Scairbh
Na
gCaorach
EMYVALE
National Championships Launch Night.
Race Director and the Emyvale Cycling Club organised a very successful Launch Night
for the National Championships. It was held in the Sliabh Beagh Hotel and a big crowd
turned out. Representatives of Cycling Ireland and Cycling Ulster were present as
well as local representatives and some of the officials who will be officiating over
the four days of action.
The night was chaired by yours trully and I was delighted
to do so for a club which has been close to my family in that our father was an Ulster
Champion Cyclist for Emyvale in the 30’s and was a big competitor of and friend of
Dungannon man - the late P J Logan, father of the TV personality - Adrian Logan.
Refreshments
were served, which everyone enjoyed, and then Peter Keenan set the scene with the
reciting of his composition - The Mountain of Sliabh Beagh’ which was followed by
Owen McKenna, representing the local Knockatallon community. Owen described the development
of the area and was delighted that this great event is coming to the region and he
congratulated Emyvale CC and wished them a successful event.
Club Chairman, Paul Gormley
welcomed all to the launch and thanked all who had brought the Club to this point
where they are involved in running such a high profile event.
Tommy Lambe, Cycling
Ulster; Stevie McKenna, Roads Commission; and Geoff Liffey, CEO of Cycling Ireland
spoke of the event and praised the Emyvale Club for their work for cycling over many
decades. This is a huge undertaking but they are confident that it will be a great
event and they singled out Patsy Brady for the enthusiasm and drive he has shown
in the organisation of this event.
Sgt. Declan McGarvey from the Scotstown Garda Barracks
outlined the procedures being put in place for the safety of all and the smooth running
of the event with the least disruption to local activity.
Patsy Brady, race director,
gave a detailed programme for the four days and thanked a multitude of people and
organisations who have been so helpful and co-operative in the preparation of the
many facets of the National Championships. The Main sponsor for the Championships-
Town of Monaghan Co-op, who have been very generous with support for the Emyvale
Club over the years, was thanked for without their willing assistance this event
could not be feasible. Marketing Manager, Jim McCormack, was present and he presented
the Sponsorship cheque to Patsy Brady. A photoshoot, which included our own, Conor
Murphy, who will be a participant with his Eurocycles team, and interviews followed.
Northern Sound, Northern Standard, Cycling Ulster.com and Emyvale.net were represented.
Our photos were taken by Declan McMahon.
