One of my favourite times of the year is the first few days in January when newspapers and journalists delve through the newly released State Papers and allow the great unwashed ponder over decisions made by the elite politician classes in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain.
So having consumed my fill of articles from days gone by, perhaps simpler days, telling tales of when Gareth Fitzgerald attended the Dail wearing matching socks or when Charles Haughey pulled into Omeath looking for some cheap diesel for the yacht. Or more importantly to find out what exactly Martin said to Ian that launched the chuckle brothers moniker.

Anyway, having dined on these stories and more, I was surprised when I found my appetite for current affairs stories from the past (that’s an oxymoron for sure) was not completely sated. So I found myself perusing the CuChulainn CC archives to scratch my itch. What a treasure throve I uncovered, some of which is presented below.

2010 – Those working out in Felda at 7:00am will no doubt remember “Poker Face” or “Bad Romance” blasting out as you hit the treadmill, but do you remember when Cuchulainn Cycling Club Athlete Bryan McCrystal won the 100mile time trial Championships held in Woodgreen, Co. Antrim setting a new national record?

2010 was he year a large group of thirty three CuChulainn members completed the 650km Mizen to Malin.

It was also the year when “Dundalk a Cycling History 1819 – 2010” went to print. Written by none other than Kevin Dolan, it chronicles cycling in the town, and county, from its first documented recording in 1819 right up to 2010.

Moving on to 2011, we find it was the year when the greatest threat to North South relations occurred since the signing of the Good Friday agreement. Major controversy erupted when the “Defending champions CuChulainn CC and Bryan McCrystal were snubbed by The Newry Wheelers’ 3 Day cycle race organisers. The 2010 edition of the race proved to be a very fruitful one for Cuchulainn Cycling Club with Bryan McCrystal & Gerry McCabe taking 1st & 2nd respectively, plus the club took the team prize. Newry has always proved a happy hunting ground for McCrystal & earlier in 2011 he took a commanding win in Newry’s Tour of the Mournes, soloing to a superb victory. Despite an accident McCrystal was all set to defend his title & the club had selected a strong team of McCrystal, Gerry McCabe, Alan Grey, Myles McCorry & Dermot Keelan. However ,when the entry was sent to Newry Wheelers, McCrystal’s entry was refused. The Newry club stated that he was simply too strong a rider & would win in such dominating fashion that no other riders would be interested in participating”. Thus cycling for leisure surely was born (PRO)

But it was back to normal business later on in the year when Cuchulainn Cycling Club ran the Tain Team Tour. This event was based on a team classification format, as opposed to an individual classification and proven to be an overwhelming success. County teams, the Ulster Women’s Team & a Polish Squad all lined up at the start to start for a team time trial.
This time trial was a nod to days gone by when all wind cheating aero equipment, that is now ubiquitous in races against the clock, were banned. The quickest team on the night were the home boys of Louth, a team comprised of Ray O`Shaughnessey, Myles McCorry, Peter Tomany & Gerry McCabe. As well as winning the stage they also picked up a time bonus along the way gaining the maximum points available. County Wexford were 2nd quickest & after stage 1 were only 2 points adrift of Louth, with Poland in 3rd.
Once again CuChulainn CC PRO’s have no problem saying it as it is …. all wind cheating aero equipment, that is now ubiquitous in races against the clock, were banned. I love it.

So there you have it for this instalment. Days gone by were such innocent affairs. Weren’t they? These stories and many more can be found in the 1000+ page Club archive. Material for your next coffee stop?