Major Munster stage race secures new title sponsor
One of the biggest stage races on the Irish calendar has secured Cork company Dornan as its title sponsor.
Rás Mumhan takes place over the Easter weekend in the Cork and Kerry mountains and this year might see the addition of a fifth stage.
With preparation well underway for the 2024 edition, the roads of Cork and Kerry will see one of the biggest sporting events on the island of Ireland on the Easter weekend.
The partnership will secure the future of one of Ireland’s biggest stage races and will allow investment in bringing the race to a bigger audience and also provide a fitting challenge for the national and international riders.
Race Director John Breen said he and the organising committee are thrilled at the announcement of Dornan as the title sponsor. “With the success of the 2023 race, it is great to be able to build year on year, the legacy of previous committees has set the bar high and we must do everything to maintain that, now and into the future.”
President of Cycling Ireland Tom Daly said Rás Mumhan has deep historical roots in Irish cycling and retains much popular appeal with the general public and cycling fans alike.
“It is a cornerstone event in the Irish racing calendar. The race not only continues to attract high-level international competition but also plays an invaluable role in the development pathway for both young and elite domestic riders.
“Therefore, given the event’s significance, profile and quality, Cycling Ireland is delighted to continue as event partner as Dornan come on board as a sponsor of the race this year.”
Dornan, a leading mechanical, electrical and instrumentation contractor with its Group Managing Director, Micheál O’Connor is proud to announce its role as title sponsor of Rás Mumhan. The decision to support this prestigious cycling event reflects Dornan’s commitment of supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being and vibrancy of local communities.
Micheál O’Connor, Group Managing Director of Dornan, expressed his enthusiasm: “As a Kerry native and cycling enthusiast myself, and with our headquarters based in Cork, I am thrilled to announce Dornan’s participation as the title sponsor of Rás Mumhan. This challenging race not only provides a platform for the growth of cycling talent, but it also serves as a catalyst for promoting sports across the region. We are excited to be part of an event that showcases the beauty and dynamism of the Munster region to a diverse and extensive domestic as well as international audience.”
When asked specifically about the format, John Breen stated: “The race will start again on Good Friday and race right through to Easter Monday. There will be a lot of familiar terrain on the route and also some new challenges.
“Once the final logistical issues are sorted, we will announce the route but riders and teams will need to be aware there will potentially be an earlier start on Friday with the possibility of five stages this year.”
Changes in the format of the event will be announced in the New Year and it is expected to be once again oversubscribed with demand from national and international teams. One of the stand out professional riders in 2023, Ben Healy is a former winner of Rás Mumhan in 2019.