Members of the Killarney CC as well as some neighbouring clubs held a cycle in memory of teammate and friend Ed Duggan who was tragically killed while out training 12 months ago (Pictures: Brendan Slattery)
By Brian Canty
The chairman of Killarney Cycling Club has hit out at the Road Safety Authority for their “lack of a campaign” to protect cyclists on the road.
Noel Doherty was speaking just days after the club organised a cycle to commemorate clubmate and friend Ed Duggan who was killed tragically after being struck by a car last November while out training.
Ed lost his life on the Tralee Road when he was struck from behind by a car travelling in the same direction.
And to celebrate his life the local cycling club put on a touching tribute day of events to remember him at the weekend.
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“The main elements to it were for the club to get together and celebrate his memory, let his family see what he meant to the club and to give them the comfort to know that with the passing of time Ed’s memory wasn’t just going to fade out," said Doherty.
A bicycle painted white was placed at the exact spot where Ed Duggan was killed while out on a club training spin last November (Photo: Brendan Slattery)
“We were 100 per cent committed to ensuring his legacy would be kept alive and going forward it’s going to be an annual event."
Over 150 cyclists turned up on the day, with members from neighbouring clubs Sliabh Luachra, Sliabh Mish, Currow CC and Killorglin CC all showing their support.
The riders headed out to the site of a white 'ghost bike' placed at the exact spot Ed lost his life last November.
“We had a minute silence and the members of the training group who were with Ed that morning the accident happened took a bouquet across the road to the white bike.”
They all headed for the cemetery where Ed is buried and close friend Mark Williams said a few words and more paid tribute to their deceased friend.
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The cyclists who were out training with Ed that fateful morning last year placed a bouquet of flowers beside the white bicycle. (Photo: Brendan Slattery)
“The main thrust of the day was keeping his memory alive and sharing the day with family and friends but it was also to highlight the road safety message,” continued Doherty.
“There is a responsibility amongst cyclists themselves for how they conduct themselves and of course for the motorists on the road.
“But there is also a safety message that a cyclist is a very vulnerable person.
"And the one catchphrase we took from the weekend was, ‘when a motorist overtakes a cyclist he’s taking a chance with the cyclist’s life, not with your own’.
"That’s actually a very strong point that needs to be made.”
A tree was also planted at Ed's homeplace at the request of his family (Photo: Brendan Slattery)
Doherty continued: “The lack of a campaign from the RSA is very noticeable; they’re not getting the message across at all.
"They don’t seem to have the appetite to address the cycling issue with any vigour.
“I gave up smoking after a very graphic campaign I saw on TV. I was a smoker for 25 years and the health board or lobby groups ran a very graphic campaign about what smoking can do and I gave it up.
“The same attitude needs to be adopted by the RSA in getting the message across about how vulnerable cyclists are on the road, but it isn’t happening.
“I know from speaking to Ed’s mother that this is with her constantly; her son is dead and she doesn’t see anything changing.
“She finds that hard to take. Motorists don’t seem to get it that a car and a bike is a mismatch so this cycle was also about us doing our bit to make our voices heard.”
Ed Duggan was a gentleman and a really popular figure on the cycling scene. Judging by the scenes at the weekend, it is very sadly missed by a great many people (Photo with many thanks to Mark Williams, Killarney CC)
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