Carrick-on-Suir Wheelers Cycling Club celebrates its 70th birthday

Pictured above: Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club members at the club’s AGM.
Back row, from left: Zach Power, John Dempsey, John Kinsella, Tom ‘O’Connell, Patrick O’Loughlin, Darragh Whelan, Jamie Blanchfield. Front, from left: Bobby Sheehan, Billy Kennedy, Hugh Mulhearne, Paul Lonergan, Larry Power, Martin O’Loughlin. Photo Joe Cashin:

Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club marked its 70th anniversary with a series of events celebrating its rich history in the town of Carrick-on-Suir, the achievements of its members and its enduring contribution to the sport of cycling both in Ireland and on a global level.

The milestone was commemorated with a lively celebration at O’Ceallachain’s on Main Street on the evening of Friday, November 22 followed by the 70th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club on the evening of Wednesday, November 27 at The Old Mill on New Street.

The 70th anniversary event at O’Ceallachain’s brought together past and present club members, friends, and supporters to reflect on the club’s storied past and honour its many accomplishments.

Sam Bennett Tribute

Earlier that day, prior to the event, members were fortunate to receive a special video message from the club’s very own Tour de France Green Jersey winner, Sam Bennett.

Sam sent his apologies for being unable to attend the milestone celebration but credited Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club for having provided him with “the foundation to take on the world of cycling” and wished the club many more years of success in the town widely dubbed “The Home of Irish Cycling”.

Siblings Orla Mulhearne and Rory Mulhearne cut Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club’s 70th Birthday cake

Celebrating Decades of Achievements

The 70th anniversary event highlighted the incredible achievements of Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club members over the years.
Club Chairman Hugh Mulhearne got proceedings underway by welcoming everyone to the event and reflecting on the legacy that has brought the club into its 70th year.

“Everything that can be won domestically in Irish cycling. Carrick Wheelers riders have won it all,” Hugh explained.

Martin O’Loughlin from the club committee then delivered an inspiring speech, honouring members of the past and present who have contributed to Irish cycling in significant ways both on and off the bike.

Martin also extended a special welcome to Sean ‘Booty’ Walsh, who was in attendance on the night.

A veteran of the sport, Sean joined Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club in 1957, just three years after its foundation.

The late Tommy Sheehan

Furthermore, amongst many of the club’s former members, homage was paid to the late Tommy Sheehan, and his mantra of staying “loyal to your club” was acknowledged.

It was widely recognised by all in attendance that the values Tommy and others helped instil into the club in its earlier days remain visible to this day.

Annual Awards

The celebration on the night also included the presentation of the club’s annual awards:

Youth Rider of the Year was awarded to James Logue, whose outstanding performances this year, most notably in securing a Gold medal in the Under 15 Munster Road Race Championships and a Silver medal in the U15 National Road Race Championships, along with multiple other race podiums on both road and CX, promise a bright future in the sport of cycling.

Senior Rider of the Year went to Patrick O’Loughlin for his exceptional achievements on the road and track this year.
Most notably, he secured a Silver medal in the Under 23 National Road Race Championships and achieved a top 10 finish on two stages of this year’s Rás Tailteann, proving himself an inspiration to fellow members.

Clubman of the Year was presented to Chairman Hugh Mulhearne in recognition of his tireless efforts towards the success and growth of Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club.
Hugh, who is the father of two of the club’s youngest members, Orla and Rory Mulhearne, has made invaluable contributions over the past number of years and has brought a renewed sense of enthusiasm since taking on the chairman role.

AGM
The celebrations continued at the AGM on Wednesday, November 20 where members reviewed a successful 2024 and discussed plans for 2025 and beyond.

The AGM also included a Special Recognition Award for Jamie Blanchfield, recognising his contributions to gold medal success in leading the Team Ireland paracycling team at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club extends its gratitude to everyone who attended the week’s events, to O’Ceallachain’s for hosting the 70th-anniversary celebration, and to The Old Mill for hosting the 70th AGM.

For more information about Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club or how to get involved in the club follow its social media Facebook and Instagram accounts or visit the website: www.carrickwheelers.com.

Check out more photographs from Carrick Wheelers CC's 70th anniversary celebration and AGM in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops.