Denis Killen – an appreciation

IT was with great sorrow that La Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club learned of the recent passing of one of their most esteemed members, Denis Killen.

Denis, a founder member of La Lanterne Rouge CC in 1995, harnessed his unique ability to encourage those around him to share his vision and energy, which inspired the birth and subsequent growth of La Lanterne Rouge CC.

Denis lived to get out on his bike at any opportunity. Just as he inspired others, the local countryside he knew so well, inspired him. He loved to feel the wind in his hair, to ride along the coast looking out to the sparkling sea, the challenge of a tough hill climb and most of all he loved to share these experiences with his cycling friends, whose company he enjoyed so much.

The weather didn’t stop Denis. Ice or snow, wind or rain, he was ready to go every time.

He would often rally those who flinched with  “Come on! Once yer wet yer wet!!”

As with the rest of his life, no cycling challenge was too great for Denis. He cycled every tough cycling event in Ireland and is most famed for completing 13 ‘Wicklows’ in a row, an annual 200km cycling event over some of the most arduous climbs the Wicklow mountains has to offer.

Denis was affectionately known as our ‘Route Master’ as he knew every lane in County Down and at every turn in the road, he had another story to tell, or a bit of local history unknown to most.

There never seemed to be a man walking the road or tending his sheep, who did not know Denis Killen and they all greeted him as though a long lost friend had been found.

Denis Killen had a huge appetite for life, which has rubbed off on all of us privileged to have known him and shared such treasured time, in his warm company.

La Lanterne Rouge CC  are devastated to lose such a great man from our midst. He will always be remembered with great fondness and respect and we hope that Denis will look over and protect all his fellow cyclists.

We would also like to express our deepest sympathies to his family, with whom La Lanterne Rouge CC have had and will continue to have a very special bond.

We may no longer share our time, we may no longer take on that climb,

We may no longer share a tale, we may no longer face rain or gale,

We may no longer share that extra mile, we may no longer see your gentle smile,

We may no longer have our  guide, Denis, we know you are at our side.