Race Launch

KERRY GROUP RAS MUMHAN 4 DAY INTERNATIONAL CYCLE RACE was officially launched in Kenmare

Co. Kerry today. The 4 Day International Cycle Race will carry a Prize Fund of € 6,000. Starting on Good Friday March 29th and finishing on Easter Monday April 1st, the race will be held on the roads of Kerry and Cork.

Launching the race Gene Mangan, one of Kerry’s greatest sporting sons and winner of the event in 1958 said: “Kerry Group Rás Mumhan is now firmly established as one of the most prestigious and difficult races in Ireland. With the contribution of Kerry Group as the main sponsor, the event has been taken to a new level in terms of profile and is now recognised as one of the top competitive stage races in Britain and Ireland”

John Mangan, who won the race in 1975 added: “Apart from the sporting significance of the race, the race is a huge boost to the economy of the region, with over 1000 bed nights over the Easter weekend. The publicity the race generates for the South West at the start of the tourist season is also greatly welcomed.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Frank Hayes, Director of Corporate Affairs with Kerry Group, commented: “ With a record number of 180 riders registered for this year’s Kerry Group Rás Mumhan, this year’s race promises to be the most highly contested ever. With teams from Holland, England, the Isle of Mann, Italy and Luxembourg competing with the best of Irish, the event has certainly become an international affair. The growing level of interest in the race is a testament to the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of all involved with Kerry Group Rás Mumhan”.

All Photos by Pat Doherty

Mr. Rory McGillicuddy, Commercial Director of the event thanked all for attending the launch. In particular, he acknowledged Mr. Frank Hayes, for his support and direction in steering the race and its profile to new heights. He also welcomed and thanked Mr. Andy O Sullivan, Chairman of the Kenmare GAA Club, for the use of their facilities on Easter Saturday.

He added that the organisers were also grateful to the following for their support towards the event: Fexco, DMC Sports SMS Santini, Cycling Ireland, Cycling Munster , Irish Sports Council, Annadale Technologies, Lansdowne Hotel/Quills Kenmare, I.R.D. Waterville Ltd. , Melina Joy Opticians/Nike Sportswear, Billy O Shea Properties, Owens Mccarthy Claims Specialists, Mosca McGillycuddy & Assoc., Motion Cycles, HP Nutrition, Killorglin Cycling Club, Pauline Sugrue Auctioneer, Vincent Sugrue Waterville, Waterville House, Merrion Group Dublin, Keanes Supervalu Killorglin, JAM Kenmare, Killorglin Sports & Leisure Centre.

Kerry Group Ras Mumhan is organised and run by a voluntary committee and the community involvement in the race is vital to the event. The organisation is aware that the roads of Kerry & Cork are busy over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. The assistance and advice from An Garda Siochana, Kerry County Council, the Civil Defence and many others is vital. The co-operation from other road users as the race passes by is also very important to the success of the event.

ETAPE RAS MUMHAN will also be held in Kenmare on Easter Saturday. Starting at 8am, this is a non-competitive event for leisure cyclists who want to ride the 146 km of stage 2 of the race. There is also a shorter route of 90km on the same day which will also take in the Healy Pass.

Killorglin Gathering and Killorglin Cycling Club will have a number of cycling events in the town over the Easter weekend in conjunction with the race: Sprocket Rocket cycles and Treasure Hunt for Children, Adult Leisure Cycle, Window Exhibitions and a Cycling Photographic Exhibition in the Old Chapel.

 

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