Everything you need to know about cycling in Co. Kerry, Ireland
Came across a fantastic picture from the Graham Watson Archive recently of Sean Kelly leading the bunch through the Gap of Dunloe during the 1986 Nissan Classic. Having cycled that road a few weeks ago, I can testify, it is not easy :)
Sean Kelly Gap of Dunloe 1986
It’s funny to come across some old pictures that you never knew existed. Recently I came across this photo on the Tralee Cycling Club Website. It was from one of their leisure spins from 2002 which was held in Lixnaw. Amazing what you can find when you least expect it, I wonder are there many more out there …..
2002 Tralee CC Leisure Tour
On of my highlights of 2011 was being present for the Currow CC Press Launch for the two An Post Ras stages that would be finishing and beginning the in Castleisland at the end of May in 2011. The press launch was held on the 2nd of May and after the usual photographs and smiles the party adjourned to Con’s bar in Castleisland, where there was a Terrace Talk interview that Weeshie Fogarty held with Mick Murphy, who was also present for the launch. The link to the interview is here.
I got a chance to recently listen to an audio interview Gene Mangan gave to Weeshie Fogarty of Terrace Talk in 2010. [Link to interview here]. A fascinating story and an incredible record for a man from Killorglin having won the Rás Tailteann in 1955 and is the youngest winner of the competition at only 18 years old. Gene went on to 12 stages of this great race over the years. Some great information about Gene out there, you should check out the following links:
The 2012 An Post Rás was launched in Dublin on Thursday 26th of January with the help of former winners Mick Murphy and Gene Mangan. For more details on the route check out the website. A bit disappointing that it does not come to Kerry but here’s hoping for a return in 2012.
An Post 2012 Launch
Cyclist Sam Bennett, with, from left, Philip Cassidy, Colm Christie, Se O’Hanlon, Gene Mangan, Donal Connell, An Post Chief Executive, and ‘Iron Man’ Mick Murphy, at the launch of the 60th edition of the An Post Rás which will begin on Sunday May 20th, in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, and finish on Sunday May 27th, in Skerries. Co. Dublin. Launch of the 60th Edition of the An Post Rás, GPO, O’Connell Street, Dublin. Picture credit: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE *** ©SPORTSFILE
Well done to all who participated in the Jimmy Duffy Memorial Cycle to Castleisland on Saturday 7th, close to 70 people took part. Weather was excellent for the venture. Congratulations especially to Sean Dowling and Aidan O Halloran, the youngest participants, who were well up for the challenge. Thanks to the Gardai for their guidance throughout the cycle, Paul Byrne for driving the Cycle Control Car at a speed which he may not be used to!! Following a short break in Castleisland we returned home and the journey continued to The Windmill Bar where Tom Quane provided Tea/Coffee and hot food and a deserved drink, thanks Tom. An enjoyable day was had by all.
Jimmy Duffy Memorial 2012
