Debbie and Stephen at the Ards CC 75th dinner (picture – Bobby Magreechan)
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Debbie Barclay on 9th September.
Debbie was the eldest child of ex international rider and bike shop owner Dave Kane. As a child, Debbie wanted to be a racer too, but Dave wouldn’t let her join Northern CC (his club) because “cycling was too hard for girls”. Debbie rebelled and joined Ards CC instead. She was great friends with Shirley Fowler, and the pair were soon competing in Ards CC club races.
The following year Dave relented, and Debbie moved to Northern CC, but she always kept strong links with Ards CC.
Debbie blazed a trail for women’s racing in Ireland, winning multiple Irish titles and often racing against the men with success. I remember riding open races with Debbie in the early 1980s. In one race we were in a big bunch of senior men, and rolling along comfortably. Suddenly there was a series of vicious attacks and the speed jumped. The action was hectic for the next 20-30 minutes and I was hanging on desperately to back wheels. Things finally calmed down, and I looked up to find that two thirds of the field were gone. And Debbie was still there, smiling on my back wheel. She had strength and race craft.
Debbie with Dave Kane and Sean Kelly at the Ards CC 75th dinner (picture – Bobby Magreechan)
Debbie represented Ireland on many occasions, including at the World Championships in Italy in 1986. Unfortunately, a very serious accident while competing for Ireland in England brought her racing career to an untimely end.
Debbie also worked in the family business, establishing the successful Dave Kane Cycling Boutique.
Debbie married Ards CC member Stephen Barclay, and they were great supporters of Irish cycling, including many Ards CC events. Most recently, she joined us at the club’s 75th dinner last October with Stephen and Dave, and as always she brightened the room with her smiles and encouraging words for everyone.
Ards CC extend their condolences to Stephen, to Dave, Maggie, Mark and Paul, and to the wider family circle. Debbie was an inspirational and much loved cyclist, and will be sorely missed.
Debbie presenting Sean Kelly with some clothing at a Dave Kane show in 1982. (Picture from davekanecycles.com).
Alastair Martin