Cycling fans gearing up for Rás Mumhan

It’s an exciting time of year for local cycling fans as they gear up for Rás Mumhan, which takes place around the southwest of Ireland from April 7-10.

The 51st edition of the event will pit the elite of Irish cycling against one another and an international field, teeing up what promises to be an exhilarating few days of cycling. Excitement is already building for the final stage in Killorglin, a spiritual heartland of cycling that has produced former Rás winners Mike Breen, John Mangan and Gene Mangan. Lindsay Watson, last year’s winner, will be looking to retain his title, and he certainly has the right tools in his belt with a very strong Ulster squad consisting of current national cyclocross champion Dean Harvey and the ever-present Matthew Teggart.

Going toe-to-toe with Watson will be the 2022 Rás Tailtean champion Daire Feeley, the Roscommon man riding with All Human Velo Revolution alongside Mitchell McLaughlin, fresh from the professional circuit, with previous winner of Rás Mumhan Mark Dowling.

Rás Maigheo winner Matthew Devins, supported again by previous winner Conor Henebry and the likes of Seán Hahessy, could provide us all with the upset at the bookies.

The emergence of young Seth Dunwoody from Armagh, riding for the Ireland Junior team, is also noteworthy. He has had brilliant results on the continent despite still only being a first year junior. Liam O’Brien of Fermoy will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s edition when the Irish juniors took stages in style. The seven raiding international teams are sure to have a say in matters in quiet preparation for the ambush.

Most riders will have experience of previous editions of Kerry Group Rás Mumhan, with the addition this year of the stage three from Millstreet. This stage will include over 1,700m in elevation and will no doubt test the endurance of even the best-prepared rider.

The final stage in Killorglin takes in Beaufort before moving on to the Donal McKenna circuit with 10 laps of the traditional route, up the town centre to the finish line.

In a fitting tribute to Pádraig Harnett, sports journalist in Kerry who has sadly passed away during the year, Pádraig’s wife Maura Daly will be at hand to present the yellow jersey in Killorglin where her husband did so many interviews and live reports down through the years.

Pádraig was a champion for so called fringe sports in a region where Gaelic games take precedence. He was the conduit for media and exposure for cycling and his absence this year will truly be felt.