I don't yet feel quite recovered, nor have I digested the week fully yet, but I didn't want too long to pass before posting a note of thanks. I think I can speak on behalf of the team with the below.
Firstly, to each and every club member - the messages of support over the week and during the run-in were all read and appreciated, and genuinely helped to spur us on. But long before that, the funds for the team from both the club kitty and the table quiz came from you for the most part, and for giving us the opportunity to take part in the Rás on your behalf, we're very grateful! Hopefully our representation of the club did you proud!
It was great to see familiar faces throughout the week - Dunboyne, Sallins, Baltinglass, Carlow, Ballina, Drogheda, Skerries are a few of the spots that sported Orwell colours. Thanks for taking the time and effort to come out and show your support!
There were a few backroom organisers who put it all together, without ever once seeking the limelight. People like Dave Mc and the club committee were always supportive and encouraging of our efforts. Aidan Hammond coached us from November onwards, and was always available for our annoying quesitons. David Hendron brought Ship My TriBike on board as a sponsor for the van. Aidan Collins had a massive hand in organising the team - booking accommodation and miscellaneous other items, then coming out west to make sure we had everything we needed. For the table quiz, Ann and Helen Horan along with Eddie Lynch and Pat O'Brien made the whole night happen! That was a huge boost to the team kitty, and took a lot of financial pressure off the riders.
The sponsors were fantastic - the customised van from Ship My TriBike was invaluable, while Joe Daly Cycles kept us fed and watered every day. Dave Tansey is continually generous to members of the club, but let us never take it for granted and stop being thankful!
The actual people at the coalface every day were Mary Brady and Aishling O'Connor. They were an immense part of the team - rubs before stages, treatments afterwards, bag moving, sandwich making, recovery drink mixing, van driving... nothing was too great or too small for these two very capable women. And they did it all with prize-winning smiles, and managed to snag a couple of jerseys and jersey wearers along the way! I don't think the team can thank them enough (and we're sorry we didn't manage to win ye any flowers).
Our mechanic was equally capable and quietly calm and proficient the whole race long. Again, whether it was a battery replacement or a brake cable change, Fionn Sheridan was dedicated and efficient. Our bikes disappeared after every stage, and would be handed to us before every stage ready to roll. It's a load off a rider's mind! We hope he's gotten a taste for the Rás, and we'll have a chance to support him in a future edition soon!
Finally, the man who held us together mentally (along with his three excellent assistants) throughout the week was Pat O'Brien. A Man of the Rás himself, we couldn't have asked for a better leader to follow into battle. Organised and efficient, he made sure we knew where and when to eat, sleep and ride every day, with words of advice and encouragement at every turn.
To all of the above, and anyone I've missed, a huge thank you from the riders!
