John Murphy has returned to his Joppa home from world championships in Australia with his reputation as a global cycle speedway legend firmly enhanced.
“I did not intend racing; rather the trip was intended as a pick-me-up after a terrible year in which my wife, Diane, passed away” said John who had connections with the Adelaide club which hosted the event and helped him celebrate his 80th birthday the day before the championships got underway!
“However, it became apparent that Ireland were a rider short for the veterans team event and I stepped in even finishing as their top points scorer despite being on a borrowed bike!” added John.
The Edinburgh Reporter revealed prior to the trip that John qualified to race for Ireland due to a grandfather from Enniskillen.
John adds: “We were racing against winners Poland, England and Australia and with the veterans category starting at 35 years plus I was giving away decades in age.
“I was definitely the oldest rider ever to have competed; I’ll be better prepared next year when I am 81 but I am glad to have visited and grateful to Steve Gilroy, Edinburgh Falcons team manager, for organising on my behalf.”
John was also able to watch a bit of history being made by a former member of his old Edinburgh Falcons club as Lewis Foxley finished runner-up in the under-21’s.
Lewis rode for Falcons for six seasons, starting in the under-14’s before moving to Hull University and riding for the local club where he has been mentored by three times British champion, Andy Angell.
According to Falcons official George Swanson, who also helped organise John Murphy’s trip, it is hoped Lewis will re-join the Falcons on completion of his studies.
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