From hosting Ras Mumhan cycle race
Kerry Group’s support and, in particular, the encouragement of Mr. Frank Hayes.
“The committee feels fortunate to have been the custodians of the event, which has a long tradition within Irish cycling. We wish Cycling Munster every success with the event in the future,” the statement added.
The race, which attracts more than 180 cyclists and up to 40 teams, takes place over the Easter weekend with Killorglin as its base. While Killorglin Cycling Club, which is celebrating 125 years in cycling, hosts the event, it is run by Cycling Munster and over the four days passes through some of the most stunning scenery in Kerry. From the cyclists’ point of view, the superb route has some of the most demanding and scenic terrains in Ireland. The event has been based successfully in Killorglin since 1998, having been originally run in the 1950s.
“The race has traditionally attracted the cream of Irish amateur cyclists,” Race Secretary Mary Concannon said last Easter.
“Over recent years the event has attracted cyclists from England, Scotland, and Holland. This has added immensely to the competitive nature and the profile of the race. Ras Mumhan is organised thanks to a massive volunteer effort which results in more than 200 people on duty each day. It is a major community event and in addition to our dedicated volunteers many community groups in the towns through which the races passes also assist us in ensuring safety and comfort for the spectators.”
Apart from the sporting nature of the event, the race also injects a major financial boost into the region at the start of the tourism season. More than 1,300 bed nights are occupied over the weekend with cash injections to other business operators in the region including shops, restaurants and filling stations.
Previous winners of Ras Mumhan include the top names in Irish cycling. Among the small group of Kerry riders to win were Listowel native and Ras Tailteann hero Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways Meath) 2001, Tralee cyclist Sean Lacey (The Edge Cork) 2011, Sean McKenna (Team Ireland) 2015. Sean’s grandfather came from Annascaul.
Ras Mumhan in the early years, which was mostly organised in Cork, was first run off in 1957. Kerry winners in those decades included Gene Mangan (Killorglin) 1958, John Mangan (Killorglin) 1975 and Beaufort native Mike Breen (Killorglin) 1978.