Smoking dad provides inspiration for cycling champion son

Jack Caldwell from Dunshaughlin won the Meath Cycling Championship this evening following an exciting finish when he got the better of Timmy O'Regan from Ashbourne.

Caldwell and O'Regan pulled clear of the opposition  on the fourth of five laps and in third place (A1)  was Craig Sweetman from the Stamullen club.

It was a good day for Jack Caldwell as he also got his Leaving Certificate results earlier today (was happy with them).

He also explained that he took up cycling when he was a boy after his father (Dessie) gave up smoking and started out on the 
bike to get fit. 

Son Jack joined him and was soon leaving his father behind as he loved the sport and took it seriously - Dessie is also happy that he is still off the ciggies - "I'm off them 11 years now," he said.

The racing was competitive tonight around a demanding circuit and Caldwell and O'Regan had a good tussle around the final lap receiving great encouragement from spectators who came out to view that action around the 8.7km circuit.

SEE PRESENTATION OF TOP TWO CATEGORIES

Fiona Guiheen won the women's section ahead of Helen White from Stamullen

First home in the Junior category was Sean Noaln with Eogahn McGee in second and Ratoath's Christopher Devine in third place.

A2 honours went to Sean Landers from Stamullen ahead of Ciaran Hallinan and Cillian Whelan in second and third from Dunboyne.

A3 honours went to Mark Fagan ahead of Colm O'Brien with Keith Larkin in third.

Navan Road Club's Sean Lynch (from Rathfeigh) won the A4 category to follow up on his success last week in the Beechmount Cup.

Sean finished third in the A4 last year in the Meath Championships and was pleased with his performance tonight as he won 
the Meath title in category for the first time.

SEE STEEP CLIMB AT DEAN HILL

UNDER-AGE 

In the girls category last night Navan RC members Emma Smith won the u-14 girls and Zoe Shakespeare won the u-12 county titles,
both girls are going in the National Championships in Ballymoney this weekend.

Also last night Josh Callally took the honours in the boys u-12 category while Adam Gilsenan was the first home in u-14 boys and 
at u-16 boys grade there was a great finish with Ryan Geraghty first across the line ahead of Oisin McGee in second and Callum Owens in third place.

SEE FINISH OF TONIGHT'S RACE