Foyle Cycling Club’s wonderful achievements over the past year have been rightly recognised – it has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Cycling Ulster Club of the Year for 2016.’
Last year was a truly memorable one for the club which has been to the forefront of promoting and developing the sport in the north-west.
As a result of the efforts of all the volunteers of Foyle Cycling Club, and the local community, the club was short listed for two of the highest awards in the country -‘Cycling Ireland Club of the Year’ and ‘Cycling Ulster Club of Year’.
Foyle was honoured to be shortlist for both awards and to announced as winners of the ‘Cycling Ulster Club of the Year’ last Saturday at an awards dinner.
Club PRO, Thomas McLaughlin, said that the club was delighted with its nominations and winning ‘Cycling Ulster Club of the Year’.
“This is fantastic news, not just for Foyle CC but also for cycling in Derry. It’s a great honour to be shortlisted with some of the best clubs in Ireland and to win ‘Cycling Ulster Club of the Year’ is a great achievement only made possible because of all those people who helped out at our many successful events in 2016. Without the volunteers none of these events would be possible.’
With committed members and support from the local community Foyle CC was able to put on some great cycling events throughout 2016.
The club has built upon its well-deserved reputation with its extensive list of sportives on the Club Calendar topped off with the flagship annual charity sportive, the Inishowen 100 in August.
The event attracted over 350 riders from across Ireland and beyond, from which the club was able to make donations to two local charities, Zest (supporting people suffering from emotional pain and hurt) and Foyle Haven (supporting homeless people).
Ronan Gallagher, who was the club PRO at tha time, praised everyone who took part. “This is one of the toughest cycling sportives in Ireland. For many of the riders it was their first time in Derry and Inishowen, with many remarking on the striking coastline and great hospitality shown throughout the day. Everyone who rode today deserves praise for completing the sportive.’
In memory of Adrian Mullan Foyle Cycling Club held the inaugural ‘Adrian Mullan Foyle Hospice Sportive’ to continue the charitable legacy of one of its members who was tragically killed on the road in October 2015.
This charitable work by the club continued throughout the year in supporting the ‘Foyle Hospice Women Only Cycling Sportive’, the ‘Tour de Foyle’ and its popular ‘Sprocket Rocket’ bike skills programme for youngsters aged 5-12 in St. Columb’s Park.

Club chairman Simon Gill, said it was a great achievement for the club.
“Great credit goes to all the riders who have participated over the last number of months to ensure that Foyle CC retained this title. And with the backup from so many dedicated volunteers, it’s just gratifying to see all the effort rewarded,” he said.

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