The Remarkable Philip Cassidy

16 years between his Rás Tailteann victories, writes Paul Clarke

PHILIP CASSIDY’S two victories in the Rás Tailteann aren’t sufficient to earn him a place in the history books, but the gap between them is.

It’s a quarter of a century since the teak tough Clonee cyclist claimed his second title in 1999, 16 years after his maiden triumph in 1983 when he was 21.

At the age of 37 when he regained his crown, it’s probable that he’s also the oldest winner, though this is in some doubt.

Shea O’Hanlon’s four victories in the 1960s make him the most prolific winner in the history of Ireland’s most prestigious bike race which dates back to 1953 when Colm Christle claimed the inaugural two-stage event from Dublin to Wexford and back.

O’Hanlon’s tally of 24 stage wins is also a record.

Apart from a three-year lapse between 2019 and 2021 when a sponsor couldn’t be found, the Rás has held a slot in the Irish sports calendar since and its most famous winner was Stephen Roche in 1979. The Dubliner went on to win the 1997 Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and World Road Championship during a glittering professional career. Kildare rider Paddy Flanagan was another to leave a significant mark on the Rás thanks to his three victories in 1960, 1964 and 1975. Only Cassidy surpasses his gap between first and last titles.

FELLOW MEATH rider Brian Connaughton, who won the Rás in 1969, was influential in Cassidy’s early development and they later became business partners with the Cycleways’ company.

The youngster was a more than useful swimmer, but once he adopted a disciplined approach to cycling, his potential was obvious. Representing Ireland at the Olympic Games in 1984 and 1988 was an undoubted honour for a man with an aggressive, attacking style who oozed confidence when his form was strong.

Cassidy was one of the youngest Rás winners in 1983, was no spring chicken for his repeat success in 1999 and was 40 when he claimed a stage in 2002.

He won three stages in all and left an indelible mark on an event which became a summer highlight as it swept through towns and villages in a blaze of colour and traversed some of Ireland’s most picturesque, yet brutal, landscapes.

Some might have called it a day after claiming a second title and bowed out on a real high, but not Cassidy. Three years later the 2002 Rás was dedicated to Joe Christle, the driving force behind its development and brother of the first winner. A massive field of 195 riders faced often atrocious weather conditions and many abandoned. Cassidy wasn’t one of them and his toughness was rewarded.

He was narrowly beaten on the second stage between Ballinamore and Nenagh, but was full of confidence ahead of the following day’s run to Killorglin, so much so that he wrote ‘P Cass – first stage 3 2002 Rás’ inside his shorts.

It was tough going, but that’s how he liked it. Ciaran Power couldn’t stay with him despite a valiant effort and after crossing the finishing line in front, Cassidy announced that it would be his last Rás. He had nothing more to prove.

THE MEATH man was part of the Irish squad which contested the team time trial at two Olympic Games.

He teamed up with Martin Earley, Paul Kimmage and Gary Thomson when they finished 16th in Los Angeles in 1984 and four years later Cassidy, Cormac McCann, John McQuaid and Stephen Spratt claimed 19th position in Seoul.

The National Road Race Championships brought some memorable days. Cassidy took individual honours at Enniskillen in

1987, just as he had predicted he would, and completed a fabulous time trial double in 1990 over 25 and 50 miles.

He also set three Irish records that year. Nine years later he still had enough speed in his legs to take the elite 10-mile title.

There were numerous other outstanding performances during a magnificent career and very high on the list was his win in the Archer International Grand Prix in the Chiltern Hills outside London in 1988.

He was second in a stage of the highly competitive Tour of Britain Milk Race in 1983.

Cassidy was blessed to be born with an abundance of natural talent and he knew how to use it. His self-belief was an invaluable asset, as was the manner in which he could thrive in adversity.

While many riders would crumble under the physical and mental torture of an often savage sport, Cassidy seemed to relish its brutality. He is justifiably regarded as an outstanding Rás rider.

The statistics don’t lie. ■