Moriarty targets a home win

EUGENE MORIARTY (cycleways.com) returns to his native Listowel on Sunday bidding to reclaim the trophy that perpetuates the memory of the man who inspired him to take up cycling, his late grandfather, Gene.

He won this trophy only once during an illustrious career in 1996, but since then injury, illness and inter national commitments have prevented him from taking part.

“In fact last year was my first time to take part in the race since I won it back in 1996,” he said. “Obviously I would like to win it again. It has been one of my targets for the year.”

With a number of big races in Munster over the Bank Holiday weekend, he faces a difficult task.

Moriarty looks set to compete against Stephen O’Neill, Paul Healion and Aidan Crowley on Saturday in the National Criterium Championships promoted by St. Finbarr’s at the Monahan Road Circuit in Cork.

Crowley from Midleton is enjoying his best season and the national title in his native county would be a fitting reward for his consistency.

He too could also be a contender in Listowel in a very competitive field which also includes three time winner Brian Kenneally, who returns after a lengthy injury lay off. Ciaran Power and David O’Loughlin are also possible starters.

Apart from Kenneally, Dan Morrissey’s will have a number of contenders on the line. “I am in the middle of a block of training so I may not be quite sharp enough in this company,” Cork man, Tim Barry, said. “Eugene (Moriarty) would be my fancy.

“But it is always very difficult to win a race in your hometown.”

The peloton will round off the weekend in Kilrush on Monday where local fans will be hoping to see Vincent Gleeson lift the Crotty Cup.