Bann CC are Ulster Club of the Year

From left to right, back row; Paul Hannigan, Shenna McKiverigan, Anthony Mitchell (Secretary, Cycling Ulster), Jonathan Buller, Gareth McKee, Maurice Mayne, Ciaran McKenna (Cycling Ireland President), Aaron Wallace, Maurice McAllister (Chairman, Cycling Ulster), Nicola McKiverigan, Niamh McKiverigan, Simon Curry, Mark Buller & John Buller
From left to right, fromt row; Alan Towell, Stephen Curran, Mark Downey, Gerry Beggs, Toni Armstrong & Susan Mayne. — From left to right, back row; Paul Hannigan, Shenna McKiverigan, Anthony Mitchell (Secretary, Cycling Ulster), Jonathan Buller, Gareth McKee, Maurice Mayne, Ciaran McKenna (Cycling Ireland President), Aaron Wallace, Maurice McAllister (Chairman, Cycling Ulster), Nicola McKiverigan, Niamh McKiverigan, Simon Curry, Mark Buller & John Buller From left to right, fromt row; Alan Towell, Stephen Curran, Mark Downey, Gerry Beggs, Toni Armstrong & Susan Mayne.

Following the previous award of Irish Club of the Year it caps off the 2015 season and puts the club on good footing and full of confidence for the season ahead, which will start in less than a month’s time.

There was a great turnout from the Banbridge club at the annual Cycling Ulster awards, and there was plenty to celebrate.

The Buller brothers, Mark and John, both had multiple awards to collect for their off road achievements including Mark’s Bronze medal at the U14 XC Ulster Championships and John’s Gold medal at the U16 XC Ulster Champ’s.

Banbridge CC's prize winners with Cycling Ireland President Ciaran McKenna, Cycling Ulster Chairman Maurice McAllister, Banbridge CC's chairman and secretary Maurice Mayne and Paul Hannigan.

James Curry also won a Gold medal with his victory in the MTB Junior XC Ulster Champs.

Banbridge CC’s 2015 International rider of the year, Gareth McKee, was also presented his Gold medal for winning the Ulster Elite XC Championships by Cycling Ireland President Ciaran McKenna.

Banbridge CC members were not just on the receiving end of the awards, however, with both Mark Downey and Shenna McKiverigan selected to award the youth prizes to the various prize winners.

Both riders have developed through the Ulster ranks and achieved numerous high profile results and have become great ambassadors for the club and Cycling Ulster.

Gareth McKee receives his Ulster Elite Gold medal from Cycling Ireland President Ciaran McKenna.

Banbridge CC’s award comes off the back of a season of great results from riders, but also from the performance of their volunteers, hosting National events both on the road and off-road while also contributing to the sport through placing members in the various commissions, managing provincial and national teams, having both long serving and trainee commissaires.

2015 will be a hard season to emulate in terms of success but with plans already in place to improve on those achievements, the club can’t be accused of resting their laurels.