Errigal was well represented in Banbridge at the weekend and our young guns did not let anyone down with great performances in all categories. In the U12 race it was a one – two for Errigal with Shauna McFadden winning the sprint from teammate Dylan Traynor (2^nd) whilst in the U14 race PJ Doogan took 2^nd place in another sprint finish with Michael McGlynn in 6^th. Errigal’s young riders have performed excellently this season with a significant number of podium places achieved and selections for this summer’s youth Olympics. Thoughts are now turning to the most important events still to come including the Errigal International Youth Tour and the Ulster Championships in August quickly followed by the National Championship. The training and dedication required by these children to perform as they have done on a national level is to be commended as is Errigal’s coaching staff who are to be congratulated for this years noticeable increase in results and performance levels.

In the senior event raced over 85mls in very hot conditions, Conor McIlwainne and Sean McFadden both competed with Conor putting in a great finish to place 9^th overall.

Under & Over 40’s Race

On Tuesday night, both the Under and over 40’s raced together in a handicapped race around the Termon – Carrigart Loop with Conor McIlwainne breaking away early to catch the first group and winning comfortably from Peter McGee and Sean McFadden in 2^nd and 3^rd places respectively.

Tour Na Gaeltachta

On Sunday over 100 cyclists set out from Falcarragh to take part in this years Tour Na Gaeltachta, and with the glorious weather, mighty craic and fantastic scenery along the three different routes a great day was had by all. The event was followed up by a barbeque in conditions that were perfect for just such an occasion. The club would especially like to thank all of those who helped to contribute to what now an extremely popular event on the cycling calendar including Maureen Kelly who did some sterling work on the day.

Fun Family Relay (Sunday 16th)

Errigal Cycling Club are running a Fun Family Cycling Relay this Sunday (16^th) with the sign on at the Dore Community Centre (Ionad Naomh Páidraig) at 10.15am for an 11.00 am start.

It is not necessary to have your own team in order to compete as the club will organise any individuals or families who wish to take part into teams that will consist of a youth under 10, a youth under 14, an under 40, an over forty and a lady. The youths will do 1km with everyone else doing a lap (7 miles) of the Dore Circuit, the event is run as a team relay with each team member going as one finishes.

The last event held a few weeks ago was great fun and attracted a number of families many of whom where cycling an event like this for the first time. Everybody is welcome to put in a their own team or simply come along and take part with others, all you really need is a roadworthy bike and helmet. Refreshments will be served after the event. If you want to take part simply turn up on the day or email details of your team to errigalcc@gmail.com or text 0868826044.

National Bike Week (Tuesday 18th)

As part of the National Bike Week Errigal are running a (free) 10k cycle for everyone on Tuesday evening in an event intended to encourage as many people as possible to get out on their bikes. Signing on in the PCC Falcarragh from 6.30 pm the run will depart at 7.00pm. This event is suitable for all age groups and abilities all you need is a helmet and a roadworthy bike so come along and enjoy the craic!

PCC Dualathon (Thursday 20th)

The PCC Dualathon will take place on Thursday with sign on at 6.00pm, kids off 6.30 with the adults away at 7.00pm. Usual format with the Children doing a 1k run followed by a 5k cycle then a 1k run. The adults will do a 5k run, 15k cycle, 5k run. Everyone is welcome!

Weekend Club Runs

Errigal CC club run this week will depart at 10am on Saturday from the Anagary car park, this is a great run for beginners and all newcomers are made very welcome with no one left behind! The Sunday Club run will be part of the family relay event in Dore (see above).

Bike Week 2013 takes place between the 15 – 23^rd June with a range of events planned to suit everyone. Bike Week is about participation and the enjoyment of cycling and once again building a cycling culture across the country. Bike week is about all 32 counties hosting events to get everyone cycling, so dust down your rothar and join the fun for Bike Week 2013

In the North West The Tri-County Challenge, part of the Bike Week 2013 festival, will take place on Saturday 22 June and offers cyclists the choice of 80mile, 40 mile or 10 mile routes through Derry/Londonderry, Donegal and Tyrone.

The cross-border charity ride is being organised by Sustrans, Donegal Sports Partnership and local clubs Foyle, Four Masters, North Pole and Strabane-Lifford CC.

 Ten Town 10k cycle events will take place across Co Donegal hosted by local cycle clubs and community sports organisations. We encourage everyone to come along and enjoy these cycling events which will include children cycle skills and challenges, cycle workshops, novelty bike events and giveaways. Letterkenny, Buncrana, Dungloe, Carndonagh, Fahan, Donegal Town, Falcarragh have already signed up for events.

Further information and event details will be posted on www.activedonegal.com or www.bikeweek.ie   or call 0749116078 / 16079

Select Link below for National Bike Week Brochure

bikeweek2013

Click HERE for Bike Week Club Registration Form.

Bike Week - June 2013 Club Registration Form(2)

Well done to Peter McBride, Danny Hunter, Mathew McKinley, Kevin Holian and current Donegal Road Race Champion Cormac Keeney who competed admirably in the weekends Rás Donegal. The race was held over four stages culminating in a finish at the top of Glengesh on Sunday afternoon. From the off on Friday night the pace was extremely high and this continued throughout the weekend, indeed the stage time of 1h13’28″ for the 32.4 miles was a course record. Unfortunately young Danny Hunter had to retire after Fridays stage down to illness, however despite losing an important member of the team the boys each performed heroically throughout, none more so than Cormac who on the final day had to work valiantly to pull back a break of four riders who had a lead of over two minutes at one stage, catching them on the final approaches to Glengesh.

Despite his efforts during the chase, Cormac then climbed Glengesh magnificently to take 6^th place in a stage that started with 113 riders. For many cyclists to compete in the Rás is an ambition in its own right and congratulations are due to Mathew McKinley, Kevin Holian and young Jordan McGinley who all competed and finished the race for the first time.

Many commented on the large turnout of Errigal youths and accompanying adults who lined the route to the top of the mountain on Sunday in support of the boys, the yellow of Errigal was to be seen everywhere!

Special thanks should also be given to the Errigal support team who of Sean Sweeney (Team Manager), Sean McFadden, Connor McIlwainne and Pat Kelly who looked after the boys brilliantly throughout the weekend.

Tour Na Gaeltachta

The Tour Na Gaeltachta takes place this Sunday 9th June 2013 with the sign on in the PCC Falcaragh from 8.30 am with the tour starting at 9.30 am.

Starting from the PCC there are three different distances to choose from as follows…

Route 1 is a leisure route of 32 miles that goes through Falcarragh, Gortahork right and over Bloody Foreland, Derrybeg, Dore left onto main road and back to Falcarragh. 

Route 2 is a moderate route of 52 miles that follows the same course as route 1 but then turns right at Dore to go through Anagary onto Dungloe and back to Falcarragh. 

Route 3 is for the more seasoned riders with a course that will follow the course of route 2 as far as the Dunlewey Junction before heading out over Errigal and Muckish to finish in Falcarragh.

The sign on fee for all routes is €15 and includes a tea stop at Dore and Bar-B-que when the hard work has been done. Pace will be controlled as this event is based on something for every cyclist and with some of the best scenery in Ireland along the way it will be a great day out.

Feile Annagry Road Race

The ever-popular Feile Annagry Road race took place on Wednesday night with the youth racing one lap of the seven mile circuit from Annagry – Loughanuire – Crolly – Annagry and the adult race heading out along the cost to Dungloe and back via Loughanuire and Crolly. An impressive number of youths took part in both the U12 and U14 races with PJ Doogan first over the line in the U14, followed by Conor Halvey (2^nd) and Michael McGlynn (3^rd). In the U12 race Shauna McFadden won the sprint with Dylan Traynor to take 1^st overall and first girl with Dylan (first boy), Odhran Doogan (2^nd) and Ciaran Mulhern (3^rd). In the adult race Ciara Doogan who went away in the first group rode magnificently on her own for most of the race to stay away from the chasing pack to win, whilst Ray Wilkinson and Pat Traynor who were also away in the first group also managed to stay away to take 2^nd and 3^rd places. In the first ever novice race to be held at the festival Hugh Bonner and Manus Sweeney rode valiantly around the full course with Hugh being first over the line whilst Manus was unfortunate to suffer a puncture when close to home, well done all!

Open Race (Over and Under 40’s) on Monday

There will be an open race held for Under and Over 40 riders on the Termon Loop on Monday, sign on at 6.30pm in Termon with a 7.00pm start. This race is open to riders from other clubs.

Club runs

Errigal CC club run for both regulars and beginners will depart at 10am on Saturday from the Anagary car park whilst the usual Sunday Club run is cancelled this week as the Tour Na Gaeltachta is taking place.

A number of Errigals young cyclists were on the road again last weekend this time all the way down to Kildare to compete in time trials and road races held in the town of Newbridge. In the U12’s Dylan Traynor was 4^th in the road race and took 5^th in the time trial in what was very difficult conditions. In the U14’s PJ Doogan was 4^th with Conor Halvey in 5^th, whilst in the U16 girls Olympic Qualifiers, Ciara Doogan was very impressive in the Time Trial to take 2^nd place and finished 3rd in the afternoons road race, Christine Russell took 5^th place in the time trial and 4^th in the road race.

Other youths making the long trip to represent Errigal in Kildare included Michael McGlynn and Shauna McFadden.

More Photos from the Family fun day

can be viewed under the Media Tab /Photo Section 

Under the  2013 Gallery at the top of the Page.