Donegaldale - The Soap Continues

Episode 3 - Willie John Gets His Revenge
The exciting new 'soap' to appear on www.cyclingulster.com continues to gain momentum and with cliff hanging endings, cyclists throughout Ulster await with anticipation the next episode. For this reason the producers allowed a succinct time gap to elapse before revealing the next exciting episode.

On Friday 12th March, a secret sojourn was made into the Inishowen Peninsula by none other than Tommy Lamb, out to do secret training in the wilds of Donegal, the ‘Gap’ his ultimate target. However the locals had been well warned and with Myles Sweeney and Michael Black of the Donegal Sports Partnership waylaying Lamb with talks of mass participation events and festival cycling, the jungle drums began relaying their message. “Be at the Gap for 2.00pm”
When he finally escaped the meetings. Lamb was well pleased with himself as none of the ‘Usual Suspects’ had seen him arrive. “Now for it, “ he thought, “a good warm up and I’ll beat any man in sight.”

The drive up the long straight side was uneventful but as he drove over the top to park at the Grotto a familiar face was waiting patiently. Patrick Quinn, Chief Judge of the Gap, had heard the drums and reacted immediately.

He had already picked up on the fact that Eunan Devenney had thought discretion the better part of valour, as he cried off with excuses of a hard workout the day before. Lamb smiled knowingly. “They know I’m back, “ he thought.

The smile faded slightly as Willie John and coach Brendan Duffy sailed over from the straight side on their way to the bottom. “I’ll see you down there, young lad,” says Willie John with a complacent smile.

Hastily Lamb began to prepare, in a slightly less confident manner. Just as he was about to set off arch enemy No 2 arrived, kitted out in shorts, freezing to death in the chill wind and riding his best steed. “I’ll set Paul Watson and his new jig on you, “ says Lamb as he tests the weight of the Cervelo using his little finger. “There’ll be no Watsons in Donegal with their torture machines,” was the quick repost from Fullerton.

In silence the two prepared and set off down the Gap. “There are a few surprises waiting down there,” says Quinn. “McLaughlin has hired the Magnificent 7 to clear Donegal of imposters.” Sidekick Marian could only wonder at his remarks.

A quarter of an hour later all was revealed. Figures appeared on the horizon – who was going to top the Gap first?

Brendan Duffy, he who opted for the mountain bike on a previous clash, was not making the same mistake twice. Mounted on his fastest bike he effortlessly sailed by with a grin on his face. “I’m not Willie John’s trainer for nothing ye know," he says with a grin.

Barney O’Donnell, another of McLaughlin’s Magnificent 7 was next followed shortly by Fullerton and then the great man himself, Willie John. Lamb finally appeared in last position.

Talks of Fullerton throwing off bottles and cages as he ascended the Gap proved to be true as he was discovered clandestinely searching the Bog to recover them Donegal men don’t throw things away if they can help it.

Lamb, trying to psyche out Fullerton had attacked from the gun, forging ahead for about 500 metres until he blew big time and as Willie John passed him he couldn’t even jump on his wheel.

“You threw it away young man,” says Willie John, “You dinny attack the Lady Gap like that, She deserves respect and she’ll fight back if you treat her with contempt.“

Lamb hung his head in shame. Although he was almost a minute faster than the last time, the Gap had favoured the locals.

The saga will continue......

Cast of Players
Brendan Duffy 12.30
Barney O'Donnell,Crossconnell 13.19
Carl Fullerton 14.06
John Doherty 15.10
Willy John Mc Laughlin 15.12
Tommy Lamb 16.16
Eunan Devenney DNS

Signed.....Patrick Quinn. Chief Judge.