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31kms of Kerry roads could decide the Rás Tailteann

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4 years ago

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RÁS READY: Killarney Cycling Club will field a team in this year’s Rás Tailteann which will pass through the county tomorrow (Wednesday).

By Sean Moriarty

The Rás Tailteann makes a welcome return to the roads of Kerry this week.

RÁS READY: Members of Killarney Cycling Club are ready for the Rás Tailteann which gets underway tomorrow (Wednesday).

Ireland’s biggest cycle race is returning for the first time since 2019.

It will get underway tomorrow (Wednesday) from Dublin with the first stage set to finish at the Horse and Jockey village later that day.

Stage Two will start in the Tipperary town and will finish in Castleisland on Thursday evening.

The Peloton will first arrive in Kerry from the Ballydesmond side. The race is expected to arrive in Gneeveguilla at around 1.45pm on Thursday. It will pass through Scartaglin at around 1.50pm before arriving in Castleisland at 2pm.

Climbers will relish the King of the Mountains challenge at Crag Cave just after 2pm before the riders return to Castleisland via the main Limerick Road.

The stage finish is on the approach to Castleisland about 1km after the entrance to Desmond’s GAA pitch.

“This final section on 31 kilometres of Kerry roads could prove to be the most decisive of the week. After a relatively flat opening stage some very big moves will be made on the tough roads from the Horse and Jockey outside Thurles in County Tipperary to Castleisland which will include the Crag Caves climb as the riders near the finish of the 154.8km stage,” said race director Gerard Campbell.

Friday’s stage will start in Newcastle West, County Limerick.

Please note that this updated timetable is different to the one that was published in last week’s issue of the Killarney Advertiser.

This historic and prestigious international showpiece event for Irish Cycling has deep roots in the Kingdom both in terms of having visited Kerry so many times but also with Kerry cyclists who have done so well in the event over the years. This goes right back to Gene Mangan winning the race in 1955. Others to win the event were the now deceased Paudie Fitzgerald, Mick Murphy and Seamus Kennedy as well as Andy Roche who rode for Kerry in 1997.

However, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Killorglin’s John Mangan winning the race and the stage into Castleisland is honouring John’s great achievement in 1972.

Killarney riders are approaching this year’s event with confidence as their preparation has gone well for them.

Killarney Cycling Club riders are under the management of Stephen Daly, Denis O’Shea, Mike Breen and Niamh Sheahan.

Team members are: John Brosnan, Lorcan Daly and Conor Kissane, who will lead the Kerry team’s challenge and will be accompanied by Simon Ryan and Leo Doyle.

“The club is once again in a position to be part of the biggest race in Irish cycling. With the postponement of the International Junior Tour and the Rás during the pandemic, it is a platform for our elite riders to once again race at the top table and in response to our strong financial support from our sponsors throughout the pandemic and in turn building for future Rás teams,” said Killarney Cycling Club chairman Mark Murphy.

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Gleneagle Concert Band opens recruitment drive for new members

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12 hours ago

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24 August 2026

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The Gleneagle Concert Band is inviting new members of all ages to join the ensemble as it prepares for its new season starting this September.



Open to children, young people, and adults from Killarney and surrounding areas, the band offers specialist instrumental tuition starting from age nine. Beginners can take lessons in clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tuba, percussion, and drums before progressing into the main band.

No previous experience is required for adults or children. The band also welcomes adults who already play an instrument or wish to return to music after a break.

“What makes Gleneagle special is that our musicians don’t just rehearse in a room and play the occasional concert,” said Music Development Officer Vincent Condon. “They perform at major events, festivals and community occasions, take part in film productions, travel internationally and, importantly, have fun together as a band. The band is open to everyone. We welcome young people who want to learn an instrument, as well as adults who have previous musical experience and would like to return to playing.”

For information on registration and lessons, contact 087 222 9513 or visit the band’s social media pages.

Busy summer of events


The Gleneagle Concert Band has concluded a busy 12 months featuring public performances, festival appearances, and charity work.

Highlights included the annual summer street concerts in Killarney town, along with performances at Puck Fair, the Rose of Tralee, and the Summer in Killarney Festival. Band members were also involved in the filming of Jimmy, an upcoming Hollywood biographical drama based on actor Jimmy Stewart.

Community fundraising remained a focus over the past year, with the band supporting local causes including the Kerry Stars Special Olympics Sports Club and Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House alongside a sold-out Annual Concert.

Following a tour to Seville in 2025, the band has confirmed its next overseas trip to Bilbao and San Sebastián in northern Spain, scheduled for August 2027.

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New seating unveiled as Spa GAA celebrates

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1 day ago

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23 August 2026

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It has been a busy period at Spa GAA as the club continues to develop its ground facilities while also marking a major milestone in its sporting history.

The club recently completed further ground improvements with the installation of new seating on the clubhouse side of the pitch.

Located over the terrace area directly on the halfway line, the new seating offers an upgraded viewing area for spectators.

Club volunteer John Hannon of JH Fitout Ltd, who also coaches the Under 10 boys team, assisted with the installation work.


Alongside the developments on the pitch, over 100 people gathered for the club’s annual mass, which was celebrated by Club President Fr Tim O’Sullivan and Club Vice President Fr Michael O’Donoghue.


Following the service, Spa GAA held a special presentation to honour the 60th anniversary of the 1966 O’Donoghue Cup winning team.

All surviving members of the historic side attended the gathering, alongside family representatives of deceased players and team mentors.

The evening provided a chance for the club community to come together, reflect on past successes, and share memories of one of the most famous teams in Spa GAA history.

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