Shimna Wheelers awards night

4 December 2019

SHIMNA Wheelers held their annual Christmas awards evening in the Donard Hotel, Newcastle, on Saturday night.

The Donard put on a great night for the club and many thanks to them for their fantastic hospitality and entertainment.

Poppy Hamilton picked up the youth rider of the year award award after a fantastic year on and off the road. Clubman of the year went to hard-working club secretary, Kieran Connolly.

It was a massive shift put in all year by Kieran, pulling the strings behind the scenes to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Most Improved rider of the year went to Mickey Clarke. Mickey put in the hard work all season, which culminated in him grabbing the top spot in the Eddie Crory B race in the summer.

Leisure cyclist of the year was awarded to Martin McCourt. Martin made the journey round the country to complete the Skoda Challenge this year, which included the Tour of the Boyne, Ring of Clare and Tour De Connemara.

Off road rider of the year went to Jimmy McVeigh. Jimmy raced the mountain bike season then followed that up with a debut cyclo-cross season in the Ulster League.

Road rider of the year went to Luke Roberts. Luke placed well in the Newry Three Day and Charleville Two Day stage races as well competing in some of the big one day races.

The newly-introduced Teddy Hawkins Trophy for achievement of the year was awarded to Danny O’Boyle and Johnny Ward.

Earlier in the season they completed the Everest Challenge on the Slieve Croob Climb, which was very fitting as the first winners of the trophy.

Last but not least, it was the Hall of Fame award. The award was presented to club stalwart Kieran McWilliams. Still out on his bike on a regular basis, he is an inspiration to all club members.

The night was closed with newly-elected club chairman Marcus Cromie thanking previous chairman Eugene Carville, for all his endeavours in his spell as chairman.

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder