Lakeside Wheelers vote in new committee

The 2024 AGM was well attended in Clarke’s Bar last Friday evening. Outgoing Chairperson, Ed Tyrrell opened proceedings with a welcome to all and thanked the membership for all the assistance and support he received during his term from 2022 – 2024.

Secretary, Eugene Duffy gave a presentation on how the club fared over the last year with membership, administration and general club duties. Eugene also gave a review of the Sprocket Rocket programme which he helped to revive this year and once again this series of cycling skills events for kids aged from 8ys to 14yrs was hugely successful.

Events Officer Peter Rimmer provided a review of all the events which the club ran in 2024 which included the Leinster Paracycling TT, Tour of the Lakes, Mullingar GP. National Bike Week events and specific Ladies only cycling events for National HER Outdoors Week. The club’s extremely busy schedule of events will come to a close on December 15th with the Leinster Cyclocross event in Belvedere House and Gardens.

Following Peter’s report, club Treasurer, Pearse Murphy provided an overview of the club’s financial affairs. The final report was a very comprehensive review of 2024 racing activities prepared by Paul Murtagh and delivered in his absence by Ronan Bracken.

With all the annual reports dealt with it was time to discuss AOB and elect the new committee for 2025 – 2026. Despite the reputation committee elections has there wasn’t a rush for the door and the club now has a new Chairperson in Pearse Murphy, and a new Treasurer in Martin Nally Paula Connolly volunteered to come on committee as did Steve Franzoni. Otherwise the remaining positions are the same with Eugene staying on as Secretary, Shay O’Toole as PRO, Eddie Hynes and Pete Rimmer making up the committee whilst Breda Brady stays on as Child Protection Officer. Mark Horohoe still has a year to run as Club President so it’s onwards and upwards for the next period in the story of Lakeside Wheelers Mullingar.

The meeting was drawn to a close by incoming Chairperson Pearse Murphy thanking everyone for taking the time to attend the AGM and giving notice of the club Christmas party which will be held on December 7 in the Olde House Bar at the Annebrook Hotel.

Cyclocross

Last weekend the club was well represented at a round of the Ulster Cyclocross League which was hosted by Breffini Wheelers on the impressive grounds of Castle Saunderson near Belturbet.

Conditions were almost perfect due to the recent blast of dry, mild weather which meant there was minimum mud and good fast racing. The club had Pete Rimmer, Richie Lenihan and Steve Franzoni in the A race with all three coming home well up the rankings. The B race saw Neil McDermott and Stuey Cox putting in an excellent showing with Stuey claiming 2nd spot on the podium while Neil, in only his second Cyclocross race took a fabulous 4th place. Congratulations to all and it bodes really well for the club in advance of our own Cyclocross promotion on December 15.