News
Rás Mumhan needs a new base – can Killarney fill the gap?
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By Sean Moriarty
Killarney has a golden opportunity to stage one of the country’s biggest cycle races and the Killarney Advertiser is launching a campaign to make it happen.
This week the organisers of Kerry Group Rás Mumhan have announced they will not organise the race again in the future. A search will now begin for new race promoters.
The 20th edition of the four-day event was due to take place over its traditional date of the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, but fell foul to COVID-19 restrictions.
Prior to this year’s event the organising committee, made up mainly of Killorglin Cycling Club members, had decided to bow out and confirmed as much in a statement issued earlier this week.
'The decision to withdraw from event promotion was taken early in 2020. The intention of the organising committee was to announce the decision at the conclusion of the 2020 race, events however overtook the plan', said the statement.
After An Ras, the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan, is the second biggest cycle race in Ireland and regularly attracts entries from semi-professional and national teams.
The rights of the event is owned by Cycling Munster and the provincial governing body has now begun a search to find a replacement organising team.
While the selection process is a complicated matter, it is open to any affiliated club in Munster, and the Killarney Advertiser understands that Kerry Group would continue its sponsorship of the event if it stays in the county.
Both Tralee and Killarney Cycling Clubs are well placed to bid for the event because access to local hotels and classic mountain roads suitable for such an event are already available.
“It would be huge for the club, but it’s a big ask,” said Killarney Cycling Club member and former county champion Connor Kissane. “But if they could step up it would be unreal.”
One of the highlights of Killorglin-based Rás Mumhan was the finish line in the town centre. Thousands of fans and curious locals would gather in Killorglin to watch the spectacle.
“Most of the fans came over from Killarney for the day anyway,” added Kissane. “It would be very special to have a finish on the streets of Killarney."
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Killarney host the 2021 Rás Mumhan? What suggestions have you for the event?
Rotary Club welcomes District Governor
Killarney Rotary Club was honoured to welcome Rotary District Governor George Roche and his wife, Maeve, during their official visit to the club, marking an important occasion in the Rotary calendar and celebrating the club’s commitment to serving the local community.
The visit provided members with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken in Killarney and to discuss plans for the year ahead as Rotary clubs across the district embrace this year’s theme, Creating Lasting Impact.
Newly elected President of Killarney Rotary Club, Yolande Nieman, welcomed the District Governor and Maeve on behalf of the club.
“It was a pleasure to welcome George and Maeve to Killarney and to share the enthusiasm and dedication of our members,” said Ms Nieman. “Rotary has a proud tradition of bringing people together to improve lives, both locally and internationally. As President, I am excited to lead our club in supporting this year’s message of Creating Lasting Impact. Together, we want to continue delivering projects that strengthen our community, support local organisations, and create positive change that will be felt for years to come.”
During the visit, District Governor George Roche commended the members of Killarney Rotary Club for their commitment to service and encouraged them to continue identifying opportunities where Rotary can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Killarney Rotary Club has a long history of supporting local charities, community groups, youth development initiatives, and international humanitarian projects. Under President Yolande Nieman’s leadership, the club will continue to build on that legacy while developing new partnerships and initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the Killarney community.
Mamma Mia! screening draws crowds
The grounds of Killarney House and Gardens were transformed into an outdoor cinema as part of the new Summer in Killarney Festival.
A spell of fine weather provided ideal conditions for the open-air screening of Mamma Mia!, hosted in the National Park venue. Attendees gathered on the lawns ahead of the main feature, with a warm-up set supplied by a SPIN South West DJ.
Organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce with support from Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, the NPWS, and Heineken, the event formed part of a month-long summer festival programme designed for locals and visitors alike.
Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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