Edward Dawson

Long time organiser of FBD Insurance RÁS, Dermot Dignam, who stood down from the position following this year’s race in May, is to spearhead a special working group set up to organise the race into the future. There was some concern in cycling circles that Dignam’s absence from the scene would cause an experience deficit that would be hard to fill.

Dignam is delighted with the new development “in recent years the RÁS has grown into one of the most competitive and popular events of its kind anywhere in the world” he stated “now with this new set-up we are in a much better position to cope with the ever increasing workload and also to develop many aspects of the race which will attract even further interest from teams and countries throughout the world – and what’s good for the RÁS is good for Ireland”.

Tony Campbell

It’s expected Dignam will be named as Race Director with Edward Dawson and Tony Campbell as his deputies and Accommodation Officer and Route Director respectively. Bróna O’Sullivan will take charge of international and county teams, Seamus Domegan will liaise with stage finish towns, Aidan Harper will be involved in Garda and sponsor liaison, Eimear Dignam will take charge of all race publications while Kieran McIntyre will act as Health and Safety Advisor. Current RÁS rider Stephen O’Sullivan has the onerous task of designing the route for next year’s race.

Former RÁS winners Sé O Hanlon and Philip Cassidy will also play major roles in the working group as will Junior Tour Organiser Alice Sherratt, Gerard Campbell and Declan Byrne.