The club was saddened to hear of the death of Gary McGrath yesterday. He collapsed while out on a ride at the weekend on his beloved good bike, and although given CPR at the scene he never regained consciousness.
Gary McGrath was a stalwart of the club in the 1980s and ’90s. Although a solid competitor in club events, his preference was alway more social rides. He was well known for his catch phrase, “and I threw in an extra loop on the way home”. As well as riding with Ards CC he also rode regularly with the Belfast branch of the Cycle Touring Club.
He will perhaps be best remembered by Ards CC members for his legendary circuit training classes in the winter. He seemed to thrive on our suffering, but there was always plenty of banter and laughter too. I think our coach was quite proud when the solid work he had helped lay down in the winter led to summer success.
Ards CC pass on their condolences to his wife Ellen and the family circle. The service will be in Roselawn Crematorium on Friday 19th June at 4.00 p.m. No flowers please. Donations in lieu to N.I. Chest, Heart and Stroke, c/o Kirkwoods Funeral Directors, 150A Kings Road, Belfast, BT5 7EJ.
Gary McGrath (second from left) after the Magreechan Cup time trial in the late 1980s