Burren Cycling RAS Tailteann 2022
Burren cycling club are delighted to announce that for the first time since 1991 County Clare will have a team of riders racing this year’s international acclaimed Rás Tailteann bike race.
This years Rás is a 5-stage race starting in Dublin on Wednesday June 15th. & finishing in Dundalk on the 19th of June.
County Clare will again host a stage finish with Stage 3 bringing riders from Newcastlewest to Lisdoonvarna- a gruelling 175 km’s the longest stage of this year’s Rás.
Burren Cycling Club
The Burren Cycling Club was set up on November 28th 2003 by cycling enthusiasts John Nilan and Patrick O’Donoghue. The club has continued to grow in numbers over the years with current membership running at over 110 members.
To cater for a growing racing cohort Burren CC set up a racing side to the club to assist racing riders develop. The racing side of the club was formed in 2016 and has gone from strength to strength. Burren CC have had its best racing year to date with multiple victories & placings in races across the country so far this year. Mark Shannon from Bellharbour is currently the highest ranked rider on Cycling Irelands ranking tables.
About Rás Tailteann
Rás Tailteann is an international stage race around Ireland – commonly known as “The Rás”.
The race is Ireland’s number one elite cycling event for men and has historically taken place each year in May. In 2019 it did not proceed, in 2020 and 2021, the event was postponed due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
In 2022 the RAS returns to its rightful place, on the roads of Ireland, this time in the month of June.
The format has also changed from prior editions. The 2022 event will be over 5 days. The 2022 edition starts on Wednesday 15th in Dublin and finishes 5 days later in Blackrock Co. Louth on Sunday the 19th of June.
This epic race began in 1953 and has been held every year since bar one in 2019 and was postponed because of Covid 19 in 2020 and 2021. It is one of Ireland’s top sporting events and has consistently brought world class sporting action and a significant economic boost to towns and villages nationwide. It has been a major event on the national and international calendar for many years, renowned for its role developing both Irelands top domestic riders as well as some of the world’s top names.
The Rás has a worldwide reputation of being a gruelling challenge. The open racing style allows amateur county and club riders to pit themselves against domestic and international professionals.
The route has been slightly refined for 2022 and the new organising committee Cáirde Rás Tailteann are currently working busily behind the scenes arranging the finer details.
The Riders
Mark Shannon
Bellharbour, Co. Clare -multiple Rás Rider. Winner of this years Crotty Cup in Kilrush.
Danny MacDonald- Category: A1
Clooney, Co. Clare - Winner of this year’s Lacey Cup- youngest member of the team at 20 years of age.
Richard Meaney- Category: A1
Limerick, Co. Limerick- Multiple RAS rider, former Connacht Champion & breakaway specialist.
Simon Kelly- Category: A1
Oranmore, Co. Galway. Multiple RAS rider & former professional with Sean Kelly/An Post Squad.
Paul Kennedy- Category: A1
Adare, Co. Limerick- Multiple RAS rider, Masters 40 National Time Trial Champion & winner of RAS Mumhan Stage
A significant amount of work goes on behind the scenes to assist the riders get to the start line. We are very fortunate to have a suite of supportive partners & sponsors. The following companies/organisations have supported us for this years RAS. We are extremely grateful for their support.
Burren CC Rás 2022 Sponsors/Partners:
o Crimmins Howard Solicitors
o Monks Ballyvaughan
o Pactimo Clothing
o Jafco Construction
o Cahill Taxation Services
o Damien Gibbons Garage
o Challenge CC (supply of Race team Car)
Burren CC Support team:
Team Manager:
Jamie McGahan
Team Mechanic/Logistics:
Gary MacDonald
Team Driver:
Damien Roche
Team Comms/PR:
Brian Nevin – contact details: brian.nevin@failteireland.ie / 087 2492105
Team Kit:
Enda Murray
Support crew:
Enda Murray/Lisa Hogan / John Maloney/ Alan Brigdale/Kevin Hanrahan/James Benson/Brendan Talty/ Brian Nevin
