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Kilrush will host a series of events from May 20 to 24 to mark the return to the town of Ireland’s foremost cycle race.
The West Clare Cycling Club and Kilrush Town Council have announced details of the Kilrush Rás Weekend, which will provide four days of family oriented cycling activities, culminating in the arrival of the An Post 2011 Rás on May 23. The Rás will then depart Kilrush the following morning.
The festival of cycling will be launched at the Vandeleur Walled Gardens on May 20 and will be followed by a trail ride through Kilrush Wood. Saturday, May 21 will be family day, starting with a family cycle to Millennium Park in Cappa village in the morning. In the afternoon, there is a cycle treasure hunt in Kilrush Wood, followed by a fun mini duathlon at Kilrush Marina.
On the morning of Sunday, May 22 there will be a chance to experience the beautiful and varied scenery of the area on the Discover West Clare leisure cycle. In the afternoon, things get serious when the 77-year-old Crotty Cup will be the prize in the inaugural West Clare Cycling Club time trial, starting in Frances Street. The John Ryan Cup will be awarded to the winner of the junior time trial event. On the Sunday evening, children’s races and activities will be held at the Marina. Kilrush then becomes ‘cycle town’ on Monday, May 23 in preparation for the arrival of the 2011 An Post Rás.
Mayor of Kilrush, Liam Williams, said the upcoming series of events would not only celebrate the town’s cycling heritage but also help attract visitors to the town.
“Kilrush is steeped in cycling heritage. Founded by Miko Crotty back in the early 1930s, the West Clare Cycling Club has had many memorable moments. In 1998, Stage 4 of the then FBD Milk Rás finished in Frances Street. I would encourage the people of Kilrush and people from across Clare to take part in the many events taking place around the town in the days surrounding the Rás,” he said.
For more on the Kilrush Rás weekend, visit www.kilrustowncouncil.ie or www.westclarecc.ie.
