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Comeragh Cycling Club News
King Kelly reigns in Carrick ! 18/03/2009
Comeragh CC sent a large contingent to the Carraig Cabs cup which was held in perfect race conditions on Carricks Glenbower circuit on St Patricks day. Present were Robin Kelly, Conor McGrath, Michael McGrath, Mark Nugent, Keith Gater, Don Feighery, Tom Fanning, David Butler, Martin Cullinane, Eoin O'Shea, and Finbar Power. This race was a key early season target for Comeragh's in form man of the moment, Robin Kelly, who had targetted this particular race (Robin had informed the team that he would be winning this race 3 months ago - I am pretty sure he told me straight after the race last year that he would be winning it in 2009 too !)
Needless to say the team lined out for the start meaning business.
We didn't waste any time. Tom Fanning was first to attack straight from the gun and was subsequently joined by Keith Gater and Sam Bennett. The rest of the team covered any attempts to cross the gap and eventually formed a chase group containing Robin Kelly, Conor McGrath, Mark Nugent, Brian Kenneally, Michael Concannon, Ray Clarke and Sean Lacey among others. Basically the cream of Irish cycling. These guys would not be getting caught ! So far everything was going according to plan.
As the leaders approached Glenbower for the second time, Kenneally attacked out of the chase with Robin and Sean Lacey in tow. They got across to the lead and then Mark Nugent put in a huge ride to bridge across alone, with the help of Conor McGrath who was so close to doing same but subsequently retired, his work done for the day. There were more attacks up the hill at start of the last lap which further reduced the numbers in the break (Keith Gater working hard for his teammate launched a lot of these attacks).
Approaching Glenbower for the last time Robin attacked with a resurgent John Dempsey and pulled out a nice lead on the remainder of the break. The two riders worked well together and were then joined by Keneally, Bennett and talented newcomer Stephen Barrett of Fermoy. Any attempts to chase this new leading five were well marshalled by Keith Gater and Mark Nugent. The winner would come from this 5, the team had done a textbook job of controlling the race, it was up to the big man now, knowing that on his day he can match anyone over the final 500m we were pretty confident. Our confidence was vindicated when half way up the hill Robin launched an unanswerable attack for glory The ferocity of the attack shredded the final five and Robin rode in alone ahead of Barrett to take perhaps his best career win to date. The rest of Irish cycling might have to get used to seeing Robin with his hands in the air on this showing !
Well done Robin for doing the business and to all of our riders on an amazing team performance. Also thank you to all of those who turned up to help and support the riders (I don't have all the names but I do see Sinead in the pictures).
I had to add this picture in also of Martin Cullinane who had a great ride in the combined race along with Michael McGrath, Eoin O'Shea and Finbar Power. Martin was away in a break for a long time and raced extraordinarily well. Big results are not far away, I expect to see a B license in the post before the end of the season ! This picture however encapsulates the joys of cycling perfectly I think - pain !!!
88 Pictures in the gallery courtesy of Emma Walsh and Ciaran Fallon HERE
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