Banbridge CC’s achievements in 2015 have once again been recognised with the award of the Cycling Ulster Club of Year. Following the previous award of Cycling Ireland Club of the Year it caps off the 2015 season and puts the club on good footing and full of confidence for the season ahead, which will start in less than a months time at the Banbridge CC promoted Travers Engineer Annaclone GP on Saturday 20th February.
There was a great turnout from the Banbridge club at the annual Cycling Ulster awards, and there was plenty to celebrate. The Buller brothers, Mark and John, both had multiple awards to collect for their off road achievements including Mark’s Bronze medal at the U14 XC Ulster Championships and 3rd overall at the Ulster series. John collected a Gold medal for the U16 XC Ulster Champ’s, a silver medal for 2nd place in the Ulster Series and a bronze medal for 3rd place in the Ulster Junior Cyclo Cross Series having been moved up a category fo rthe 2015/16 season. James Curry also won a Gold medal with his victory in the MTB Junior XC Ulster Champs. Banbridge CC’s 2015 International rider of the year Gareth McKee was presented his Gold medal for winning the Ulster Elite XC Championships by Cycling Ireland President Ciaran McKenna.
Banbridge CC members were not just on the receiving end of the awards however, with both Mark Downey and Shenna McKiverigan selected to award the youth prizes to the various prize winners. Both riders have developed through the Ulster ranks and achieved numerous high profile results and have been great ambassadors for the club and Cycling Ulster.
Banbridge CC’s award comes off the back of a season of great results from riders but also from the performance of their volunteers, hosting National events both on the road and off-road while also contributing to the sport through placing members in the various commissions, managing provincial and national teams, and having both long serving and trainee commissaires. 2015 will be a hard season to emulate in terms of success but with plans already in place to improve on those achievements the club can’t be accused of resting on their laurels.
The club will hold a night of celebration this Friday (22/01/16) evening at 8:30pm in The Coach, Banbridge. There will be live music courtesy of the Asbury Gents and with entry free of charge members are encouraged to bring a guest or three!
Photos below courtesy of Bronagh Kirk and Paul Hannigan
