Robin Kelly winning the Dan O'Donovan Memorial in Fermoy in August for the second time in two years; he departs Aquablue with Keith Gater to return to Waterford Racing Team for 2015 (Photo: Dave O’Brien Photography)
Having won the national veterans’ road championships in Westmeath at the end of the season in the colours of the Aquablue team, Keith Gater is leaving the Cork-based squad for pastures new in 2015.
Bound for Waterford Racing Team, Gater is taking Robin Kelly with him from Aquablue.
Both riders gelled with Aquablue very well in recent seasons and rather than having any falling out with the Tim Barry-managed outfit, they have simply opted to return to their local club with whom they raced before.
Gater in particular enjoyed a great run of form with Aquablue this year and benefitted from some great team work within the well-drilled squad.
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He went to the start line of the vets’ national title race as one of the firm favourites.
And despite finding himself up the road on the last lap with the capable Carrick duo of Hugh Mulhearne and evergreen Rory Wyley he managed to drop them late in the day for a great victory.
He also won the Larragh Classic, run by St Tiernan’s CC in Co Wicklow the week before the vets’ championships.
On that occasion he made his way into another three-man escape, but this time had team mate Damien Shaw for company, with that duo combining well to beat off the challenge of Sean McKenna (UCD CC).
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A delighted Keith Gater takes victory in the national veterans' championships in Westmeath in September (Photo by JimmyMcElroy.com)
Like his win the following week to become national champion, Gater got clear on his own late in the race for a solo win.
In June, Gater also took the Dungarvan Grand Prix, benefitting on that occasion from more team work, this time alongside Aquablue man Dylan Foley.
Last year, when also riding for Aquablue, Gater took the John Nolan GP in Co Meath.
That was his first win since returning to racing after a horror training ride crash in 2011, at which time it was feared he would not walk properly again.
Kelly has also ridden very well and taken some great wins in the colours of Aquablue over the past two seasons.
This year he won the opening race of the season; the Ned Flanagan Memorial in Co Kildare.
Last year he won the Dan O’Donovan Memorial in Fermoy in August and defended it this season.
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