As a result of the decision taken by the club at Monday night's EGM, Orwell will be withdrawing from the inter-club league, and running our own league for 2013.

The EGM was organised specifically to discuss the participation in the inter-club league and the proposal to cap the rider numbers, on the basis of ensuring race safety for all parties. As the biggest club in the league, it was felt that no matter what restriction was implemented, we would be disappointing more of the club than we would be supporting.

Therefore, in a majority vote, it was decided to withdraw from the inter-club league. The league has been an integral part of our club for many years, and we spent a long time looking at all the possible options, and this was seen as the best choice. It is with heavy hearts that we leave the league, but both Orwell and the league are victims of their own success. That success is down to the hard work and co-operation of all the clubs and reps throughout the years, and the club extends a huge thank you to them for that work.

The possibility of running our own league while remaining in the inter-club league was debated, but doubling up on organising races, marshalling and finances would be stretching our resources too far. Hopefully without the added numbers of Orwell riders, the inter-club league will be an even greater success and continue to prosper.

For our own league, there's a provisional calendar below. As this is the first year, we do expect to encounter some teething issues, but it will be an exciting time for the club. After the initial time trial, the three Corkagh Park races will give newer riders a chance to hone their skills in a controlled, supervised environment. With smaller bunches and no vehicular traffic, it was also be far safer. There are fewer road races, but the calendar of open races is huge this year. There are also possibilities for change – Mondello was discussed as a venue for the club champs.

To go from a shared league, where all the costs and responsibilities are shared, to instead forge out on our own is a bold step. We hope to rise to the challenge, and with that in mind, the club league has been expanded from its original members. Joining Ciara Kinch, Eddy Lane and Damien Long will be Dick O'Brien, Jeni Sheridan and Paul Tansey. We wish them every success, and look forward to the 2013 season.

Provisional Calendar