Rás hangs by thread despite Sport Ireland €40k

SPORT IRELAND have made a €40,000 allocation to aid the continuation of the Rás Tailteann but the 2019 renewal of Ireland’s most famous road race is hanging by a thread without a sponsor.

Despite falling outside of its remit, Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy (above) says the allocation is still available and insists he wants Irish cyclists to have the chance to compete internationally on home soil.

“We believe that Irish competitors should have an opportunity to compete internationally at home. It would be a shame if they didn’t have an opportunity to compete in a series in Ireland,” Treacy said.

The Rás has taken place every year since 1953 but without a sponsor to cover the €300,000 costs for this year’s race, it may bite the dust although Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin is keen for it to be retained.

“It was brought to my attention (that the Rás may not take place this year) yesterday so we’re just making initial enquiries to see what can be done. Obviously I’d like to see that continuing,” Minister Griffin said.

“The thing about the Rás is, these are the types of events that really do help to inspire the next generation of athletes and inspire participation but we’re just making initial enquiries at present.”