Results and Reports for August 4 - 5, 2001IrelandPromoters wishing to submit results should send them to cyclingnews Gene Moriarty TrophyListowel, Co. Kerry, August 5, 2001By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent/Evening Herald/Sunday Independent There was no let up on the ten mile circuit, which the competitors had to tackle seven times. Speeds on average of 28-30 mph did not afford breaks of any significance and it wasn’t until the final passage that Aidan Crowley, Paul Healion, Paul Reid and Vincent Gleeson made what looked the winning move. It was in the last two miles that a group of nine ended their effort out front. Leading the nine was the eventual winner Fitzgerald who called on his ability to halt their progress. Heading for the finishing line Aidan Crowley led out the sprint, but quite literally Fitzgerald came like a bolt out of the blue from the group to land the top prize with the hapless Crowley for all his effort finishing in ninth place and out of the placings. It was interesting to hear observers on the finishing line recounting memories of Fitzgerald who a number of years ago was the fastest sprinter in the land before he took a break from cycling to pursue a modelling career in America. On the evidence of this showing, we’ll see a lot more of the man from Clonmel in the future. Last years winner Martin O’Loughlin looked to be in with a shout before he was upended on the last circuit. The event was in the home town of the world renowned John B Keane who is literally a phenomenon not only in this corner of Ireland but also on the world stage for his writings which have been adapted both for the boards and the world of film making. JB is a personal friend of the organiser of yesterdays race, Tadhg Moriarty. Tadgh’s family are steeped in the tradition of cycling and the Moriarty Trophy was held in honour of his late dad, Gene, a former a track cyclist of the late 40’s and early 50’s. When Gene hung up his wheels he went into administration. His grandson is the well-acclaimed international cyclist, Eugene, who is no stranger to Australia where he has competed on many occasions. Results Men - 70 mile road race 1 M Fitzgerald (Classic Walls) 2.13.30 2 M McNena (VC la Pomme) 0.03 3 P Healion (Usher IRC) 4 E O’Donoghue (Carrick Cidona) 5 P Reid (Gary Fisher) 6 V Gleeson (West Clare CC) 7 R Cahill (Banteer) 8 M Storan (Limerick CC) Results courtesy of Tommy Campbell/Independent/Evening Herald/Sunday Independent |