The real winners are the organisations we are supporting

The real winners are the organisations we are supporting

14 December 2016

ROWALLANE SDLP councillor Terry Andrews emerged victorious in last weekend’s charity cycle challenge when he left his DUP sparring partner Billy Walker trailing in his wake.

The duo were due to cycle from Killyleagh to Crossgar before heading into Downpatrick and then back to Killyleagh, but only the SDLP man crossed the finishing line after councillor Walker paid the price for his decision to go for the jugular from the start.

While the DUP man was in front early on, cramp forced him to throw in the towel when he reached the Downpatrick Road outside Crossgar. While behind until this point, the SDLP man’s decision to take it slow and steady paid off and two hours and 15 minutes after leaving Killyleagh he was mightily relieved to get off his bike having completed the 17 mile journey.

Saturday’s challenge was the latest in a series between the two councillors who despite being on opposite sides of the political divide are close friends and over recent years have raised over £10,000 for local charities and organisations.

The latest head-to-head was organised to raise money for homeless people in the area this Christmas with the duo overwhelmed by the £2,300 they raised. The bulk of the cash will be donated to Mulholland After Care Services, a Northern Ireland charity which provides a range of services, including housing, mentoring and floating support projects for vulnerable young people. MACS, as it is more commonly known has a base in Downpatrick.

The Rowallane councillors are also donating money to the Crossgar-based Down District First Responders group and Killyleagh Youth -In project.

They were accompanied last Saturday morning by Killyleagh minister Rev. Colin Darling, fellow Rowallane councillor Harry Harvey and Billy’s step son Barry Mussett. In Crossgar, the cyclists were joined by Peader Murphy from Carryduff.

Councillor Walker — who was gracious in defeat — admitted “the better man won” and congratulated his sparring partner on a thoroughly deserved victory.

“I tried to be the big man from the off but paid a heavy price,” said the DUP man. “I haven’t been on a bicycle for 30 years and it while it showed at the start, once I got my balance I thought I would be fine. However, going off too fast was my downfall. I should have taken it slower at the start but was determined to win and all credit to Terry who deserved his victory.

“I did make it into Crossgar but shortly outside the village heading to Downpatrick I had to stop. The cramp became too much for me and it was left to Harry to carry the baton for the DUP and thanks to him for his efforts.”

The Rowallane councillors have taken part in a series of challenges over recent years to raise money for charity, including a boxing bout, rowing race on Strangford Lough, an eating challenge and golf tournament. Councillor Walker said he would gladly step back into the boxing ring, admitting he doesn’t want to be back on a bicycle for another 30 years.

He added: “The best man won the cycle challenge and while some wags have called for us to be drugs tested, I hold my hand up and admitted I was the dope who tried to be too smart at the start which ultimately proved to be my downfall. However, I am thrilled we were able to raise so much money and thanks to everyone who supported us.”

Councillor Andrews admitted he was “amazed” to win and that he punched the air in delight as he made his way towards the finish line at the Smuggler’s Table. Just moments earlier, he revealed he “hit the wall” on the climb past the entrance to Delamont Country Park.

“The challenge was much tougher than I ever anticipated and parts of my body which have never ached before were hurting so much as I neared the end. I am delighted to have won, but the real winners are the organisations Billy and I are supporting, groups which carry out tremendous work in our area,” he said.

“I did enjoy the challenge but it is not something I want to do every Saturday morning,” he continued. “The craic was good and it stayed dry which was a bonus. I felt really elated at the end considering that when Billy went off ahead of me I thought I had no chance of winning.”

The SDLP man said the organisations which will benefit from the weekend challenge are the real winners and revealed he “went out like a light” when he went to bed on Saturday night.

He added: “I am glad the challenge is behind me and Billy and I are overwhelmed by people’s generosity and support. To cross the finish line was a real sense of achievement and if I ever have to ride a bike again I will be requesting a softer saddle. Here’s to our next challenge.”

In the spring, the Rowallane councillors are taking part in a baking competition to raise

funds for the Killyleagh Youth -In project and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust which helps families bring home loved ones who have died overseas, while in the summer they plan to launch the Rowallane Open golf tournament which they hope can become a regular event.