Kilmallock gears up for Rás Tailteann stage one finale

KILMALLOCK is gearing up for a historic week as the town hosts the stage one finish of this year's Rás Tailteann for the first time in the cycling race’s history.

There will be huge local interest in Kilmallock native Michael Gammel who will compete on the Galway CC team. At only 20 years-old this is Michael's second time entering the Rás with his family looking forward to cheering him on.

145 cyclists will descend on the main street of Kilmallock this Wednesday, May 22 from 3pm when the athletes are expected to be finishing the first stage of the famous cycling race. Spectators aiming to get a glimpse of the cyclists as they finish are urged to get out early.

The first stage of the Ras Tailteann which begins in Tullamore and finishes on the main street of Kilmallock, encompasses 148 km. The cycle will also pass through the towns of Caherconlish and Bruff.

Rás Tailteann itself is spread over five different stages covering 784.8 kilometres of Irish roads and is one of the largest cycling races of its kind in Ireland. The penultimate stage finish will be in Beactive in county Meath where cyclists will take in three laps of a 14.1km circuit.

The stage finish in Kilmallock is down to the hard work and dedication of cycling enthusiast Paul Gammell. The pride felt by the people of Kilmallock is well-deserved, as hosting a stage finish of the Rás Tailteann puts the town on the map for cycling enthusiasts and brings together athletes, spectators, and the community in a celebration of sport and local heritage.

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Paul has been working with Southside Wheely Wheelers Cycling Club Kilmallock and also Limerick City and County Council along with Kilmallock Tourism Committee Michael Donegan, Sinead Loftus, John Clery and Ben O’Sullivan to bring Irelands greatest cycle race to the street of Kilmallock.

In one of Ireland's most highly competitive cycling races athletes have traveled from across the globe to compete in it.
Cyclists from across the world will compete in various teams with 14 others from across Ireland making up the remainder of the race card.

Rás Tailteann will run over four days and will finish this Sunday, May 26 where the champion will be crowned.