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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?

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Kilcummin Mothers & Others quiz raises over €1,800 for charity

Kilcummin Gaelic Mothers & Others hosted a hugely successful Halloween-themed table quiz last Friday night at the Kilcummin Klub Bar and GAA Hall, raising over €1,800 for charity. The event […]

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Kilcummin Gaelic Mothers & Others hosted a hugely successful Halloween-themed table quiz last Friday night at the Kilcummin Klub Bar and GAA Hall, raising over €1,800 for charity.

The event saw an excellent turnout of more than 130 people, with funds set to be split between Temple Street Children’s Hospital and the local Kilcummin Mothers & Others ladies football team.
Many attendees embraced the Halloween spirit by arriving in “Spooktacular” costumes, adding to the fun of the evening. Organisers noted that the “Big Raffle,” supported by generous local businesses and individuals who contributed prizes, played a significant part in the successful financial outcome.
Quiz Master Derek O’Leary put participants through their paces with a variety of challenging questions. Team member Catriona Doolan, one of the organisers, described the evening as “undoubtedly a great social evening for all in attendance,” confirming that a family fun night was had by all.
Organisers extended their gratitude to Kilcummin GAA, as well as John O’Sullivan and staff for facilitating the event and providing a wonderful array of finger food at half-time. Thanks were also given to Nessa and Declan for supplying the sound system.
The Kilcummin Mothers & Others group is always open to new members. Those wishing to join the vibrant and fun-active group can contact Ann Marie on 087 9047274.

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New bus route to Mallow will be a “game changer”

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A new bus service linking Mallow and Killarney is in the final stages of planning, according to Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea.

Commencement is dependent on the availability of resources and funding.

Once operational, the route is expected to offer up to six return journeys daily, seven days a week.

The new service, which will be known as Route 515, will connect Mallow and Killarney and service villages such as Ballyclough, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue, Knocknagree, Rathmore, Gneeveguilla and Kilcummin en route.

Deputy O’Shea has welcomed the news describing it as “excellent” for the local communities.

He said: “Reliable public transport is vital for connecting people across rural North Cork and Kerry supporting access to work, education, healthcare, and local amenities.”

Fine Gael councillor Tony O’Shea also praised the initiative, calling it a “game changer” for local residents by “greatly enhancing connectivity in Mallow”.

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