Kelly Pharmacy GP

Damian wins in style

A strong Dungarvan team took to the start line in Colligan for their home race - the Kelly Pharmacy GP. Dzintars Klava, Damian Travers and Maurice Hickey were feeling good after three hard days of racing last weekend in Kanturk and they were joined by Ray Dwyer, Brian Hallisey, Enda Donnelly and race sponsor Joe Kelly. Damian and Dzintars were instrumental in forming a break group as the race passed Beary's cross on the first lap of the Millstreet circuit. This break worked well together to build a lead of 2 minutes, 15 seconds on the main bunch by the time the race finished the first of 2 laps.
At this point, as the hammer went down in the bunch up Colligan hill, Ray Dwyer rode strongly to join a powerful chasing group.
Damian, Dzintars and their companions in the break stayed away and it was down to six riders to fight for the win as they rounded the Master McGrath. Dzintars selflessly lead out Damian and the other riders, but just coming up to the finish there was a clash of handlebars and Dzintars hit the ground. Damian didn't let himself be put off in the panic and powered up the finish to beat Eoin Ryan of Limerick on the line and take a tremendous victory on a tough course. This was a well deserved win for Damian as he has ridden strongly since the season started and it was only a matter of time before a big result would come. The happiness of all the supporters in Colligan showed what a popular winner he was.
Dzintars picked himself and his bike up and and ran the remainder of the hill and crossed the line in 6th. This placing is enough for Dzintars to move up a grade and he will now be racing with the elite of Irish cycling. Dzintars is the first club member in a number of years to reach this level. This has been a goal of Dzintars this season and again his perserverance and hard work has paid off. All going well Dzintars could be joined by one or two more before too long if the good results continue for the club.
Ray Dwyer finished strongly in the next group, followed by Joe, Brian, Maurice and Enda in the main bunch. Brian Hallisey rode very well to finish strongly in the main bunch on a day when many others were left behind. Brian is getting the hang of positioning and tactics and will go from strength to strength after this performance.
In the S1/S2 race Brian Kenneally took the win over local man Rory Wyley in a very aggressive days racing. There were great numbers and some future stars in the underage races. 
All the day’s racing went off smoothly, thanks in no small part to race organisers Ger Wyley and Justin Coonan and the many club members who assisted with marshalling and sign on etc. Thanks also to the Civil Defence and local gardai who ensured a safe days racing for all.Finally, a big thank you to Joe Kelly of Kelly Pharmacy who sponsored the race again this year. Joe rode the race, finished well in the main bunch and had enough time to get home, get changed and come back to present the prizes – a dream sponsor.

FULL RESULTS

S1/S2 (66 miles)
1. Brian Kenneally (Engraveit.ie)
2. Rory Wyley (Dan Morrisey)
3. Michael Concannon (Killorglin)
4. Michael Hennessy (Fermoy)
5. Martin Mizgaysky (Wexford Wheelers)
6. Mick Fitzgerald (Dan Morrisey)
7. John Dempsey (Dan Morrisey)
8. Robin Kelly (Comeragh CC)
1st unplaced B: Aidan Gallery (Limerick CC)
2nd unplaced B: Daniel Clifford (Killorglin CC) 

Bill Hyland Memorial Race, Clonmel  - Return of the Ray
The club had four members travel to Clonmel on Sunday (26th April) for the Bill Hyland Memorial.  There was the ever young Ray Dwyer, Enda Donnelly, Dzintars Klava and Damian Travers, it was great to see such a strong showing for the racing side of the club.  The circuit was a tough 9 mile x 5 laps, which took in 2 very sharp hills, one at the start/finish and the other up past Marlfield house, there was also a strong headwind to contend with out on the main Cahir road.
The race started half way up a hill so this kept the pace respectable for a while. Ray on his first outing this year didn't have lady luck shining on him as he got caught behind no less than 3 crashes which put paid to his involvemnt at the front end but he continued and completed his first Open Race in a few years.  Enda was also back to racing for the first time this year, after struggling for long periods with the "black lung" (as he likes to call it) was glad to get his first race under his belt. 
The race mainly stayed together for the first 2 laps when on the third lap a group of 3 drifted off the front, nobody was willing to chase them down as it didn't contain any of the 'big names'.  Dzintars got away in a break then and stayed away for a lap before being brought back, but there were still three up the road. Enda kept himself safe at the business end of the race, staying tucked in the bunch and out of trouble.  Damian tried to cover breaks whilst Dzintars was up the road.  
On the final lap Damian got away with just over half a lap remaining and stayed away till the last corner at the bottom of the last hill when as usual his legs imploded upon themselves with a bang that was probably heard in Dungarvan and was caught by the leading riders of the bunch.  Dzintars, Enda and Damian finished in the first bunch with Ray finishing just behind them.  All the 'newcomers' enjoyed themselves on a tough and challenging circuit and are raring for more in our local race, 'The Joe Kelly Grand Prix' in 2 weeks time.
Some extra photo's added courtesy of Jonathan Ryan of www.tipperaryphotos.com