Ards CC were saddened to hear of the passing of John (Jackie) Wilson in Seattle this week.
An Ards CC team in 1956 – from left, John Wilson, Billy Kirk, Willie Weir, John Fennel and Ian Croft.
John was one of the club’s top time trialists in the 1950s – a golden period in the club’s history. He features in several stories in the book “Ards Cycling Club – A History In 75 Stories”.
Perhaps his best performance was at the Irish 50 mile time trial championship on 2 June 1957 on the Navan Road. In a top quality field John finished second and led Ards CC to a dominant win in the team competition.
| Rider | Club | Time | |
| 1 | Tommy Talbot | East Tyrone | 2:05:22 |
| 2 | John Wilson | Ards CC | 2:05:36 |
| 3 | Billy Kirk | Ards CC | 2:05:40 |
| 4 | Christie Kimmage | Tara RC | 2:05:54 |
| 5 | John Fennell | Ards CC | 2:06:17 |
John moved to the US in the late 1950s, initially working for Boeing, and later becoming a pastor. The Club sends its sympathy to the family circle, and his many friends in the cycling community.