Following on from last October's hugely successful Fundraiser for Keith Harte, Keith has posted the following message of thanks and progress, accompanied by a video of the day thanks to Eileen Byrne.

There was plenty of Orwell action across the plains of Meath and the hills of Carlow at the weekend, with Valdis Andersons winning a bunch sprint for 2nd, Tom Blennerhassett in the mix again, and a great showing for the women with Aideen Keenan, Monica Marconi and Claire McEntee all taking home prizes. Read on!

The Stephen Roche GP treated onlookers to some spectacular entertainment last night, with family-friendly novice races, a set of youth races, and the headline event being shaped by several moves before James Davenport (SDCC) jumped well clear to take a superb win, all in the company of the man himself, Stephen Roche.

Nearly sixty riders signed on in gorgeous conditions last night, with two riders coming out on top in the senior races - Davids Maher and Halpin. A tie in the junior race meant both Uisneach Sheridan and Andrew Ryan claimed first place.

On the same day that Marcel Kittel sprinted to victory in Belfast, our own Bernard English did the same a little further south. Mark Mulcahy and Eamon Finn also placed at Dunsany, while earlier in the week Claire McEntee chalked up a superb time in Dundalk to take the Leinster 10TT title.

The first club Sunday spins for 2015/16 on 4th October will be a very special set of spins, as this year we're running them as a fundraiser for Keith Harte. Many of you will know Keith personally, but you can read more about the challenge facing him and donate below.

See Ken's post on the forum for more details about registration and routes: click here.

Aideen Keenan proved herself no flash in the pan with a dominant win in Bohermeen at the Waller Cup yesterday, followed up by Rachael Kaye-Mellor in 4th and Orla Hendron in 6th. Keith Harte took 8th in the A4 race, while Diarmuid Collins earned a fine 3rd unplaced A2 at the Shay Elliot in Wicklow yesterday. We’re also covering last weekend’s one day results, with Gavin Dodd 5th in Rás Chonamara and Rachael Kaye-Mellor top Junior in Ros an Laois.

A week ago yesterday, many of us participated in probably the single biggest gathering of Orwell members in one place in the club's history. The goal was to raise as much funds as possible for our friend and clubmate Keith Harte. We're very happy to report the amount raised was far beyond our wildest expectations, and a testament to everyone who took part.

We are very sorry to say that last night our strong friend and clubmate Keith Harte passed away, ending a brave and determined battle against cancer.

Our condolences to his wife Emma, son Thomas, young daughter Sarah Jane and all his family and friends. Ken O'Neill has been a constant companion for Keith and his family over the last few years, and we extend particular sympathies to him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Last week we had two wins from two breakaways, as Pat O'Brien showed just why he's top of the league at the moment, then leaving his rivals Barry Dace and Jamie Busher behind. Graham Scanlon and Keith Harte did the same to the rest of Limit and Semi-limit, with the former coming out on top for a fine win.

At last we come to the catch-up on the open action! Ciara Kinch's win in the women's race at Moynalty was the only result of note on the road that weekend, but last weekend we had a host of Orwell placings, including Rachael Kaye-Mellor's First Woman prize at Sorrento's 10TT, and Keith Harte's 3rd in A4 in the Seamus Kennedy Memorial, prompting his upgrade to A3. Monica Marconi also netted 3rd for the women on the day, with Tom Blennerhassett taking home an unplaced A2 prize.

A weekend’s worth of racing in Roundwood paid dividends for Fionn Sheridan, taking two prizes, including the coveted Kieran Hammond trophy. Keith Harte and David Maher placed in the Roundwood GP, while several members scored results in the Hammond Memorial TT event. And last week in the league, Uisneach Sheridan, Paul Tansey and Brian Ahern won the sprints in Corkagh Park.

On a gorgeous night in Corkagh Park, it was two strong riders with perfect timing who came out best - Bryan Geary in the Limit race, and David Swift in the Scratch.