2026 Orwell Womens League R2

WOMEN’S LEAGUE CORCAGH PARK 21/4/26

A chilly windswept Corcagh Park was the scene for this evening’s races. A group of mostly inexperienced riders took to the start, nervously chatting as they awaited the starting whistle.

Once underway, the race split almost immediately and 3 riders forged ahead, Galway woman Lorna Kavanagh, triple Ironman Gráinne Burrows and 1st year Chemistry student Faye Morrissey.

Faye was able to use her Chemistry knowledge to work out exactly how much lactic acid was burning through her as she dropped back into the clutches of the chasing pair behind, Máire Diggin and Pam Grogan.

Lorna and Gráinne forged ahead, working together to stay clear until 3 laps from home when Lorna launched the winning attack to distance Gráinne and take a fine solo win.

The main event started almost immediately with a strong field. Despite a couple of attacks from Claire Diffley and a strong chase by Holly McCaffrey, the field mostly stayed together until the finish.

Claire, a 3 time national swimming champion, launched the sprint as they rounded the final bend with 150 metres to go. Hot on her cleats were mother of 2 Jennifer Caverly, and 1st time racer Amy Wall.

Jennifer proved the strongest in the gallop and revealed afterwards that her bike (formerly owned by EF’s Michel Honore) was bought for her by her partner Paddy, an incurable romantic, as an engagement ring.

Carmel Moran picked up an impressive 4th place, Holy was 5th and Kim Zitzmann waa 6th.

Shelly Horan deserves a mention after fighting back from the rear of the field to finish a very creditable 7th.