Sean McKenna takes victory for Aquablue in Lacey Cup, Tralee

Sean McKenna has taken his first win of the season and a big one at that; beating a bumper field in a hard fought Lacey Cup. Above, riding in the colours of the Irish development team, far left, last year (Photo: Pat Doherty)

By Brian Canty

Sean McKenna has opened his and his new team Aquablue CC’s account for 2015 with a brilliant victory in the Lacey Cup, promoted by Tralee BC-Manor West Hotel.

The Dubliner made the long trip south for today’s 75-kilometre event and made his presence felt right from the drop of the flag.

The former UCD CC man started with the A1 bunch which first had to catch the A2s and further ahead the huge group of A3s.

But that proved no challenge at all for McKenna who would finally sweep up a couple of A3 riders dangling off the front – one of whom was Simon Tuomey (Cork Giant CC).

Together they motored cleared of the chasers, with McKenna pipping Tuomey in the sprint for victory.

It was another cracking ride from the latter today and a sign that the junior scene in the country isn’t in as bad a state as some day.

Tuomey was also very impressive last weekend when he spent a lot of the Ned Flanagan Memorial up the road in Co Kildare.

But today belonged to McKenna who looks to have wintered very well indeed.