Western Lakes Cycling Club celebrates 25th anniversary
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Cathal Usher (youth rep), Evan and Finn McTavish, John Walsh (PRO) and Cathal McTavish. PHOTOS: TRISH FORDEImage 2 of 15
Club members and brothers, Cathal, Finn and Evan McTavish.Image 3 of 15
Kylie, Shauna and Chloe Murphy.Image 4 of 15
Club members Feilim and James O’Donnell.Image 5 of 15
Councillor Patsy O’Brien, Noel Jennings, Joe Callaghan, Joe Callaghan, Alan Stephens (secretary), Anthony O’Toole, Sean O’Malley and Aidan Flynn.Image 6 of 15
Tom Carney speaking with club members Darragh Delaney and Padraic Marrey about when they participated in the Paris-Brest-Paris long distance cycling event.Image 7 of 15
Moya Gibbons, Anne Flynn, Milo and John Gill and Kathleen Barry.Image 8 of 15
Michael Oliver Moran (Dún Laoghaire), John Ferguson (Cunga Cycling Club), Damian McGreal (Ballinrobe) and Mark Kelly (Herb Life Nutrition, Tuam).Image 9 of 15
Pictured, at front, are John Ferguson (Cunga CC), Darragh Delaney (guest speakers), Breege Connolly (former committee member), Noel Gibbons (chairman), Padraic Marrey and Martin Munroe (guest speakers) and Mary Munroe (former committee member). At back are Damian Crowe (leisure rep), Cathal Usher (youth rep), Michael Flanagan and Donal Harington (RÁS 2012), Alan Stephens (secretary), John Murphy (treasurer), Aidan Flynn (Hollymount CC rep), Joe Callaghan and John Walsh (PRO).Image 10 of 15
Mike Kelly, Paul Feeney, John Conroy, Damian Crowe and John Walsh.Image 11 of 15
Four club members who completed the eight-day Rás Tailteann, and the club has seven riders in total who completed the famous international race. Pictured are Michael Flanagan, Donal Harrington, Padraic Marrey and Sean O’Malley. PicasaImage 12 of 15
Tom Carney, John Murphy, Padraic Marrey, Damian McGreal, Michael Oliver Moran and Sean O’Malley.Image 13 of 15
Club members who competed in the Connaught and national mountain bike series and Cyclo Cross: Felim O’Donnell, Evan McTavish, Hugh O’Donnell, Cathal McTavish, P.J. McTavish, Finn McTavish and James O’Donnell.Image 14 of 15
A youth club member taking part in practice on the club’s track at Ballinrobe.Image 15 of 15
Étaín, Cathal and Eva Usher.Western Lakes Cycling Club proudly marked its 25th anniversary with a lively and engaging club open night held in Ballinrobe.
The event brought together cycling enthusiasts, club members and the local community to celebrate a quarter century of camaraderie, achievement and passion for cycling.
Founded in 1999, Western Lakes Cycling Club has been an integral part of the Ballinrobe community, promoting cycling as a sport and a healthy lifestyle choice for all ages.
The silver anniversary celebration not only honoured the club's rich history but also showcased its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for cyclists of all levels.
The club open night served as a platform to highlight Western Lakes Cycling Club's dedication to youth and leisure cycling activities.
Speakers included club members Padraig Marrey and Darragh Delaney.
They spoke about taking part in ultra distance cycling.
Martin Munroe spoke about his time with Ireland youth cyclists and John Ferguson from neighbouring Cunga Cycling Club spoke about his part in cycling in the west of Ireland.
Attendees also heard from club chairman Noel Gibbons and leisure representative Damien Crowe, who outlined the club's initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of cyclists and providing recreational opportunities for cyclists of all abilities in the community.
"We are thrilled to commemorate 25 years of Western Lakes Cycling Club with such an engaging and inclusive event," said Mr. Gibbons.
"Our club has always been more than just a cycling organisation. It's a tight-knit community where people come together to pursue their passion for cycling and create lasting memories.
"As we look ahead to the future, we are excited to continue expanding our youth and leisure cycling programmes, inspiring more individuals to embrace the joys of cycling."
Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to learn about the various youth cycling initiatives offered by the club. Additionally, attendees discovered the diverse range of leisure cycling activities available, catering to cyclists of all ages and abilities seeking to explore the picturesque landscapes of County Mayo and beyond.
Western Lakes Cycling Club expressed gratitude to its members, supporters and the local community for their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm over the past 25 years.
The club looks forward to building on its legacy of excellence and continuing to serve as a beacon for cycling enthusiasts throughout County Mayo and beyond.
* For more information about Western Lakes Cycling Club and its youth and leisure cycling programmes, please visit https://westernlakescc.com/ or contact the club through its Facebook page.