Press release + photos courtesy of Banbridge CC & Cup presentation photo below Brendan Byrne photography Brendan Byrne photography (Photo in collage David mc Veigh BP Media)
Banbridge CC launch Memorial Cup in memory of late club stalwart Alan Towell
Banbridge Cycling Club are known throughout Ireland as one of the longest established and most consistent Irish clubs at producing international cycling talent. They are also widely known for their promotion of long standing and successful national cycle events that annually attract the very best of Irish racing cyclists to Co Down. Following the untimely passing of club stalwart, Alan Towell, in 2019, the club are honoured to announce the launch of the Alan Towell Memorial Road Race and Alan Towell Memorial Cup. The inaugural event will take place on 19th August, in Alan’s hometown of Dromore, Co Down. The event will incorporate the final round of the Cycling Ireland Road National Series, where the finest of Ireland’s cyclists will compete for the overall honours and the chance to be first name on the new memorial cup.
Alan was a lifelong member of Banbridge CC, joining in 1973 and competing with distinction throughout the 1980’s. As a volunteer, Alan contributed immensely to the club from a young age and in various roles. To honour his contribution to Banbridge Cycling Club, he was awarded the Belmont Cup as Club Person of the Year in 2015. He also received a posthumous award in 2019 from Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council in recognition of his lifetime service to sport. Hosting a national event in Alan’s memory is a fitting tribute to his valued contribution to Banbridge Cycling Club and to the sport of cycling.
Announcing the launch of the Memorial Cup and event, Club Chairman and Event Director, Aaron Wallace commented “Alan was an ever-present face at Banbridge CC events and a key member of our organising team. His loss was felt throughout the wider cycling community, and I have no doubt a memorial event of this standing will be welcomed and supported by the riders and cycling supporters alike for years to come. I look forward to joining Alan’s family as we remember and honour his life with the sport he so loved.” Alan’s daughter, Christina Towell, who follows in her father and grandfather’s footsteps as a cycling administrator, added “Daddy had a real passion for cycling, and in particular Banbridge CC. As a family, we’re very proud and know he would have been hugely honoured to have the club remember him with a memorial event and a beautiful cup such as this.”
