By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent
The countdown is on in earnest for the Irish Road Race Championship which will be held on Sunday next week in Westport, but those with aspirations of getting amongst medals will have their final trials on Sunday in Navan, Co. Meath and Currow, Co. Kerry. All categories will be catered at both locations. Organiser John O’Connell of the John Drumm Memorial made it very clear that irrespective what it says in the Cycling Ireland handbook, the first categories are included in the programme.
Recently returned from Asia for the ‘Nationals’, Paul Griffin and David McCann will be represented in their Giant Asia gear at the Co. Meath and Co. Kerry venues. Griffin, a four time winner of the John Drumm will race in Currow, whereas McCann is a certain starter in Navan in the Sean Nolan Meath GP.
McCann’s form should still be great after last Sundays’ win in the Newbridge Grand Prix, where Brian Kenneally of MyHome.ie/Cycleways.com was the only competitor capable of staying with the former national road championship and FBD Insurance winner. Back to back wins is very much on the cards in Navan for McCann, as the 86 mile-event will suit him ideally because of his rigorous racing programme in Asia. Likewise his team mate, Paul Griffin will not stir out of the Kerry ‘Kingdom’ and should be a match for the locals, but the favourites have a habit of being overturned!
