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Ciara gives the Clann its first win of 2010
Date: 1 Mar 2010 / Category: Cycling / Views: 133
Ciara Mulhoulland, Clann Eireann cycling club's rising star, gave the Lurgan club it's first win of the new 2010 season on Sunday at the Phoenix Grand Prix races near Nutts Corner.
At just 15 years of age, Ciara had to get special permission to race with the senior ladies. The 25 mile race at Nutts Corner was contested by thirty ladies from clubs across the province, and despite being the youngest entrant, Ciara was started with the faster scratch group. Taking things steady in what was just her second encounter with the senior ladies, Ciara bided her time till the last mile, when she opened a 50 metre gap on the remains of the field, and held it to the line.
In the mens “B” race at Nutts Corner, Kenny McConaghy gave a sterling account of himself, riding consistently near the front of the bunch in his fifty mile event, and gained experience and confidence for the future, even if he missed out on the top placings.
The previous day, four other Clann's cyclists competed in the Banbridge Club's Annaclone road races. Michael McConville faced the starter in the support event at Annaclone for what was his first attempt at fully open racing, but unfortunately found the wet and slippery roads not suited to his ability.
Michael finished in the lower end of the sixty strong field. However, his brothers, Martin and Barry, together with superfit Conor Grimes took on the top roadmen in the “A” class race, and all three were involved in attacks that might have succeeded. They all should feel well enough satisfied with their performances, in the knowledge that there is further improvement not far away and they have the ability to get good results in the very near future.
Next weekend's road racing is due to take place at Hilltown, and Clann Eireann cyclists have plans to be represented at all levels.
Maurice Bann-Lavery
PRO. Clann Eireann Cycling Club
