Mayo family set to create history in mammoth cycle race

Mayo father and son, Noel and Keith Mulroy will rewrite the sporting history books this week when they become first father and son to compete in the Rás Tailteann. 

The Mulroy’s who live in Westport are set to tackle a mammoth cycle race which will see them race across 760km in just five days. Starting off in Drogheda on Wednesday, the first stage will end in Boyle, County Roscommon. From there, on Thursday, all eyes will be set West, close to home as the keen cyclists will travel into Mayo before finishing in Clifden for the night.

Friday will see the pair travel through Galway as the third day ends in the Banner County. Saturday’s cycling will take them on a 128km route which sees them finish in the heart of the midlands in County Laois. The final day of cycling ends in Bective, County Meath after a journey of 142km will see them complete the five day race. 

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Speaking to The Mayo News, Noel, a proud Kilmeena man stated “We’re just mad into cycling, always have been. From U-14 level, Keith was making the Irish teams right up until he had a bad crash in 2019 and required various surgeries. The distance wouldn’t be a challenge for me at all, I've done regular 200km spins, I've done a 500km spin, so distance wouldn't bother me. I had 26kg to drop before I could race but now myself and Keith feel we are ready”.

The West Mayo men have put their own team together with Portwest being the main sponsor. Noel explained “there’s five of us on the team including cyclists from Ireland and the UK. Everything is in place, we've had great help from all our sponsors.” The 47-year-old has plenty of experience on the bike but Noel added “for everyone on the team, it'll be our first time doing the Rás so we're all in good spirits and really looking forward to it.”

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