Posted online: Jun 24th, 2009

Former World No.1 cyclist Sean Kelly was the guest of honour at the North Pole Cycling Club sponsored Tour of Inishowen event at the weekend.

Kelly was joined by some of the country’s top road cyclists and the peninsula’s finest for the event which was run over the Inishowen 100 route.

The Tour got underway at nine o’clock on Sunday morning in conditions that were less than favourable. A ‘soft’ Donegal morning of mist and mizzle greeted the 260 riders who arrived at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel but the warm welcome they received from the North Pole Club got everyone smiling. 

Sean Kelly mingled with the crowds and had a word for everyone so they were all in high spirits as they set off on their route of choice.

Club members from some of the newest clubs such as Errigal CC from Donegal and Breffni Wheelers from Monaghan as well as see old friends from Emyvale, Foyle, Roe Valley, Omagh. And Four Masters of Letterkenny.

There were also riders there from further afield, such as Phoenix CC, Bann Wheelers, Limerick and Dublin.

With the help of Myles Sweeney of the Donegal Sports Partnership, the event this year included handcyclists. Darrell Erwin of the Ulster Handcycling Association and Karol Dogherty of Donegal lined out for the 47 mile route. Karol had just taken possession of his new handcycling bike but a few miles into the route the front tyre puncture. Undaunted the North Pole’s back up mechanic stuffed the hole with handlebar tape and both riders were able to complete the event. Marty Noone of North Pole and Myles Sweeney were on hand to follow the riders.

For many the most welcoming sight enroute was the tea stop in Culdaff. The village had welcome signs out for Kelly and the hall was festive. Patricia and her cohorts had a huge range of sandwiches, hot scones dripping with butter, fruit, home made cakes, biscuits and sweets as well as hot and cold drinks.

As the riders arrived it was a time to meet old friends and the Donegal party really began. Only a hardy few such as Joe Barr passed up on the food on offer. Sean Kelly barely had time to ‘sup his tay’ as wellwishers stopped to chat. 

He was presented with a print of a picture by Margaret Devine by members of the village community.