Banbridge Cycling Club capped off an outstanding 2025 season with their Annual Awards and Social Night held on Saturday, bringing together members, supporters, and sponsors to celebrate a year of sporting excellence.
Club Chairman Aaron Wallace opened the evening with a review of the club’s achievements over the past year, highlighting the dedication of its riders, volunteers, and sponsors who contributed to a successful season both on and off the road.
Among the standout winners on the night was Mick Larkin, who emerged as the breakthrough rider of the year. Larkin claimed six trophies, including victories in four events, the Time Trial Best All Rounder title, and the Most Improved Rider award.
Mark Kendall also had a stellar season, securing the overall win in the Club League, the Senior Points competition, and the Master’s Best All Rounder title. He also triumphed in the MAC 2-Up Time Trial series alongside teammate Dan Purdy.
A major highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Banbridge CC Ras Tailteann team, who made a dream debut in the prestigious five-day international stage race. Competing for the first time as a team in the event, Banbridge CC clinched the overall Team Prize for County and Provincial teams. Their performance earned them the Tommy Evans Cup for International Performance of the Year—an especially meaningful accolade, as Evans himself was a former winner of the race in 1996.
The Towell Trophy, awarded to the Club Person of the Year, went to Paul Hannigan, a familiar and much-appreciated presence at events across Ireland following Banbridge CC members and competitors. Hannigan proved a popular winner of the award, rewarding his dedication to capturing the spirit of Banbridge CC through photography.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt tribute to long-standing member Wilbur Aiken, who was presented with an honorary lifetime membership. Aiken, who joined the club in 1987, has served in numerous roles including Chairman, Secretary, Timekeeper, and President. His decades of service were met with a standing ovation, reflecting the deep respect and admiration held by the club’s membership.
A full list of the winners from the night can be found below. As selection of photos from the night’s celebration can also be found on the club Facebook page.
| Downey Cup: | Youth BAR | Zara Aiken |
| Mayne Trophy: | Lady MTB | Zara Aiken |
| Mac 2-Up Trophy: | 2-Up Time Trial Series | Mark Kendall & Dan Purdy |
| Weir Cup: | 10m Handicapped Time Trial | Michael Larkin |
| Wills Cup: | 10m Handicapped Time Trial | Michael Larkin |
| Heathwood Cup: | Handicapped Time Trial | Michael Larkin |
| Quinn Cup: | Handicapped Time Trial | Michael Larkin |
| Chronicle Cup: | Senior Time Trial BAR | Michael Larkin |
| Gerald McAleenan Memorial Trophy: | Most Improved Time Trial | Michael Larkin |
| John Maxwell Cup: | Handicapped Time Trial | Trevor Martin |
| Fusco Cup: | Time Trial | William McBride |
| David Lavery Memorial Trophy: | Road Race | Nathan Mullan |
| Mourne Observer Cup: | Road Race | Nathan Mullan |
| Maxwell Cup: | Road Race | Gavin Clarke |
| Gilchrist Cup: | Road Race | Aaron Parks |
| Donaghy Cup: | Roadman’s BAR | Aaron Parks |
| Skelly Cup: | Handicapped Time Trial | Philip Castles |
| O’Hagan Tyres Trophy: | Hill Climb | Paul-Antoine Hagan |
| Outlook Cup: | Junior BAR | Adam Matthews |
| Clem Dane Cup: | Junior Points | Adam Matthews |
| Eddie Sands Cup: | MTB Race | Jon Runciman |
| Mayne Cup: | Ladies BAR | Ruth McKee (Sen) |
| Super Fry Trophy: | Master’s BAR | Mark Kendall |
| Logan Cup: | Senior Points | Mark Kendall |
| League Trophy: | Race League | Mark Kendall |
| Belmont Cup : | MTB Rider of the Year | Johnny McRoberts |
| Photo of the Year: | Stephen Fitzsimmons | |
| Thomas Evans Cup: | International Performance of the Year | 2025 Banbridge CC Ras Team James Curry John Buller Mark Downey Johnny McRoberts Matthew Teggart |
| Towell Trophy: | Club Person of the Year | Paul Hannigan |
| Honourary Lifetime Membership: | Wilbur Aiken | |
