Roscommon teenager Daire Feeley had a superb year, winning a string of races before making his way onto the national team where he rode the European and World Championships. (Picture: Pawel Sadowski - shutterstills.com)
By Brian Canty
Few had heard of Daire Feeley 12 months ago but the Roscommon teenager really made his mark in 2014, muscling his way into the Irish junior team following a string of early season wins.
He would ride on the national squad in the Junior Tour of Ireland – won by teammate Eddie Dunbar - as well as the Europeans and World Championships.
The Leaving Cert student moves into the espoir ranks this year and under the watchful eye of coach Jonathan Gibson from Sports and Exercise Engineering, the iTap (Irish Talented Athlete Programme) man is eager to get going.
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Daire Feeley beats Paddy Clarke to win the Brian McNamara Memorial back in July. (Picture: Jimmy McElroy)
“Training is going great at the minute,” said the 18-year-old, formerly of Donamon Dynamos.
“Being in school and doing the Leaving Cert, it’s important to get a good balance between study and training.
“Jonathan has me on a specific program with limited time but it’s amazing how strong I'm still getting.
“Every minute counts, there’s no wasted time.
“The plan for this year is to go full-time after the Leaving Cert.
Feeley, centre, was called up to the Irish junior team for the Trofeo Karlsberg, a tough stage race in Germany. He, alongside Michael O'Loughlin, Stephen Shanahan and Craic MaAuley would assist teammate Eddie Dunbar to finish second overall. Pictured here at the Worlds by Sean Rowe.
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"It’s a big commitment, not just from me but from my whole family. But I can't wait to get going.
"I just have to get the exams out of the way and then pull the trigger.
"I have the 11 sprocket this year as I’m gone from the junior ranks so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do against the top guys.”
Looking back on the World Championships junior road race in Spain in September, Feeley cursed his luck but said he had no regrets and was proud to have been there in the first place.
“Racing rarely goes the way you want or expect it to," he said.
Feeley, centre, made the five-man Irish junior team for the World Championships road race in Ponferradam, Spain in September. (Picture: Sean Rowe)
"I’m just sorry they didn’t sweep the whole course the night before the race in Ponferrada because I punctured out and it was over for me early.
"I seem to get punctures at the worst times, not that there’s ever a good time.
"I got one at the Euros and the Worlds but other than those, I’ve no regrets from either race.
"I gave it all I had to get there and while I was there."
Alongside Feeley in the iTAP team this season are a clutch of fellow U23 riders Darragh Bailey, David Brody, Jordan McGinley and Curtis Gilmore.
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