Ciaran McKenna (in blue) still races and is hoping to help shape the sport in Ireland by becoming Cycling Ireland president.
Having been involved in cycling for 35 years, raced at international level and previously held a number of posts in Cycling Ireland, Emerald CC member Ciaran McKenna is contesting the election to become president of the federation. In this column he outlines his background and shares his priorities and vision for the future if elected.
I have been nominated by Cycling Leinster and Cuchulainn CC to run for the position of president of Cycling Ireland. I am writing to ask the clubs and their delegates for their support when the election falls at the forthcoming Cycling Ireland AGM.
I would like to outline my cycling background and to give you some details relating to the areas and issues I would address if elected to the position of president of Cycling Ireland.
Advertisement
I rode my first race as an under 12 in 1978 and continue to race today as an A2 at 47 years of age. Within that time I have raced at international level at junior and senior grades and can safely say cycling has given me some fantastic opportunities over the years.
In 1999 I was winding down from competitive cycling and I agreed to put my name forward for a position on the board of the Irish Cycling Federation, which threw me into a whole new world as a cycling administrator.
During those four years I held positions as public relations officer, national children’s officer and head of high performance. I instigated the setting up of the Team Ireland Academy in Belgium which has developed into the Sean Kelly An Post Continental Team, designed to give a structured pathway to the top level of cycling for young Irish cyclists.
I was also responsible for the co-ordination of the strategy plan 2000-2004 for the Irish Cycling Federation, with one of its key recommendations to change the name to “Cycling Ireland”.
During those four years my most significant role was that of Cycling Ireland’s representative to the Irish Sports Council. Within the four years dealing with the Irish Sports Council, Cycling Ireland increased its funding by 300 per cent, which enabled it to start many projects that remain in place today.
I continued dealing with the Irish Sport Council until 2008 on high performance funding and carding related issues.
Related News
If elected, I would see a number of issues to be prioritised that would improve the effectiveness of cycling.
Participation/Membership: I see a fantastic opportunity to further increase our membership given the growing numbers participating in cycling events.
Sportive/Recreation Cycles: I would like to establish a full time resource at Cycling Ireland headquarters dedicated to sportive events.
Commissions: I want to overhaul the present structure, which at present is not performing.
Infrastructure: I want to improve the cycling infrastructure for our members to include an indoor cycling track, BMX venues, MTB trails, club houses. There is a demand in Ireland for having an indoor cycling track and bringing the current track development to the next level. BMX is a growing area and a great introduction for underage to our sport. MTB trails continue to be popular; with requirement to increase trails numbers.
Communications: Websites and social media play a big part in communicating to members; generally improve communication at Cycling Ireland HQ.
Provincial executives: I would like to set agreed yearly board objectives with the provincial executives. I would like for the provincial executives to have more input into the yearly objectives of the Cycling Ireland board.
I would ask club representatives at the AGM to support my nomination to go forward as Cycling Ireland president as I feel I have sufficient experience and proven capability for the position that will be to the benefit of the organisation going into this new and exciting time for cycling in Ireland.
Yours in Cycling
Ciaran McKenna
[email protected] 00353-85-1744614
Cycling Ireland's AGM takes place on October 26th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan. There are two candidates for the presidential election; Ciaran McKenna and Denis Toomey.
Topics
