Guest Article : FROM TRAMORE VALLEY PARK TO THE GIRO ...by John Walshe

In this guest post, John Walshe of Ballycotton looks at the transition of Eddie Dunbar from school athletics to professional cyclist.

FROM TRAMORE VALLEY PARK TO THE GIRO

Now that Tramore Valley Park has opened to the public, it’s worth recalling one of the first events that was held on the old landfill site on the Kinsale Road.

Back in November 2011 an introductory schools’ cross-country took place organised by Liam O’Brien in conjunction with Athletics Ireland, the Cork County Board, the South Munster Schools Association and Cork IT.

Amongst the winners that day was 15-year-old Eddie Dunbar representing Coláiste Treasa from Kanturk who was first in the 2nd/3rd Year boys’ race.

Roll on seven-and-a-half years and the Banteer native is now a professional cyclist with the crack Team Ineos, formerly known as Team Sky. Two weeks ago he finished third on Stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy), the second most prestigious cycle race in the world. Earlier in the month he also gained third place overall in the Tour de Yorkshire.

Seen here proudly displaying his medal from that winter’s day in 2011, like Rob Heffernan who the park’s 2.5km walkway is named after, maybe someday Dunbar too will join an illustrious group of Irish sporting icons who have venues, parks and squares named in their honour.