On Friday we where all invited to the Captain, Jim Watson’s 60th Birthday party in the Balmoral Hotel. A great night was had by all and on behalf of the club he was thanked for all the years of his devotion with a poignant speech by his brother Colm and then a presentation of a framed vintage Belgium National jersey complete with whistle by Joe and Conrad.

Jim had a speech prepared even though it was a surprise and he took the opportunity to announce that he was stepping back a bit and would be passing on the whistle to Conrad after a very long apprenticeship. Not long after Elvis appeared, and we were serenaded by the now self declared ex captain. A great night was had by all.

Understandably there were many sore heads the next day and with the bad weather forecast it was declared a day off for bike riding, however on Sunday we had a sizeable group head down to Oxford Island and the staff there presented Jim with more cake and candles, by this point Jim was declaring that it was a birthday week of celebrations.

The final activities of the week were down in Leinster for the Navan Road Club’s Cyclo-cross race. It was a slippery muddy affair on what looked a tough day out. In the U14 girls Aoife Craig was 2nd, Aoibhin Sharkey came in 9th overall in the Ladies race and Aine Doherty bagged a podium for 3rd. Gerard Craig and Sean McCourt also slugged it out on a deteriorating course in the men’s A race, so well done everybody.

Lastly we’d like to wish Aine Doherty the very best of luck as once again she has been picked to represent Ireland, this time she is heading off to the European Cyclo-cross Championships in Pont-Chateau, France this weekend.