Martin O’Loughlin hit the deck towards the finish of the A3 race in Carrick on Suir today. The veteran rider was in the break with his son Michael when he hit a car. He was subsequently transported to hospital, though his injuries are not thought to be serious (Photo: Dc Images)
By Brian Canty
The A4 race in today’s Carrick Wheelers promoted fixtures had to be neutralised because of a crash in the A3 race that preceded it, involving one of the clubs most valued and respected members.
Martin O’Loughlin was in the day’s break alongside his son Michael and two others when, around four kilometres out from the finish, he collided with a car and fell hard.
He was unable to get up and continue because of his injuries and was immediately tended to by the medical personnel following the race.
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Those involved with the running of the race said his injuries are not serious, though the exact nature of the damage done was unclear at the time of writing.
O'Loughlin was transported to hospital where he underwent medical checks.
Not to be detracted from the task at hand, and obviously unaware that his father had fallen so hard, O'Loughlin junior went on to win the race.
“He wasn’t on the ground five seconds when he turned to us and was shouting for us to push on,” said the teenager.
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Martin O'Loughlin winning the Tommy Sheehan Memorial in Carrick this day last year; a race he crashed out of today while in the winning escape (Photo: Damien Jackson)
The others in the escape who witnessed the accident were Darragh O’Mahony (O’Leary’s Stone Kanturk CC) and Henry Cooke (Limerick CC).
They would finish second and third respectively.
Race director Paul Lonergan said the commissaires had no choice but to cancel the A4 race, which was fast approaching the scene of the accident.
“The road was blocked and the A4s came on it so the commissaires decided to close the road,” Lonergan said of what sounded like an unfortunate but sensible move.
“We’re still working on what happened but it took place on a bend on a narrow bit of road," Lonergan added.
“His knee was a bit (damaged)…but there was plenty medical staff there; two ambulances and first response personnel.”
From all at stickybottle, we wish O'Loughlin Snr, a winner in Carrick this day last year, a speedy recovery.
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