Declan Lonergan was born in 1969 and grew up at 34 The Folly. He was a pupil of Scoil Lorcáin from 1978 to 1982. Declan was at Scoil Lorcáin for four years but still he has influenced so many young people in our school to cycle for fun and not for victory, while out riding with your friends .At that time a cycling race called “Round the Houses” took place in St. John’s Park every year. It was organised by Muiris Ó Ceallaigh. The course was around the “Candy Store” corner, up the German Road, through the Square and down the Main Road. It was here that Declan got his first taste of cycling and he went on to become the most famous cyclist from St. John’s Park.In 1993 he was a points winner in the Commenwealth Bank Classic (A world cup event) which was held in Australia.
In 1994, he won the “Raí Taíltean”, the most important amateur cycling race held in Ireland. His winner’s jersey hangs on the wall in our school. He also won a World Cup event in Cuba and the highlight of his career was representing Ireland in the Olympic games of 1996 which took place in Atlanta, U.S.A.
By Eoin Goff and Steven Hearne