Padraig Marrey from Western Lakes CC set a new time from Galway GPO to Limerick GPO when cycling the 58 miles in a time of 2hrs 14mins and 11seconds. He took 20 minutes off the previous time set by Kieran Keane of Dublin. “Everything went according to plan,” said Marrey. “The Garda escort out of Galway and into Limerick were essential and the motorbike escort by Peter Flanagan and Dessie Flynn made sure all potential hazards were kept at bay.”
Marrey had to use the mountain road to Tulla as cyclists are not allowed on the motorway, but he said this didn't hinder him too much, weather conditions were near perfect with a moderate northerly wind assisting to help set a 26mph average speed.
The Westport postman from Ballinrobe thanked all the back up team of Brendan Scullion, Michael and Noel Brady, JJ Flaherty, Mary Mulchrone and to the gardaí for their assistance. Timekeeper was Martin Mc Nally and Ray Staunton was commissaire for the bid.
Marrey swoops for last-gasp victory
Padraig Marrey needed all his do-or-die spirit to snatch victory in last Friday’s John Holian memorial race at Cross. The handicap field came together in a spectacular sprint at the end. But it was a close run thing because Marrey and his scratch group were forced to chase for most of the 35-mile race. “We didn’t catch the bunch until a mile to go,” said Marrey. “There was no time to take a breather, it was a case of going straight through.” Thundering into Cross, the field had to negotiate a very tricky right-hander with 200 metres to go. Marrey was second into the corner but emerged in first place and held on to cross the line a clear winner from Sligo’s Mike Devins and Galway’s Ruaidhri Geraghty.
The Western Lakes promotion attracted 62 racers plus 25 leisure cyclists who also rode the course, based on Cross, The Neale and Cong. All enjoyed a well organised event held in memory of the late John Holian, a founder member of the Western Lakes club and a great stalwart of cycling in Connacht. Holian Transport, Cross gave a perpetual trophy, and the event was sponsored by O’Malley’s Bar.
