It was with great shock and deep sadness that we lost Tonya McEvoy on a Sunday spin yesterday.
Tonya started as one of our talented beginner women last summer and took to club cycling with a passion. Her sister said that "cycling was a big part of her life and she loved every minute of it. She was so proud to be a part of Orwell Wheelers and wearing the colours".
She was at the outset of her cycling odyssey and what shone through was her smiling, sunny disposition and her sheer joy at being out on the bike. She immediately fitted in with any group and brought great energy and enthusiasm to the spins.
Thanks to all those across the cycling community and beyond who have expressed their sympathies to the club. Our deepest condolences are with her family - her parents Pat and Brian, her brothers Brian and Keith and sister Ciara. We remember also her friends and close clubmates, and thoughts to those also who were with her at the time of the accident.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
"Tonya McEvoy was one of our new rising stars having only joined us during the summer of 2016. She loved cycling and would be out on her bike any chance she got, proudly sporting her full Orwell gear.
I first met Tonya on those introduction spins we held for the new women last year. She was by and far one of the strongest of the new crop.
Last Sunday she was out on a regular spin with some of her usual companions when the unthinkable happened.
It was sad news when I heard that morning that one of our cyclists was "down". We never like to hear that call, but when the true outcome of the incident unfolded her group and indeed the whole club were all truly devastated.
Tonya you will be forever in our memory, taken from us all far too early.
Our thoughts in Orwell are with her mum and dad Pat and Brian, her brothers Brian and Keith and her sister Ciara.
May she rest in peace."
Denis Gleeson, President
Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club
The club has been asked by the family to perform a guard of honour. If you are available, please be at the church from 10.45am. New design kit with long sleeves if you have it please, but all welcome.
The death has occurred of Tonya MCEVOY
Rathfarnham, Dublin
Mc Evoy (Rathfarnham) February 12, 2017 (tragically) Tonya, beloved daughter of Brian and Pat and dear sister of Brian, Ciara and Keith; very sadly missed by her loving father, mother, brothers, sister, godson Rhys, niece Hannah, relatives and friends.
Reposing at home on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Ballyboden at 11am. Burial immediately afterwards in Mount Venus Cemetery.
May She Rest In Peace.
https://rip.ie/showdn.php?dn=313196/TonyaMCEVOY/Rathfarnham/Dublin
Cycling around Wicklow with Orange Gerry
Learning how to fix a puncture thanks to Rodney
After completing the Wicklow 100
At the Leinster Loop
Spreading the Orwell love in Wexford
After the Great Dublin Bike Ride
On the Tour of Meath
At the Gerry Brannigan Memorial
Christmas Day
Christmas Day at Sandycove
Thank you to Ciara McEvoy, Ann Horan and Yvonne Doran for sharing the photos above.
