Picture: Brendan Slattery
THERE was a major boost for Killarney Cycling Club’s Youth Academy when news filtered through of the selection of 16-year-old Beaufort cyclist, Patrick Galvin, for Irish team which will contest the Errigal International Youth Tour during the August bank holiday weekend.
Based in Churchill, Co Donegal, the prestigious four-stage event attracts the very best of Ireland’s young riders as well as top development squads from Britain and the continent.
Stephen Daly, chairperson of the Killarney club’s Youth Academy which runs coaching for the young riders, said the selection was down to Patrick’s endurance, doggedness and big work ethic.
“He has been with us since he was 10, encouraged by his parents, Linda and Michael, and getting on this team was one of his major goals for the year,” he said.
“He has all the qualities of a top athlete and is a pure gentleman to deal with,” Stephen added.
Patrick is the second Killarney club rider to make an Irish team this year. Senior rider, Conor Kissane, got the call up for Rás Mumhan in May and, coincidentally, Conor is also involved in providing individualised coaching to members of the club’s Youth Academy, including Patrick.
The manager and selector of the Irish Youth Team for the event, Dan Curtin, also described Patrick as a promising all-round rider.
“He has good endurance and can sprint, and he is good to read a race. He has learned a lot since joining Cycling Ireland’s Youth Academy and the experience of being on a national team at this level will help his development,’ he said.
The Killarney club will be making the long haul to Co Donegal with 10 other young riders and are hopeful of podium places for some of the dedicated squad.
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