Heverin does double

It was a fitting end to a long season for the big Clanns’ rider, not only for himself, but also for the Clann Eireann club, which this year celebrates its 50th birthday.

Heverin recorded 21 minutes and 13 seconds for the distance, 24 seconds faster than Coleraine man John Madden and 37 seconds faster than Ivan Robinson from the Ards club.

John went into Sunday’s competition with a good deal of confidence, having won the previous week against much the same opposition.

The fact that his winning time was a good way off his historical best mattered not at all. Weather conditions were not as favourable as during the early Summer, and at the end of the day it was the other 60 odd competitors who were the real opposition.

The 2010 season has been an excellent one for John Heverin, with half a dozen open time trial victories to his credit, and top ten placings in several three day stage races. John is now one of the few racing cyclists in the area holding a first category licence.

The Clann Eireann Cycling Club was founded at the end of 1960, and the first Tour of Armagh was in 1961.

Continually active over all those years, the club has produced some great cyclists and found many more who have enjoyed hours and years in the sport and pastime.

The celebration night is planned for Friday, October 15, and most of the available places have already been booked. Aimed not only a current cyclists, the function is for “anyone who has ever watched, washed or worn a Clann Eireann jersey”.

Chairman Michael Murray wants as many former members and friends as possible to be there, and asks that anyone who has not already got a ticket, should contact him or another club official as soon as possible.