DOOGAN ON FIRE

JOHN HALDANE MEMORIAL BIKE RACE 09.03.25

Áine Doherty (Dan Morrissey-Pissei) brings a smile to the start of the John Haldane Memorial Bike Race on Sunday at Poyntzpass Picture: Brendan Monaghan Sports/DNA

Over 120 riders from across Ireland brought colour, speed and excitement as they descended on the small county Armagh village of Poyntzpass for Sunday’s John Haldane Memorial Bike Race.

The race was, as always, promoted by the Newry Wheelers Cycling Club, who supplied a host of volunteers, both young and old to ensure the riders and spectators safety at all times during Sunday’s event.

Gareth O’Neill (Athlete Nutrition Coach) coners well during Sunday’s C1+C2 race on the Scarva Gilford Tandragee course Picture: Brendan Monaghan Sports/DNA

Race directors and brothers Drew and Mark McKinley done a fantastic job negotiating a safe passage for the riders in both the C1+C2 race and the C3 event around the Scarva, Gilford, Tandragee course and back to the finish in Poyntzpass.

In a 2 up sprint after 7 laps of the Tandragee circuit, Odhran Doogan (Caldwell Cycles) proved to be strong for fellow escapee Ronan O’Connor on the finish line at Poyntzpass.

The C3 race, for the Haldane Fisher Cup, took in 4 laps of the circuit before heading back to Poyntzpass where James Armstrong (VC Glendale) soloed to victory. Áine Doherty (Dan Morrissey-Pissei) took the McKinley Contracts Shield for the first lady home.