing group into Armagh City and onwards to Craigavon saw all bar Conor Murphy of Usher reeled in before the line. Murphy held on by 20 seconds while Sweetman finished 2nd in the large group sprint to take 6th place.                

Stamullen claim team prize in Tuam

The Brian McNamara memorial in Tuam attracted a large field at the weekend  due to a generous prize fund and the fact that a team prize was offered which is quite unusual for a one day race. Stamullen travelled to the event with 4 riders and team manager Gay Howard with the hope of winning the team prize on offer.

On arrival it was obvious that many other teams had the same idea with almost 80 riders lining up for the 40 mile race around the streets of Tuam. The race was fast from the off with several attempts to break clear but it was not until roughly the half way point that a group of 5 opened a small gap over the main field. Included in this group was Frank O'Connor and it was this group that would contest the finish between them but with a very small advantage over the rest of the field on the line. Kanturk's Maurice O'Brien took the win with Frank finishing 4th. A latrge group sprint decided the remaining placings and Matt Kelly came home in 8th with Simon Mulvany 10th. The combined results were just enough to claim the team prize from Usher Irish Road Club after a countback of the placings. Special mention must go to Colin Robinson who also travelled to Tuam and rode very strongly, joining Simon and Frank in a early move.         

BRENDAN CARROLL MEMORIAL 2007

(28 mile – 1hr 02min 10 sec)

Tony Griffin - The Ride for the Cure, July '07

Tony Griffin's amazing journey to ride 7000 km across Canada came to an emotional end at the weekend in his home town of Ennis, Co. Clare. The "home leg" saw a group of over 100 cyclists ride from Dublin via Athlone to Ennis, where a huge crowd, worthy of a Ras stage finish, awaited the former All-Star Hurler's return.

Many club members, along with club sponsor, Martin Donnelly, took part in and assisted with this great event.

For more information on the Tony Griffin Foundation click here

Photos from the event have been added to the club's photo gallery.

Newry 3 Day and Underage News: 18 June '07

The Newry 3 Day was held over last weekend and the clubs only competitor, Simon Mulvany, managed to finish 9th on final G.C.

Javan Nulty won again at Ashford, Co. Wicklow on Saturday winning the U14 race from  Blane Maloney of Navan Road Club.  

Nicky claims first win !

Nicky Veale claimed the first win of her career and the clubs first ladies win of 2007 at the Boot Inn on 6th June. Nicky set off in the second of 3 groups in the handicap event and the first and second groups came together with a lap and a half of the 4 remaining. After some attacking on the last lap it came down to a 9 rider sprint finish with Nicky coming out on top to take her first win which she was delighted about.        

Leinster Champs 2007 and Ras Na Nog

The 2007 Leinster Championships proved to be fruitfull for the club with 6 medals collected in total in the senior mens events.

In the 25 mile TT held on Sat 2nd June, Simon Mulvany won gold in the Senior B category. While the following day in Dundalk the road race was held in terrible weather conditions. A six man break formed early in the race and contained both Robert Moore and Simon Mulvany and it was this group who went on to contest the finish between them. Tim O'Regan from the MyHome.ie / Dunboyne squad took andother win for the team ahead of Mark Kiernan of Kilcullen CC with Robert Moore of Stamullen finishing 3rd and a bronze medal with it. Simon Mulvany finished 6th in the race which was good enough for gold in the Sen B category and combined with Craig Sweetman who finished well up in the next group home, the 3 Stamullen Riders were awarded the Senior Mens prize. This is the 3rd time in as many years that these 3 riders have won team gold in Leinster for Stamullen Road Club. Last year it was in the time trial while in 2005 it was also gold in the road race. 

The weekend also saw the first running of Ras Na Nog in Drogheda to cater for the underage categories over 3 stages. Javan Nulty had high expectations going into the event following a string of wins in the weeks leading up to it. A fall early on the first stage knocked him back somewhat but he still managed to regain his composure and the front of the race again to finish 4th in a bunch sprint. A number of similar placings in the 2 stages to follow meant that he ended the event in 4th place overall, not bad for his first attempt at a stage race. He also claimed 2nd place in the KOH competition.    

Nulty continues winning streak !

Impressive new member Javan Nulty has continued his run of wins adding two more wins to bring his tally for the season so far to six. A win last weekend at Carrickmacross and another on the last Sunday of May at Emyvale means that his stats for the season so far are 8 starts with 2 seconds and 6 firsts! He now must be considered one of the strong favourites for the U14 category at next weekends Ras Na Nog which will be held on his doorstep at Drogheda.

2007 FBD Insurance Ras

Frank O'Connor and Craig Sweetman yesterday completed the 2007 Ras which ended in Skerries. Both riders had only 6 days to recover from their efforts at the 8 day Tour of Turkey so for both to complete the Ras was a fine achievement. The two Stamullen riders competed on the Meath M Donnelly Cycleways team which comprised of Dunboyne CC riders Ciaran Cassidy and Adrian Heddermann as well as Dublin Wheelers Brian Taffe. Craig was involved in a heavy crash on Saturdays stage from Derry to Nerwcastle which made his finish yesterday at Skerries even more impressive.    

All Photos from Turkey here now

Stage 7, Antalya to Alanya 135 km

The last stage of the Tour looked like being considerably easier than the previous 6 on paper at least as it featured a main road track to Alanya over mostly flat terrain. The Merida and Slovakian teams however were determined to hold onto their GC positions and rode a strong tempo for the whole race to keep attacks at bay and ensured a hard last day for everyone in the process. Shaun Rock was struck by the same bug overnight which saw Robert Moore tour's end on the 2nd last day and although he started the stage, he was in the broom wagon after 50km. Stephen Halpin had a very busy day when crashing and later suffering a puncture bt managed to regain contact with the main field on both occasions.

A very fast run into Alanya and cobbled streets for the last few KM's meant a very hectic finish. Frank O'Connor launched a big attack with 3 km to go but was reeled in again by a marauding bunch dening him a stage win in his home tour. Craig Sweetman finished 16th and but for the fact he was boxed in at the end of the sprint, could have finished much higher up. 

Illness meant that the team only finshed the tour with 3 from the 6 starters but stage placings on stage 2 (15th), 3 (11th and 12th) and 7 (16th) was a very good return in such a tough race (UCI 2.2)    

Mulvany admits he's a dope

Tour of Turkey gets underway

The team arrived in Izmir late on Friday night after a long days travel and settled into their hotel in preparation for the start of the race which was a prologue held on a motor racing track just out side Izmir. The course was a twisting one just under 2 km and the wining time was that of Iranian Team rider, Hossein Nategni with 2 mins and 22 secs.

Shaun Rock 41st at 13 secs, Stephen Halpin 44th at 14 secs, Frank O'Connor 55th at 15 secs, Craig Sweetman 62nd at 17 secs, Simon Mulvany 72nd at 20 secs and Robert Moore 78th at 22secs.

Private Members Draw in Whyte's of Stamullen 3/5/07

The prizes were drawn as follows:

Thanks to sponors and all involved.

Coombes Connor Memorial Races 29/04/07, Drogheda 

Sunday saw the racing action switch to local club Drogheda Wheeler's annual Coombes Connor Memorial. This race is always a tough event with the assent of Roughgrange off the Boyne Valley on each of the 7 laps to negotiate. Strong easterly winds also made it tough going from Duleek to the top of Platin with cross winds on the main road. 

An early leading group of 11 in the senior race did not contain any Stamullen MD riders but some hard graft over 4 laps by Sweetman, Mulvany, Moore and O'Connor saw the race close up except for the leading duo of Murphy and Delahey of Usher IRC who forged a strong lead. Sweetman finished 9th while O'Connor and Mulvany were 4th and 5th respectively in the B category.       

Javan Nulty took his most impressive win to date in the U14 event by winning on his own by over a minute from 2nd place.

Sweetman denied Weekend Double

13/08/06 

The narrowest of margins denied Craig Sweetman of two wins last weekend.  On Saturday, in Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan, there was very little to separate him from winner, Adrian Hedderman, in a tightly fought sprint to the line.  The very next day, at the Brendan Campbell memorial, in Donore, Sweetman was to finish runner up again, but this time to Greg Swinand of Usher Irish Road Club.

Robert Moore continued his own good run of form taking fourth behind team mate Sweetman at Kilnaleck. 

a close sprint !

August Bank Holiday Report 

The club's excellent run of form continued over the bank holiday weekend with good returns from Mountnugent and The Swords G.P.

On Saturday night at Mountnugent, Co. Cavan Robert Moore finished 3rd while the newly crowned Leinster champion, Craig Sweetman finished 4th. These placing were to be reveresed the very next day at a soggy Swords G.P. with Sweetman taking 3rd and Moore 4th.

On Sunday morning at Newry, Frank O'Connor was denied a prize for 6th place in the McKinley Classic 10 by 2 1/100's of a second. However his time of 21.25 was a personal best for 10 miles and an indication of his rapid progress in time trialing this year.  

Drogheda League '06

The Drogheda League this year was a great success with numbers well up on previous years.  Laura McKenna made history when she was the first lady from Stamullen to make it into the top four overall.  Well done to Laura on her achievement and many thanks to Drogheda Wheelers for a well run, safe event.

Laura McKenna who finished 4th overall

Leinster Success for Stamullen Road Club !

This weekend the Leinster Road Race and Time Trial Champs were held and they proved to be very successful for the club. On Saturday the 25 mile time trial champs were held at Carrickmacross in wet and windy weather. Three Stamullen riders lined out and all three returned with medals ! Frank O'Connor posted a great time to win the Sen. B prize but his time was actually good enough to take second in the Sen A event. Simon Mulvany finished 4th in the Sen A event and together with Craig Sweetman, their combined times were good enough to claim the senior team prize.

On Sunday the road race was held in Dundalk and there was to be more medals for Stamullen. A very close race saw Frank O'Connor and Craig Sweetman make the split half way through the last lap. Even though the lead group contained several riders from Murphy and Gunn, Frank O'Connor rode a fantastic race to set up a great victory for Craig Sweetman. O'Connor was rewarded with another gold medal and first Sen B. to round off a great medal haul.   

Bill Moore ties the knot !

Stamullen Road Club's Bill Moore got married last Saturday 22nd July to Anke Erlank at Bellewstown Church. A reception was held afterwards at Clontarf Castle. Everyone in Stamullen Road Club wishes Bill and Anke the very best for the future.  

Sweet success for Craig

Craig Sweetman secured his second victory of the 2006 season at the Co. Meath village of Ballivor last Saturday night 15th July. In a race which was contested at a frantic pace, breakaway attempts were made and failed and all looked set for a bunch sprint up the straight main street finish at Ballivor. However Sweetman had other ideas and went in a small break of 3 riders with just over 1 km to go. This break also look destined to be reeled in by the hungry bunch but just as they looked to be brought back, Craig attacked again and held a good margin to the finish line. Many thanks to www.cyberimages.net for the picture of Craig's win.

Obviously in good form, Sweetman followed up the win with a 3rd place the very next day in the Laois G.P. which was held at Stradbally in blistering heat.    

Tony Wallace Memorial Cycle

On 1st and 2nd of July over fifty cyclists took part in the Tony Wallace Memorial Cycle from Clonee to Dunboyne and back again. Club sponsor, Martin Donnelly, hopes to make it an annual event so we'll expect an even greater number of participants next year!

Hello from Sweden !

Stamullen native Brendan Whyte and his son Barry sent us the picture above of both of them before a training spin in Sweden recently. Brendan of course is the main sponsor of the Whyte Cup each year at the Stamullen G.P. while his son Barry has been living in Sweden for the past number of years and has raced with Stamullen R.C. at underage level. 

Turkish Delight for Frank

New recruit to Stamullen Road Club, Frank O'Connor got his account off to a great start when winning the Senior B race at the Newbridge GP today in Co. Kildare. Active in break aways from the start, O'Connor used his strength to great effect when attacking his four break away companions on the last major climb of the day to solo to his first race victory in Ireland and also the first in his new club colours. 

In the 'A' event at the same venue, Robert Moore came 6th while Craig Sweetman finished 8th behind race winner David McCann of Giant Asia. Mick Nulty finished 7th in the combined C/Vet/J race to complete a good days work for Stamullen riders in Kildare.  

Noel Hammond Memorial 14th May '06

Stamullen's Bill Moore finished 3rd in this years Noel Hammond Memorial which was held at Ballyboughil in North Co. Dublin. 2nd in last years event, Moore showed again that he is reaching top form before the start of this years FBD Ras which gets under way this Sunday 21st May from Tallaght in Dublin.    

Coombes Connor Memorial 7th May '06

After Bill Moore won the trophy in '05, the club was hopeful of retaining the Coombes Connor Memorial at Drogheda today with a strong squad in the main event. Bill and brother Robert Moore were joined by Craig Sweetman, Matt Kelly and Simon Mulvany on the start line.  The racing was fast from flag drop with the tough climb of Roughgrange seeing the chances of many riders disappear with every lap. At the finish it was Colm Bracken of Kilcullen (Murphy Surveyors) who proved strongest in a 3 man sprint with Bill Moore close behind in 5th with Sweetman 8th. 

In the Sen C race, special mention must go to Martin Fitzgerald who finished 3rd. This high placing on a very tough circuit is hopefully an indication that Martin is coming into good form.

Women's Cycling

The interest in ladies cycling and racing has increased over the last number of years and that has been reflected in the number of girls from Stamullen Road Club taking to the roads with some trying out road racing for the first time. On Wed 3rd May, Nicky Veale and Laura McKenna both took part in round 2 of the Boot Inn League. The league caters for women of all abilities as well as new comers to the sport and is run on a handicap basis. Both girls did very well for their first open race and Nicky Veale competing in her first ever race finished a fine 6th with Laura McKenna close behind in 7th.   Laura also took the underage girls' prize in Drogheda at the weekend.    

It is hoped that more ladies from the club will join them as the summer approaches and further develop womens cycling within Stamullen Road Club. 

Tour of Ulster '06

The club sent a 5 man team to this years Tour of Ulster which started and finished in Newry. Simon Mulvany, Bill & Robert Moore, Craig Sweetman and Sean Rock from Swords CC made up the squad with Johnnie Varley and Gay Howard acting as managers.

The race was very fast from start to finish with an average speed of almost 30 mph for the last stage ! Results were hard to come by on stages and overall. Bill Moore and Sean Rock made the large front group on Stage 1 which shaped the overall result of the race. Craig Sweetman finished 7th on the last stage with Bill Moore one place further back in 8th. Ray Clarke won overall while Paul Healion of Murphy & Gunn took 2 of the 4 stages on offer. Sean Rock, riding for the first time with Stamullen, figured highly in the U23 competition.   

Sean Rock from Swords CC in Stamullen Colours at the Tour of Ulster  

Easter Round Up

18/04/06

The Club was represented on two fronts over the busy Easter Weekend with a five man squad competing in the tough Ras Mumhan based in the Kerry town of Killorglin while Colm Crawley was the sole representative at the Gorey 3-Day. 

Although he was the sole club partisipant at the "Gorey", Colm Crawley had a fine return from the 3 road stages placing 6th, 2nd and 4th beaten by only half a wheel on the 3rd stage by Brendan Whelan of Stagg Cycles Lucan. 

The five man team at "Ras Mumhan" had mixed fortune in what proved a very tough race. Bill Moore returned from South Africa for his first outing in club colours for 2006 and was joined by his brother Robert, Simon Mulvany, Craig Sweetman and Mick Nulty. A heavy crash on the opening stage saw Bill break his bike but he was able to regain contact with the main group. Craig Sweetman finished 11th on the stage while Bill Moore took a 9th placing on the last stage which was a fine result considering he was on a borrowed bike. The standard at this years race was high with teams from Belgium, Holland and Germany as well as the new "continental" Irish based team Murphy & Gunn which provided the overall winner in Paul Healion.  

Moore & Sweetman sprint out of the last corner in Stage 5 of Ras Mumhan 2006

Thanks for your help

10/04/06

Stamullen M. Donnelly Road Club would like to thank everyone who helped to make the past weekend of racing in the village a success. The club would especially like to thank our neighbouring clubs who gave invaluable assistance throughout the weekend - Drogheda Wheelers, McNally Swords Cycling Club and Balbriggan Cycling Club. Thank you all.

Murphy wins Whyte Cup again, Sweetman 5th

09/04/06

Conor Murphy (Murphy & Gunn) took the Joey Whyte Cup for a second time today, proving strongest after 72 miles of tough racing on what is regarded as one of the harder circuits on the domestic calander. Craig Sweetman who won the Brendan Carroll on the previous evening was again the best clubman, finishing 5th (his best result in the race so far).

Full results from the weekend of racing in Stamullen below

Super Sweetman wins Brendan Carroll Memorial

08/04/06

You could not write a better script ! Craig Sweetman, friend and former team mate of the late Brendan Carroll, wins the race in his memory in the clubs home village of Stamullen. Sweetman won a thrilling four man sprint from the Lynch brothers of the Cork Kanturk club and Murphy & Gunn's Philip Finnegan. To complete a great evening for the promoting club, Mick Nulty (having his best season since returning to the bike) won the prize for first veteran.  

Balbriggan Races

02/04/06

Stamullen riders were to the fore at the two events promoted last weekend by Balbriggan C.C. On Saturday evening at the Man-O-War, Mick Nulty rode strongly in the Harry Reynolds Memorial  to finish as 2nd Vet. On Sunday Mick Nulty was in the hunt again in the Vet / Jun event where he finished 4th. In the main event of the day, The Ben McKenna Memorial, Simon Mulvany finished 11th after 74 miles of tough racing around north county Dublin with a strong finishing Robert Moore taking the last prize on offer in 20th position.

P. Moss hits 60 !

19/03/06

Club vice chairman and Ras team boss, Paddy Moss, turned 60 on Sunday last. Share prices of Hennessy were said to have peaked at the weekend due to an unusually large demand from somewhere in Co. Meath. 

Nulty wins St. Patricks Day Handicap

17/03/06

Stamullen Road Club's, Mick Nulty took full advantage of the handicap allowed to him when taking his and the clubs first win on St. Patricks day in Batterstown.

Nulty broke clear of the limit group with former Irish National Champion, Julie O'Hagan of Dublin Wheelers and the two worked well together to keep clear of the chasing groups behind. Nulty then proved stronger in the finish to take a fine win.

Dundalk Traders Cup Cancelled

12/03/06 

Matt Kelly (pictured above) of Stamullen Road Club did not get the opportunity to defend the cup he won in 2005 when the '06 edition of the Dundalk Traders Cup was called off mid race today. A traffic accident on the 3rd lap forced the organisers to call off racing

6th March '06 - Sweetman kicks off season at Navan

For most cyclists in the Leinster area, the racing season kicks off with the Cycle Ways Cup at Navan. Yesterday at a cold and wet Navan, Eugene Moriarity representing the sponsor won on his own after being part of a 3 man break for most of the race. Stamullen MD's Craig Sweetman started his and the clubs season in strong style by taking fourth.  The club was represented by Matt Kelly, Colm Crawley, Craig Sweetman, Simon Mulvany, Mick Nulty and Robert Moore  in the main event while Patrick King and Roger Tegart lined out in the Sen. C "combined" race.  

First Leinster Cross Medal for Club

On Sunday 4th of December, Stamullen M.D. rider Robert Moore, became the first club man to win a medal at a Leinster Cyclo Cross Championships. The 2005 event was staged by Kildare Club, Kilcullen and saw event specialist Robin Seymour (WORC) take gold again with Niall Davis (IMBRC) in second. Moore (pictured above taking 3rd) started cyclo cross racing only last season and recent results suggested a big performance was in store and Robert was understandably delighted with his performance and first cyclo cross medal. The Nationals in January are next on the list for Robert and if he continues to build form over the winter a strong showing is expected there as he finished 12th at his first attempt last year. 

Moore gets Cross !

There was an entry of 57 riders in the senior cyclo cross race held at Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor over the weekend. Stamullen's Robert Moore took his first top ten placing of the season placing 8th. This comes on the back of three top 15 placings in recent events. Moore is now aiming for a similar performance in upcoming races including the Leinster and National championships to be held in later in the season. Robert was said to be delighted with his first ever prize in a cyclo cross event and is hoping to improve on the 12th place he earned in last years National Championships.

Robert Moore in Cyclo-Cross action

Club Dinner a great success

The Club held its annual dinner last Friday the 18th November at the Glenside Hotel, Julianstown. Over 130 members and friends attended the dinner which turned out to be a great event. Special guest on the night was Sean Kelly which was a great honour for the club. Also in attendance was the clubs main sponsor, Martin Donnelly. Club chairman, Gay Howard, presented many of the clubs loyal race day stewarts with a specially commissioned piece of glassware to acknowledge their valuable help in running club events over the years.   

Sean Kelly Guest of Honour at Club Dinner

Irish Cycling legend Sean Kelly will be a guest of honour at this years Stamullen Road Club annual dinner.  This year's dinner will be held on Friday 18th November at the Glenside Hotel, Drogheda.

Tickets can be obtained from the following club members:

Stamullen Area:

Gay Howard 087 2040959

Drogheda Area:

Simon Mulvany 086 2410759

Balbriggan Area:

Colm Crawley Snr.  087 2212690

Wanna see a whole lot Moore?? 

Stamullen Road Club's Robert Moore is turning out to be a model teammate... in more ways than one!

The Kilnaleck Grand Prix winner has agreed to model for the an upcoming charity calendar in aid of the Special Baby Care Unit at the Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

Promoted by Irish Cycling News magazine, the calendar will feature some of Ireland's top cyclists... NUDE. Moore will be joined by eleven others, male and female, as he gets his kit off for this very worthy cause.

Watch this space for more details!

Sweetman flies to victory !

Craig Sweetman of Stamullen Road Club, won the European Inter Airline Championships which were held at the Man-O-War last Saturday (17th September). Sweetman (representing Aer Lingus) spent most of the race in a two man break with runner up Flemming Kickegaard (SAS). The two riders rode well together on a hard circuit and opened up a gap of almost 3 minutes at the end. Kickegaard tried to break clear on the last assent to the finish but couldn't open a sufficent gap with Sweetman then accounting for Kickegaard quite easily in the sprint for the line.     

ASCA (Airline Social & Cultural Assoc.) Cycling Champs:

1 Craig Sweetman, Team EI
2 Flemming Kickegaard, Team SK1
3 Telle Donnestad, Team SK1
4 Ottar Haldorsen, Team SK1
5 Morten Molmann, Team SK1

Craig Sweetman wins the European Inter Airline Championship at Man-O-War 17/09/05

2005 Club Results

2005 proved to be a good year for Stamullen Road Club. Club riders took prizes from the first weekend of the season back in March right through to the curtain closer at Robinstown. Eight major victories, the high light of which being a stage win in the FBD Insurance Ras, marked a very successful campaign for the club. The clubs major results from 2005 are listed below :   

Date	Race	Rider	Result
11/09/2005	Klondyke Cup, Robinstown	Craig Sweetman	4th
11/09/2005	Klondyke Cup, Robinstown	Mick Nulty	3rd Vet
04/09/2005	Collins/Christle Memorial, Kilmessan	Matt Kelly	7th
04/09/2005	Collins/Christle Memorial, Kilmessan	C Sweetman	6th
30/08/2005	Pheoinx Park Race, Dublin	C Sweetman	5th
28/08/2005	National Tandem TT Championships	C Sweetman	1st
		S Mulvany
27/08/2005	Leinster Sen A RR Team Champions	S Mulvany	1st
		R Moore
		C Sweetman
27/08/2005	Leinster Road Race Championships 05	Simon Mulvany	4th
23/08/2005	Pheoinx Park Race, Dublin	Craig Sweetman	5th
21/08/2005	Sheefry Grand Prix, Co. Mayo	Craig Sweetman	6th
20/08/2005	West Port Criterium, Co.Mayo	Craig Sweetman	6th
16/08/2005	Dickie Comerford Mem, Pheonix Park	Craig Sweetman	3rd
16/08/2005	Dickie Comerford Mem, Pheonix Park	Bill Moore	4th
14/07/2005	Brendan Campbell Mem, Donore	Bill Moore	1st
14/07/2005	Brendan Campbell Mem, Donore	Simon Mulvany	6th
13/07/2005	Alo Donnegan Mem TT, Laois	Simon Mulvany	6th
12/07/2005	Lurgan Criterium	Craig Sweetman	4th
07/07/2005	Swords GP, North Co. Dublin	Craig Sweetman	2nd
07/07/2005	Swords GP, North Co. Dublin	Bill Moore	3rd
06/07/2005	Kilnaleck Festival Race, Cavan	Craig Sweetman	6th
06/07/2005	Kilnaleck Festival Race, Cavan	Bill Moore	5th
06/07/2005	Kilnaleck Festival Race, Cavan	Robert Moore	1st
30/07/2005	Mountnugent GP, Cavan	Mick Nulty	1st vet
30/07/2005	Mountnugent GP, Cavan	Bill Moore	2nd
30/07/2005	Mountnugent GP, Cavan	Craig Sweetman	3rd
16/07/2005	Ballivor GP, Co. Meath	Bill Moore	4th
16/07/2005	Ballivor GP, Co. Meath	Matt Kelly	5th
10/07/2005	Barry Murphy Mem, North Monaghan	Craig Sweetman	3rd
10/07/2005	Barry Murphy Mem, North Monaghan	Simon Mulvany	10th
09/07/2005	16 KM TT, Newtown Mountkennedy	Simon Mulvany	6th
06/07/2005	Monnie Nolan Mem, Balscaddan	Craig Sweetman	4th
06/07/2005	Monnie Nolan Mem, Balscaddan	Robert Moore	6th
21/06/2005	McCormack Mem, Pheonix Park	Craig Sweetman	5th
19/06/2005	Sean Nolan Meath GP, Navan	Craig Sweetman	6th
19/06/2005	Sean Nolan Meath GP, Navan	Robert Moore	8th
14/06/2005	Stagg Summer Festival, Stage 2	Craig Sweetman	2nd
12/06/2005	Kevin McInerney Mem, Dunlavin	Mick Nulty	1st Vet
09/06/2005	Kathleen O'Sullivan Memorial	Mick Nulty	6th
29/05/2005	FBD Insurance Ras Stage 8	Bill Moore	1st
15/05/2005	Noel Hammond, Ballyboughil	Bill Moore	2nd
10/05/2005	Pheonix Park Race	Bill Moore	2nd
08/05/2005	Coombes/Connor Memorial	Bill Moore	1st
08/05/2005	Coombes/Connor Memorial	Craig Sweetman	5th
08/05/2005	Coombes/Connor Memorial	Simon Mulvany	10th
02/05/2005	Tour Of Ulster Stage 4	Craig Sweetman	4th
02/05/2005	Tour Of Ulster U23 Overall	Chris O'Hare	2nd
23/04/2005	John Beggs Memorial, Dromore	Robert Moore	2nd
16/04/2005	Brendan Carroll Memorial	Mick Nulty	1st Vet
16/04/2005	Brendan Carroll Memorial	Robert Moore	6th
10/04/2005	Mick Beggan Mem, Bohermeen	Craig Sweetman	8th
02/04/2005	Harry Reynolds Memorial	Mick Nulty	2nd Vet
02/04/2005	Harry Reynolds Memorial	Colm Crawley	8th
20/03/2005	Traders Cup, Dundalk	Matt Kelly	1st
20/03/2005	Des Hanlon Memorial C/J/V	Chris O'Hare	1st
13/03/2005	Newbridge GP (B)	Matt Kelly	4th
13/03/2005	Newbridge GP	Craig Sweetman	10th
12/03/2005	Dunsaney GP	Colm Crawley	1st B
12/03/2005	Dunsaney GP	Craig Sweetman	5th
	Underage Results
29/06/2005	Stephen Roche GP, Dundrum U/A	Kayleigh Varley	1st
10/04/2005	Bohermeen U14 Ladies	Laura McKenna	3rd
10/04/2005	Bohermeen U14 Ladies	Ciara Crawley	3rd
10/04/2005	Mick Beggan Mem, Bohermeen U12	Kayleigh Varley	6th

29/08/05 Leinster Team and National TT Victory

A great weekend saw Stamullen MD riders crowned as Senior A team champions of Leinster and National Tandem time trial champions. Saturdays Leinster Road Race Championships were held on a tough circuit at Narraghmore in Co.Kildare. Although the Senior A squad was without the service of Bill Moore they fancied their chances of the team prize due to their strong form in recent weeks. They were not to be disappointed as Simon Mulvany (4th), Robert Moore (7th) and Craig Sweetman (8th) claimed the prize. Mulvany was part of the winning break which saw Eoin Whelan of Laois CC crowned Leinster champion but was unable to sprint due to a shoulder injury sustained in a fall in Westport the previous weekend.

The following day in Carlow, Craig Sweetman and Simon Mulvany lined up in the National Tandem Time Trial Championships. They faced stiff competition from a Banbridge crew that included 2005 FBD Ras stage winner, Roger Aiken. Almost level on time at the turn with Banbridge, the Stamullen pair started to make headway on the return leg of the 40 km test to win by 33 seconds with a time of 54 min 51 sec which is now the new 40 km national record.

  Craig Sweetman and Simon Mulvany about to start

 22/08/05 Double 6 for Sweetman in Mayo

Craig Sweetman finished 6th in both events held by Mayo Wheelers in Westport at the weekend. On Saturday night Craig finished 6th in a rain soaked town centre race in Westport watched by huge crowds who were treated to spectacular racing on the tight 1 mile circuit. National criterium champion, Eugene Moriarty of Cycleways.com showed the form which won him the title in Cork when sprinted to victory from a group of eight.

The following day saw most of Irelands top cyclists line up for the Sheefry Grand Prix which this year was the last event in the Cycling Ireland Classic League. David McCann of Giant Asia won in impressive style to finish the league in joint 1st position with Rory Wyley of Carrick / Dan Morrisey. Sweetman finished 6th again to move into the top 10 in the final league table. A good result against very strong opposition.     

15/08/05 Moore signs off on a high note

Bill Moore will head back to South Africa this week after a very sucessfull summer in Ireland with Stamullen M Donnelly Road Club. A winner of the Connor Coombs Memorial and Stage 8 of this years FBD Ras, Moore signed off in perfect style when he took the Brendan Campbell Memorial in Donore Co. Meath yesterday. Moore got the better of Connor Murphy in a close sprint reversing the result from the previous weekend where Murphy had beaten Craig Sweetman and Moore into 2nd and 3rd. In another good weekend for Stamullen M Donnelly Road Club, Craig Sweetman finished 4th on Friday night in the Lurgan Criterium while Simon Mulvany finished 6th on Saturday in the Alo Donegan 10 mile TT and then followed that up with another 6th place behind Bill Moore at Donore yesterday.     

Bill Moore wins in Donore !

08/08/05 Good Weekend for Club

Last weekend proved to be a good one for the Stamullen M Donnelly Road Club with Robert Moore ending the short summer win drought for the club when he soloed to a fine victory in the Kilnaleck festival Race in Co. Cavan on Saturday night last. Moore attacked the leading group with three laps remaining and never looked like getting caught using his strength to good effect on the undulating course. Brother Bill finished 5th in the same race with Craig Sweetmen taking sixth to round off a good team performance. Brendan Caffrey and Matt Kelly were also in the action, both taking primes on the night.

The next day in the Swords G.P. held in North Co. Dublin, Craig Sweetman narrowly missed out on a win when he was just beaten to the line by Irish International Connor Murphy with Bill moore again in the shake up finishing 3rd.        

18/07/05 Weekly News Update

Matt Kelly and Bill Moore had strong weekend showings in the Ballivor G.P. finishing 5th and 4th respectively. Stamullen had 4 riders in the final shakeup (Moore brothers Bill and Robert, Kelly and Mulvany) but Eoin Whelan of Laois CC and Paddy Moriarity clipped off the leading group to fight out the finish between them leaving a large group to sprint it out for 3rd with Aidan Crowley just heading Moore and Kelly in the finish.   

Ballivor Grand Prix:

1, Eoin Whelan (Laois CC)
2, Paddy Moriarty (Diamond T)
3, Aidan Crowley (Cycleways.com)
4, Bill Moore (Stamullen M Donnelly)
5, Matt Kelly (Stamullen M Donnelly)

06/07/05 News Updates

Congratulations to Kayleigh Varley who took the first win of her short career to date by taking the Stephen Roche underage G.P. on Wed 22nd June. The Orwell promoted event saw a huge turnout in Stephen Roche's home town of Dundrum in south Dublin and Kayleigh took full advantage of the handicap awarded to her to take the first of what will hopefully be many wins for her.

At the National Road Race Championship's held at Dundrod, Stamullen's Mick Nulty finished a strong 7th in the Vet's race having played a major part in the main break of the day. While in the Elite Men's event held the following day brothers Robert and Bill Moore, Craig Sweetman and Simon Mulvany lined out for Stamullen MD Road Club. Their main objective of the day was to win the club championship prize and that looked very possible for most of the day with Sweetman, Mulvany and R. Moore in the second group on the road but ultimately it was Cycleways.com trio of O'Sullivan, Finnegan and Moriarty who proved strongest and took the award.

StamullenRoadClub.com would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the newly crowned champions of Ireland:

David O'Loughlin (Men's Elite)

Paudi O'Brien (Men's U23)

Siobhan Dervan (Ladies)

Robbie Bryson (Vets)

Mick Nulty

15/06/05  News Update

Vetern Mick Nulty has been in great form over the last few days finishing 6th in the Kathleen O'Sullivan Mmemorial held at Ballyboughil, North County Dublin and promoted by Swords CC on Thursday 9th June. He followed up that strong performance with 1st Vet in the Kevin MacInerney Memorial in Dunlavin last Sunday where he was part of the race winning movewhich saw Mark Kiernan of Nass Rubex take the win.

Craig Sweetman showed he is recovering well from his exploits in the FBD Ras by taking 2nd last night in the second of the Stagg Summer Festival held in the Pheonix Park, Dublin. Sweetman was narrowly out sprinted by cycleways.com rider Stephen O'Sullivan who collected his second win in as many days.

29/05/05 Moore Takes FBD Ras Stage 8

Bill Moore of the Meath M. Donnelly team outsprinted a host of international stars to take a dream victory in the final stage of this year’s FBD Insurance Rás in the Phoenix Park today.

Moore, riding his 101st Rás stage, fulfilled a lifelong ambition when donning the blue jersey of stage winner and was given a raucous reception by team members, friends, supporters and family. The 31-year-old was hoisted shoulder high by delirious club members and was almost unable to speak on the podium.

"This is a dream come true for me," said Moore, "This is my 101st Rás stage. I had decided this year would be my last Rás and I really wanted to do something in it. Myself and Sean Lacey got up the road yesterday in the mountains and tried to win the county team prize, but when we were brought back I was dead. I really thought that was my last hope of winning something in this race, so to win this stage is unbelievable. It’s made up for the thousands of miles of torture over the years."

From the little east Meath village of Stamullen, Moore has been in the same club since he began cycling and was riding the race with teammates he has grown up with and raced with for over fifteen years. "This win is for all the lads in Stamullen Road Club, all the people who support us, and we have fantastic support. It’s for Martin Donnelly who was the first sponsor the club ever had and is still with us. But most of all it’s for Kay and Gay Howard, who have looked after me since I was a kid. It’s fantastic for the club and hopefully will encourage more youngsters to get out on a bike and see the world."

Moore outsprinted 2000 winner Julian Winn of Wales, Morten Hegreberg of Norway, with Irish riders Simon Kelly (Cork Nucleus), Eugene Moriarty (Meath cycleways.com), and his teammate Aiden Crowley completing the top six.

Chris Newton finished safely in the bunch to collect his second Ras win. Three stage wins along the way proved the recycling.co.uk pro to be the dominant force of this year’s race. Malcolm Elliott (Yorkshire trinity Capital) took the points competition with his teammate Mark Lovatt taking the king of the Mountains. Stuart Gillespie of the USA went home with the U/23 trophy while Timmy Barry was best Irish rider in sixth place overall. Barry’s Tipperary Dan Morrissey squad won the county team award with Yorkshire taking the international team prize. Barry Meehan was best second category rider.

FBD Insurance Rás, stage 8 (Phoenix Park):

1, Bill Moore (Meath – M. Donnelly) 1 hour 1 min 14 secs

2, Julian Winn (Wales – Stena Line)

3, Morten Hegreberg (Norway – Sparebanken Vest)

4, Simon Kelly (Cork Nulceus)

5, Eugene Moriarty (Meath – Cycleways.com)

6, Aidan Crowley (Meath – Cycleways.com)

7, Richard Kooijman (Netherlands – Kennemerland)

8, Yanto Barker (Wales – Stena Line)

9, Colm Bracken (Kildare – Murphy Surveyors)

10, Arne Hinrichsen (Germany – Stevens von Hacht)

11, Evan Oliphant (Scotland)

12, Sigvard Kukk (Estonia – Kalev Chocolate)

13, Malcolm Elliott (Yorkshire – Trinity Capital)

14, Mart Ojavee (Estonia – Kalev Chocolate)

15, Craig Sweetman (Meath – M. Donnelly) all same time

12/05/05 Ras Team Launch Tonight !

The Meath M Donnelly Team for this years  FBD Insurance Ras will be launched tonight, Thursday 12th May upstairs in Whytes Bar, Stamullen. Proceedings will commence at 8.30 pm and all members and friends of Stamullen Road Club are asked to attend and all are welcome to bring friends and family members.

2005 Meath Martin Donnelly Team for the FBD Insurance Ras is:

Riders: Craig Sweetman, Simon Mulvany, Robert Moore, Bill Moore & Sean Lacey

Manager: Johnnie Varley

Logistics: Pat Moss

Mechanic: Stephen McKenna

Physio: Emma Quirke

We hope to have a report from the team every night on this website. Please check back for more details.

 08/05/05 Great Win for Bill Moore in Drogheda

Brian Keane and Bill Moore on the main climb 

Recently returned from South Africa, Stamullen M Donnelly's Bill Moore announced his current good form with an impressive victory in the Coombes Connor Memorial at Drogheda today. Away from the first of seven tough laps in a move that included team mate Simon Mulvany, Moore forged ahead with Brian Keane of Dublin Wheelers with a little over two laps to go. Moore then accounted for Keane in a two man sprint for the line to take a great win. Team mate Craig Sweetman finished fifth while Simon Mulvany took tenth to round off a great days racing for the club.   

02/05/04 Good Weekend in Ulster !

Stamullen M Donnelly had a very successful weekend at the tough Tour Of Ulster, 3 day stage race which was based this year around Strabane and Craigavon. Tour of Ulster, first timer Chris O'Hare put in a great performance on Sundays tough, mountainous 90 mile stage and laid the foundations of a 2nd place finish overall in the U23 competition. Craig Sweetman finished the event off in great style when taking 4th on todays final stage. Overall winner was last years Ras winner David McCann who now rides for the Giant Asia Team. Stamulen MD riders were to the fore on all stages, making their presence felt at all times during the race. The full team was Bill and Robert Moore, Craig Sweetman, Chris O'Hare, Simon Mulvany and Colm Crawley while joint managers were Gay Howard and Johnnie Varley.

You will find more info and photos of this years race at....

www.tourofulster.com

www.cyclingulster.com

www.irishcycling.com

17/04/05 O'Donoghue comes out top in Stamullen GP

Eddie O'Donoghue (Team Murphy & Gunn) was the victor today at the Stamullen GP which was run off in horrendous weather conditions. O'Donoghue beat off new professional Mark Cassidy (DFL Logistics) and team mate Mark Nestor in a three man sprint for the line.

The main event was cut from 6 to 5 laps due to the weather conditions in which the Senior B's were given a one minute handicap over the A's. This advantage was reduced quickly and the leading A riders made contact with the main group of B's on the decent into the Naul after the first climb of Snowtown. A large group containing all the days main players held a small advantage through Stamullen for the first time and this was to grow to 30 seconds over the next two laps over an ever decreasing main field.

The finish was fought out between Cassidy and the two Murphy & Gunn teammates (Nester and O'Donoghue) who made their numeriacal advantage tell to see O'Donoghue take a fine victory and the Joey Whyte Cup.          

Eddie O'Donoghue receives the Joey Whyte Cup from Brendan Whyte

Stamullen GP (Full Results)

Senior 1, Joey Whyte Memorial:

1, Eddie O’Donoghue (Murphy & Gunn CC)
2, Mark Cassidy (D.F.L)
3, Mark Nestor (Murphy & Gunn CC)
4, Philip Finegan (Cycleways.com)
5, Philip Cassidy (Cycleways.com)
6, Andrew McQuaid (U.C.D.)
7, Aidan Crowley (Cycleways.com)
8, Eoin Whelan (Laois CC)
9, Martin Munroe (Western Lakes CC)
10, Shane Baker (Usher IRC)
11, Simon Kelly (Galway Bay CC)
12, John O’Shea (Dan Morrissey Carrick)

16/04/05 Marrey Takes Brendan Carroll Memorial

Cycling Ireland's head coach, Padraig Marrey (Western Lakes), today gave an impressive lesson to some of his "students" when winning the Brendan Carroll Memorial at Stamullen in a thrilling sprint finish from Philip Finnegan (Cycleways.com).

The race was decided in a sprint between a large breakaway group of over ten riders who forged clear with just two of the six laps remaining. Robert Moore was best of the home contingent finishing sixth but was unlucky to see a brave attempt to go clear and win on his own fail, midway through the last lap. Mick Nulty was the other Stamullen rider to make it into the decisive split and this earned him the prize of first Vet on the night, a superb performance from the evergreen Copperhill resident.

Stamullen Road Club also ran a youths beginner race earlier in the afternoon for local youngsters which turned out to be a great success. 

Padraig Marrey proudly displays the Brendan Carroll Memorial Trophy 

Full Results from the Bendan Carroll Memorial

Senior A
1 Padraig Marrey, Western Lakes CC
2 Philip Finegan, Cycleways.com
3 Stephen O’Sullivan, Cycleways.com
4 Adrian Hederman, Murphy & Gunn
5 Sean Lacey, Earl o Desmond CC
6 Robert Moore, Stamullen M Donnelly
7 Karl Elliott, Usher IRC
8 Paul Reid, Ravens CC
9 Simon Kelly, Galway Bay
10 Graham Thomas, Ravens CTC

Remembering Brendan Carroll  A MAN CALLED HORSE By Gerard Cromwell

It was on a winter spin that I first noticed him. You couldn't miss him really. He was about a year younger than me but he was way bigger than me. He was taller and had the physique of a boxer rather than a cyclist. He rode a massive, green, 25" Mercian bike. It was the biggest frame I'd ever seen and the emerald green colour just made it stick out even more.

I had been going out on these spins for a couple of winters now and had become accustomed to being the youngest in our club. The older lads were used to me now and passed on the usual titbits of information on training, diet and whatever else they thought I would benefit from. On my first spin, a few years previous, I had surprised everyone by hanging on until the last few miles, when the attacking started. Now, I could attack them if I liked, near the end. As I rode up through the line, he was on his way back from a stint on the front. We got talking and he seemed a nice enough bloke. Said his name was Brendan. He wore an old club jersey someone had obviously given him. The back of it was yellow and it had blue and green vertical stripes on the front. I smiled at the way the back of his jersey hung down over his arse, laden with food, tubes and other paraphernalia. This was his first spin with a group, he told me. It didn't show. He was as strong as a horse. In later years he even painted the word 'Horse' under his saddle in the kind of gold paint normally reserved for touching up the writing on the sidewalls of his motorbike tyres, another passion of his. This was partly done because of the encouragement he received from myself and some other young clubmates and partly because he liked the idea of having a knickname.

'Horse' suited him we thought. He was big and wild and headstrong, like a Palomino. He could be as gentle as a Shetland Pony and had the strength of a Carthorse. Brendan often raced on legs alone, while the cranial portion of his body seemed to be off on holidays somewhere. Still, he won races. More than me. As we became teammates, we became friends. When we were juniors he would call down to my house and stay until 2am some mornings, watching old cycling videos and chatting about our future professional cycling careers. He would win the green jersey in the Tour de France and I would decide betwen the polka dot jersey or numerous stage wins. My parents didn't even mind that we both had school or work the next morning. He was that sort of bloke. Likeable!

When he left school, Brendan got an apprenticeship as a carpenter and one of the first real jobs he did on his own was to roof a shed for my Da. He was a perfectionist. Everything was measured and re-measured and that little roof was his pride and joy for ages. I remember him looking at it years later and remarking how it had been his first job and how surprised he was it had stood the test of time.

Brendan's sheer physical stregth and tenacity saw him win his fair share of races. He won more than me and a bit of rivalry soon impinged on our friendship. We would never say it to each other's faces but there would be little digs now and then. Out training, he would inflict pain on my skinny frame on the flat or in a strong headwindwind. I would have to wait until the road rose sufficiently to get him back. Climbing wasn't Brendan's forte, although most of the time his sheer strength again would see him through. Brendan had this uncanny knack of being at the finish of almost every race I got hammered in. He would then comment on how 'well' I had done, with that big 'cheshire cat' grin of his that every mother, including my own, seemed to love.

He broke his leg in a motorbike accident one time and constructed a wooden contraption which he connected to the frame of a bike and he still turned up at local events, complete with leg in plaster. Guys would come over and just stare in disbelief at the timber holding Brendan's broken leg in place while he pedalled with the other leg. He was mad. Eccentric. On stage races he would do things to deliberately try and crack you. He would stroll into the room as you were about to doze off, pull open the curtains and announce that he had to sleep with the windows open! It didn't matter if it was snowing out! His kit bag would be ceremoniously turned upside down and relieved of it's contents all over the floor, preferably somewhere between the door and your bed. Nothing would be touched until after breakfast the following morning, when Brendan would simply pick what he needed for that day's stage out of the crumpled pile on the floor and refill the bag. If you didn't get up in time, you could find half your breakfast gone. He wouldn't take tablets or pills of any description either, said your body should be able to fix itself.

Brendan was good at fixing stuff. Bikes, cars, houses, it didn't matter and almost every club member got him to mend some part of their bike or do some job around the house at some stage. He was just as good at breaking stuff. Motorbikes, bikes, cars, he pranged them all. He was lucky though. If Brendan fell into a bucket of shit, he'd come out smelling of roses. He spent months in hospital one time after a motorbike accident and ended up marrying the nurse who looked after him during his stay! When he couldn't cycle any more, he became a motorbike marshal on the FBD Milk Ras and could be seen zooming past the bunch with both legs outstretched in mid-air. One year he swapped bikes with cyclist Julian Dalby for the neutralised section of the last stage. Brendan puffed through the bunch in full leathers and helmet while the equally eccentric Dalby sped past the bemused riders on Brendan's motorbike. On or off the bike, Brendan was one of the most colourful characters on the road.

On a cold and wet October night in 1998 though, his luck ran out. Brendan was on his way home from work on his motorbike. It was a wild, wet and windy night. On a back road, in the darkness, a stray cow wandered into his path and he swerved to avoid the animal. In doing so he hit an oncoming van and was killed. He was 27 and had just recently become a father for the first time. Even though we had drifted apart over the years, his funeral was one of the saddest nights I have spent. It couldn't happen to him, you thought. He was too young, too wild, too stubborn to die.

I was in my mother's garden last week. I went into the shed. The roof is still there, as good as new. On the back of the door is an FBD Milk Ras sticker. Brendan was there when I stuck it up. He always wanted to ride the Ras .Win a stage maybe. He reckoned he wasn't a good enough climber to win overall! He only ever rode once and had the misfortune to puncture after about ten miles of the first stage and spent most of the day alone. We laughed about it later, but I know he was disappointed. He wanted to leave his mark on the Ras. We were the only two from our club to finish that year. On Saturday evening, our club will promote the Brendan Carroll Memorial race. It is one of the best supported races on the calendar and the amount of motorbike marshals on the race makes it "feel like you're riding the World Championships" according to one winner. Sometimes people ride Memorial races and don't know whose memory the race is held in. What were they like? Were they a good cyclist? Brendan was what everyone tries to be. A good person, a good mate, a good son, a good husband and even a good cyclist. As a tribute to Brendan, after his death, the Ras motorbike marshals got together and gave a new trophy to the race. The Brendan Carroll Memorial trophy is now awarded to the best climber in the Ras every year. Brendan would have laughed at that. The size of him. He couldn't climb out of bed!

04/04/05 Flanders Trip

 The Sprint for 3rd (Peter VanPetegem beats Zabel and Ballan) 

04/04/05 Club Presentation to Colm Nulty

At a recent club meeting Simon Mulvany on behalf of Stamullen Road Club made a presentation to former Ras winner Colm Nulty. The presentation was made to thank Colm for instructing circuit training sessions twice a week during the winter months for club members. The club would again like to thank Colm for the time he gave to instruct these sessions.

Simon Mulvany makes the presentation to Colm Nulty

31/03/05 First Rider Report In !

New club member Chis O'Hare rode his first "Gorey" during the past Easter weekend. Chris has already been in the winners enclosure this year (see below) click here to read his report on the race.

If your interested in doing some reports for this site email webmaster@stamullenroadclub.com with your ideas.

29/03/05 Ras Mumhan Report

Easter coming early this year meant that Ras Mumhan, a gruelling four day event, arrived sooner than in previous seasons. Only three weekends racing preceded this year's event in comparison with last year's six.  Nevertheless, the Stamullen team acquitted themselves very well against stiff competition from English, Dutch and the best of Irish teams.  The highlight of the five stage, four day, event was Saturday's 94 mile road race which took in the Conor Pass.  Craig Sweetman finished a very strong 11th underlining his good early season form.  Sweetman also finished 13th on the 60 mile Skellig ring stage which was a new and difficult addition to this year's race.  It was Colm Crawley's first Ras Mumhan and having completed all five stages, it is sure to benefit him in the coming weeks. Robert Moore and Simon Mulvany made up the Stamullen Team which was managed by Johnnie Varley. Both reported themselves very happy with their respective form with Moore climbing very strongly over The Conor Pass cresting the summit among the leading group while Mulvany finished a creditable 17th on the 11 km Time Trial stage from Beaufort to Killorglin which was won by David McCann. Dan Morrisey rider, John Dempsey, ambushed the leaders on the last stage to take overall victory. You can find more on Ras Mumhan on www.irishcycling.com 

22/03/05  Easter Teams Announced   
    

Stamullen Road Club announced two strong line ups for the forthcoming Easter Stage Races, The Gorey Three Day and Credit Union Ras Mumhan International Stage Race based in Killorglin in Kerry.
 
The “Gorey” team will be managed by club chairman and includes two riders (Matt Kelly & Chris O’Hare) who have already tasted success this season even though it is barely a few weeks old. The team is completed by the vastly experienced Mick Nulty (former triple Ras stage winner and National Champion) and first year senior Stephen McKenna who impressed last year as a junior. Team manager Gay Howard is hoping for stage and overall honours considering the strong form that some of this team have shown so far this year.
 
The Ras Mumhan team will be managed by Johnnie Varley and includes three of last years Ras team (Simon Mulvany, Craig Sweetman and Robert Moore) as well as Colm Crawley who won a stage in last years Gorey and makes the step up to Senior International competition this year. Ras Mumhan represents a major mile stone for these riders in the preparation for this year’s FBD Insurance Ras, all four riders heading for Kerry have strong hopes of lining out for Meath in this year’s Ras come May. While Ras Mumhan is an extremely competitive event, the Stamullen MD squad have hopes of a strong showing which underlines the upward momentum in the club over the last few years.   
           

The Stamullen MD Road Club squad for this years Ras Mumhan International 4 Day. From left to right are: Johnnie Varley (manager), Colm Crawley, Simon Mulvany, Craig Sweetman and Robert Moore.

The Stamullen MD Road Club Team for this years Gorey 3 Day are pictured above. From left to right, Gay Howard (manager), Mick Nulty, Stephen McKenna, Matt kelly and Chris O'Hare.

20/03/05 Double Joy for Stamullen Riders

Stamullen Riders recorded two great wins at separate events today. Matt Kelly followed up on his strong showing last Sunday at Newbridge to win the Traders Cup in Dundalk while new recruit Chris O'Hare proved strongest in the combined C/J/V race at the Des Hanlon Memorial in Carlow. Both are pictured below with their respective trophies. Everyone connected with Stamullen Road Club extends their congratulations to both riders.

Matt Kelly with The Traders Cup which he won in Dundalk on Sunday

Chris O'Hare displayes The Cup for The Des Hanlon Memorial C/J/V Race

19/03/05 New Arrival !

The club would like to congratulate Jonathan Ryan and his wife Tina on the birth of their first baby, Holly. Congratulations to you both and all the best for the future.

13/03/05 Fine 4th for Kelly in Newbridge

Matt Kelly finished a fine fourth today in the B event at the Newbridge GP in Co. Kildare. Kelly led home the rest of the field after a three rider break fought out the finish between them. Meanwhile in the main event held over 6 laps of the same circuit, Craig Sweetman continued his fine start to 2005 with a hard fought 10th place behind worthy winner Matthew Ward of the Phoenix Club in Belfast.

10/03/05 Moore in Giro Del Capo

Stamullen M. Donnelly's Bill Moore is lying in 57th place after two stages of the Giro Del Capo in South Africa.
Stage one was won by former FBD Milk Ras green jersey David Kopp of th Weisenhoff team, with Barloworld duo Tiaan Kannemeyer and Tour of Langkawi winner ryan cox in close proximity. Moore finished 39th.

Day two saw Kannemeyer move into yellow with the strong Barloworld squad ready to defend their home Tour. "As expected the first couple of days were savage!" says Moore, "Day one was 186km and we were in the gutters from the drop of the flag to the finish.Everyone was on the rivet until 45km to go, then we hit a category 1 climb and BANG!!! Barloworld blew it to pieces. The race went into s**t and the bunch lost 24mins on the run in!"

GIRO DEL CAPO GC AFTER STAGE 2
1 KANNEMEYER TIAAN 5 BAR RSA 9:15:11
2 COX RYAN 2 BAR RSA 9:15:33
3 KOPP DAVID 9 WIE GER 9:16:01
4 PAPSTEIN BJORN 12 LAM GER 9:18:16
5 GLASNER BJORN 15 LAM GER 9:20:48

57 MOORE BILL 53 CYC RSA 9:45:27

Friday 25/02/05

Martin Donnelly   this week extended his sponsorship of Stamullen Road Club. The original sponsorship which began in 2002 and ran for three years came to an end at the turn of the year. Mr. Donnelly expressed his satisfaction at the first three years of the sponsorship and was delighted to extend his association with the club. Stamullen Road Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Martin Donnelly for his continued support and we look forward to a successful 2005 season and increasing the profile of Stamullen M Donnelly Road Club.