Island Wheelers Cycling Club, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone. Northern Ireland Official website for the Island Wheelers Cycling Club
Hugo began cycling back in the 1950s, when cycling in this area was at its peak. He cycled with all the top men in the area at that time: Seamus Devlin, Paddy Devlin, Paddy Campbell, Joe Mc Ivor and many others. However, as the 1950s moved into the 1960s Hugo’s cycling activities were replaced by work and family commitments. For over 30 years Hugo was never on a bicycle. It was not until he was 60 years of age that Hugo rediscovered his passion for cycling. This occurred after he repaired a bicycle for a young relative and then took it for a test spin. The next day he went in search of a bicycle for himself, and never looked back.
Age was to be no barrier to Hugo and he quickly attained a level of fitness and stamina envied by men half his age. In the early 1990s as cycling started to slowly re-establish itself in this area Hugo was to the fore ; – not as chief organiser, but simply by turning up and leading by example. With Hugo ‘actions spoke louder than words.’
In 2003 when the Island Wheelers formed as an official club, Hugo was unanimously voted as Honorary President for life : we knew we could have no better ambassador. Hugo took his role very seriously and made every effort to represent the club in any way he could. The highlight for Hugo however, was in 2008 when the club decided to commemorate the achievements of the ‘Tyrone Men’ in the 1958 Ras Tailteann. As part of the celebrations the club organised a 100 mile cycle to Ardara in Co Donegal. Hugo (now approaching 75) rose to this challenge like a teenager and enjoyed every mile of it. Unknown to most Wheelers, while in Ardara Hugo made a point of cycling over the brutal Glengesh pass.
Hugo was small in stature but huge in spirit. The influence he has had on the Island Wheelers can never be measured, and he will continue to influence the club through all those who had the honour of cycling with him over the years.
The respect with which Hugo was held within the Wheelers was reflected in the dozens of cyclists who turned up at his wake and funeral. During both the wake and funeral the one word heard over and over again was ‘Inspiration’.
Hugo, on behalf of all your friends in the Island Wheelers I would like to say “Slan abhaile ar gcara” (safe home our friend).
The below picture shows Hugo 3rd from left centre row in Fintown on way to Ardara.
