Banbridge Cycling Club’s Mark Downey won the prestigious ‘Platinum Player of the Year Award’ at the 2019 Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards earlier this week.
Downey’s father, Seamus collected the award on his behalf as he is currently preparing for the final round of the UCI Track World Cup in Canada.
Speaking via video link, Downey said:
“Sorry I can’t be with you as I’m currently in Canada for the last World Cup of the season.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic to hear the news. Thank you very much for the continued support. Hopefully when I get to the Olympics, dreams can come true. Hope my dad doesn’t keep you too long during the speech.”
Cycling Ulster Chair, Tommy McCague congratulated Mark, commenting:
“Mark has been a fantastic ambassador for cycling in Ulster and Ireland for several years now with some outstanding results at an international level.
“The Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards saw many high profile sports people lifting awards so it was great to see a cyclist getting recognised.
“I want to wish Mark and the rest of the Irish team the best of luck in the Track World Cup in Canada as they continue their quest for Olympic qualification.”
