Emerald Fund reveals names of riders it will financially support

The new Emerald Fund, which will financially support young Irish riders, has revealed the names on the first list of riders to win its backing in the year ahead.

Having been established last year and held its first fundraising event, the Emerald Fund has now published the names of the first group of riders it will financially support.

There are male and female riders on the eight-rider list. Most of the riders are U23 athletes but there us one junior.

The U23 men selected for funding are: James Curry (Banbridge CC), Caimin Muldoon (Aqua Blue), Mark Downey (VC Toucy), David McCarthy (JLT Condor), Simon Tuomey (DID Dunboyne), Darragh O’Mahony (Kanturk CC), Ciara Doogan (UCD CC), Stephen Shanahan (Wheelworx Asea).

Doogan is the only woman on the list and she is also the only junior rider to be supported.

The Emerald Fund will hold a banquet in the off season each year at which an auction will also be held. All proceeds from the night will go into the fund's coffers.

It also held its first sportive during the winter to raise funds and other events are expected to evolve over time.

The auction has been supported by many of the country's top amateurs and pro riders, who have donated kit to be auctioned.