Castleisland to Renew Historic Links with An Rás Tailteann on Thursday at Noon

1972 Rás Tailteann winner and Kerry team cyclist, John Mangan from Killorglin had his great achievement of 50 years ago acknowledged and celebrated in Castleisland at the 2022 Rás stage end. Making the presentation is Listowel man and former Rás cyclist and Cycling Ireland PRO, Eugene Moriarty with stage end coordinator Eamonn Breen and his son and fellow stage end organiser, John. ©Photograph: John Reidy 16-6-2022

A famous symbol of Irish sporting history An Rás Tailteann will grace the roads around Castleisland tomorrow Thursday, May 23^rd as the race passes through the area at around 12 noon en route between Kanturk and Sneem.

“It will be Stage 2 of the race which, again, has attracted riders from all over the world including teams from Mexico and China who compete in the event for the first time,” said John Breen who was the main man in the landing of a base and stage stop / start of the Dornan Engineering Rás Mumhan in Castleisland at Easter.

“Leading the Kerry charge will be the recent John Drumm Cup winner Padraig O’Sullivan who will be guesting with the O’Leary Stone Team in the event.

Killarney’s Strong Team

Also returning to the race after some strong showings previously will be Kenmare’s Cormac Daly who will line out for the New York based Good Guys team.

“Killarney has a strong team assembled and this will be headed up by Frank Doherty and Shane Spellman in their bid for ‘County Rider’ honours.

The last two winners of the Ras, Roscommon’s Daire Feeley and Cork’s Dillon Corkery will again be out to try and win this historic event.

Castleisland’s Rás Tradition

“The Rás will arrive firstly to Scartaglin from the Ballydesmond direction. It will then pass through Castleisland’s Main Street at approximately 12 noon heading for Farranfore, Killorglin, Caragh Lake, Glencar and onto Sneem via the iconic climbs of Bealach Oisin and Coomakista.

Castleisland has a long and proud tradition with both the Rás Tailteann and indeed the sport of cycling.

“Many competitors from the recent Dornan Rás Mumhan will be back again for a brief few moments on Thursday as the battle for stage and overall honours will unfold on the famous Kerry roads,” said John.

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