Latest news with #RásTailteann
The Irish Sun
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Irish cycling community ‘devastated' at the death of champion ‘stalwart of road scene' aged 52
THE Irish cycling community is mourning the sudden death of a cycling star, 52, who made eleven appearances in Rás Tailteann and also competed internationally having made his debut in Japan in 2002. Craig Sweetman late of Mornington, Co Meath and Skerries in Dublin attended the 'Peter Bidwell' race in Donore last Saturday evening. Advertisement 1 Craig Sweetman has sadly passed away Credit: He was not racing due to an injury. He took ill and died at his home on Sunday. 'Craig was such a likeable guy and a superb rider, he was still racing and a regular at events. "His son Toby has followed in dad's footsteps and is very successful in the junior ranks. This is devastating news for the cycling.' Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport 'He was a stalwart of the Irish road scene, with a racing career marked by a rare longterm committment that included eleven appearances in Rás Tailteann. "He was also an international rider, making his debut at the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan in 2002. Craig was also 2nd in the Classic League in 2002 and won a large number of races at the height of his career, including being crowned men's senior Leinster road race champion. Advertisement Most Read in The Irish Sun He was still placing in races this year and two years ago won the Masters 50 title at Masters National Road Race Championships in Clonard, Co Meath. He had remained very committed to cycling down the years, and passed on much of his vast knowledge to younger riders and those in the early stages of their racing careers.' Bizarre moment Tour de France rider snatches cardboard sign off stunned fan... but had brilliant reason for doing it Mr Sweetman worked for the Dublin Airport Police and Fire Authority. He is survived by his wife Gill, their sons Toby and Tyler, parents Tony and Mona, siblings Jeff, Dale and Kadie, extended family, work colleagues and a large circle of friends. Advertisement He will lie in repose at his home tomorrow (Wed) evening from 5 – 8pm. His removal will take place on Thursday morning to St Patrick's Church, Skerries arriving for 10am mass. Mourners will then gather at Dardistown Crematorium.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shock and sadness following sudden death of champion cyclist as tributes pour in
The Irish cycling community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of a champion road racer who was "loved by all in the cycling world." Craig Sweetman, 52, originally from Skerries in Co Dublin but late of Mornington in Co Meath, passed away suddenly at his home after taking ill on Sunday. A death notice shared on states that he will be "sadly missed by his loving wife Gill, sons Toby and Tyler, parents Tony and Mona, brothers Jeff and Dale, sister Kadie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, work colleagues and a large circle of friends especially those in the Irish Cycling Community." Mr Sweetman, who worked as an airport policeman, was a leading and influential figure in the Irish cycling community and had been a member of Stamullen Road Club in Meath since he was 14 years old. The father-of-two competed in cycling events in Ireland and abroad for over three decades and made more than 11 appearances in Rás Tailteann, an annual international cycling stage race held in Ireland. Mr Sweetman passed away on Sunday at the age of 52 Mr Sweetman was an extremely gifted cyclist who won a number of races at the height of his career, including the 2006 Leinster Road Race Championships, the Brendan Carroll Memorial and the Ballivor Grand Prix, while he also represented his country on many occasions. The 52-year-old was still racing at a highly competitive level and was recently crowned a national masters champion. Mr Sweetman's son Toby has followed in his father's footsteps and has developed into one of the leading lights in the Irish cycling scene, with the family celebrating just last week when the 18-year-old claimed a stunning stage win at the Junior Tour of Ireland while riding for the Irish Team. Mr Sweetman's sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Irish cycling community, with heart-breaking tributes pouring in for the hugely popular figure. In a message shared on social media, Lucan Cycling Road Club said: "We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Sweetman family. It was an absolute shock when we heard of Craig's passing. He was a gentleman and a fierce competitor on the bike. "Some of our members have been racing against Craig for 30 years and they can all confess, he has cycling DNA in his blood. From club leagues to Rás stages he did it all. Age didn't keep him back and he kept racing hard always chasing that win, and man, he knew how to win races. He was an inspiration to young and old in the cycling community. Life is all about moments & It's been great to see his son Toby following in his footsteps with his very recent success in the Irish jersey. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. "We will miss Craig. May he Rest in peace." Mr Sweetman represented Ireland on a number of occasions Bear Cycling Club also paid an emotional tribute to the champion road racer in a message which read: "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Sweetman family on the devastating loss of Craig. His passing has come as an absolute shock to us all, and we are profoundly saddened by this news. "Craig was more than just a cyclist; he was a true gentleman and a formidable competitor whose passion for the sport was undeniable. He had cycling DNA in his blood. From club leagues to Rás stages, he did it all. "Age was never a barrier for Craig; he continued to race with fierce determination, always chasing that win with an incredible drive and an innate understanding of how to cross the finish line first. He was, without a doubt, an inspiration to both young and seasoned cyclists within our community. "Life is indeed about moments, and it has been a true joy to witness his son, Toby, follow in his footsteps, recently achieving success in the Irish jersey. It's clear the apple didn't fall far from the tree, and Craig's legacy will undoubtedly live on through Toby's achievements. "We will dearly miss Craig—his presence, his competitive spirit, and his enduring love for cycling. May he rest in peace." Mr Sweetman had been a member of the Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service for over 25 years, with his colleagues paying an emotional tribute to the popular father-of-two in a heart-breaking statement shared online. "It's with deep sadness, we share the funeral details of our dear friend and colleague, Craig Sweetman," they said. "Since joining our force in September 1998, Craig was a shining example of professionalism, dedication, and kindness. His thoughtful nature and attention to detail set a high standard for everyone he worked alongside. "This dedication was also mirrored in his love for cycling over the years he worked with us both nationally and internationally. "Craig was more than a colleague—he was a devoted husband, a loving father and son, and a loyal friend. His absence is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. "Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time." Mourners have also left tributes to the champion cyclist, with a close pal saying: "Sad to hear of Craig passing. My sincere sympathy to Gill, the boys and the family. Worked with Craig for many years and he was a true professional and a true gent. I never saw him in bad form and he always had a kind word for anyone he met. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm." Another person added: "Sincere condolences to the Sweetman family on Craigs untimely passing. It was a privilege to work with him , he was not only a champion cyclist but a champion bloke too." While a third mourner said: "Shocked and saddened on the sudden passing of Craig, I have known Craig over 30 years through cycling and then working in DAA over the years, he was an absolute gentleman and his enthusiasm for cycling was unmatched. I was delighted to see Toby getting his stage win 2 weeks ago in the Junior Tour and I know how proud Craig was training with and following Tobys progress over the last few years." Mr Sweetman will lie in repose at his home on from 5pm until 8pm on Wednesday evening, with removal on Thursday morning to St. Patrick's Church in Skerries arriving for 10am Mass followed by funeral to Dardistown Crematorium. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Examiner
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Kimber claims Rás Tailteann title by narrowest of margins from Jamie Meehan
Stage 5 of Rás Tailteann 2025 brought the curtain down on a dramatic and high-speed week of racing, with the final 142.8km from Kildare Town to Bective offering a fitting finale. The day belonged to Josh Charlton (Great Britain CT), who stormed clear to take the stage win, but it was George Kimber (Cycling Club Isle of Man) who emerged victorious in the general classification, claiming the Bective Stud Yellow Jersey and the title of Rás Tailteann champion. Ireland's Jamie Meehan and Odhrán Doogan took second and third place overall. The stage began at a furious pace with a group of four riders quickly going clear. The quartet of Cameron McLaren, Dean Harvey, Daire Feeley and Patrick O'Loughlin opened up a gap of over a minute in the early kilometres despite wet and greasy road conditions. Behind them, the bunch remained cautious, with the yellow jersey George Kimber sitting deep in the peloton. As the race passed through Longwood, Feeley began to assert himself, clearly aiming to claw back his deficit on the general classification. By the time the riders reached Trim, he had gone clear with Harvey, and soon after, the break swelled to 14 riders including key names such as Mark Downey, Tom Martin, Ronan O'Connor, and Josh Charlton sitting 32 seconds off yellow at the start of the day, spent significant time on the front and was the virtual leader on the road with three laps of the Bective circuit to go. The final Category 3 KOM at Quarry Hill saw Gilsenan take max points ahead of Feeley, O'Connor and Pritchard. The peloton, led by UCD and Ride Revolution, began to close the gap, and attacks began to fly as riders sensed the final opportunity to alter the general classification. With just over 10km to go, Odhrán Doogan (77 – Cycling Ulster) launched a late solo move in a final bid to take yellow. However, Kimber remained calm, backed by his remaining teammates, and managed to control the margin to secure overall victory by five seconds. At the front, Josh Charlton had timed his move to perfection, sprinting clear of the reduced front group to take a fine stage win in Bective.
Irish Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
George Kimber takes 2025 Rás Tailteann title after nail-biting final day
George Kimber endured a nerve-racking final day of racing to win the Rás Tailteann on Sunday, finishing safely in the main bunch in Bective after a day of dangerous attacks. Compatriot Josh Charlton took the 142.8km final stage, going solo from a big breakaway and holding off a hard-chasing peloton. Isle of Man Cycling Club rider Kimber came under pressure just 10km into the 142.8km stage from Kildare Town, with the 2022 Rás winner Daire Feeley (Clare: Burren CC) going clear with Dean Harvey (Team Ireland) and becoming virtual race leader. Holding a gap of over a minute for much of the stage, those two were joined by a dozen others before the first of four 12km finishing laps. Charlton attacked on the penultimate lap and went solo, while Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) bridged across to the chasers inside the last 12km. READ MORE He had started the day third overall, just 22 seconds back and put Kimber under further pressure, but a furious chase saw all bar Charlton hauled back before the end. 'It feels amazing,' final yellow jersey Kimber told The Irish Times. 'It's unreal. I don't know how I pulled it off at the end there. I thought the race was gone, but I just stuck in there and it came back.' Josh Charlton (Team GB) wins the final stage of the Rás Tailteann. Photograph: Lorraine O'Sullivan Former individual pursuit record holder Charlton used his track racing speed to win by 58 seconds. Irish riders John Buller (Down: Banbridge CC Specsavers) and Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) were to the fore in the bunch sprint, taking second and third on the stage. Team Ireland rider Jamie Meehan had hoped to overcome his overnight deficit of five seconds but while he jumped away on the final lap, he was unable to hold off a hard-chasing Kimber. 'The tactic today was to try and find six seconds,' he said. It was a really hard day, but we tried. We got away in the last lap with about three quarters of a lap to go, and gave it everything. It's a bit of a flat circuit for a 57 kilo man and he was able to come across.' He took second overall, while previous race leader Doogan was third. Meehan was the best under-23 and Doogan the best county rider. The latter said after stage one that he didn't envisage being in the running for the overall victory, but finished far closer than he had anticipated. 'I'm very happy,' he said. 'Coming in, I don't think my expectations were as high as what I've achieved. I was obviously disappointed to lose yellow yesterday, but I went out swinging today and gave it everything.' It was an exciting end to the 70th edition of the race, and one which gave Meehan, Doogan and others important boosts in confidence and experience.
The 42
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
George Kimber defends yellow in tense final stage as Josh Charlton takes win
JOSH CHARLTON STORMED clear to take Stage Five but it was George Kimber (Cycling Club Isle of Man) who emerged victorious in the general classification to claim the Bective Stud Yellow Jersey and the title of Rás Tailteann champion. The final 142.8km from Kildare Town to Bective offered a fitting finale to bring the curtain down on a dramatic week. Advertisement The stage began at a furious pace with a group of four riders quickly going clear: Cameron McLaren (26 – TAAP Kalas), Dean Harvey (66 – Team Ireland), Daire Feeley (101 – Burren CC) and Patrick O'Loughlin (116 – Pinergy–Orwell Wheelers). The quartet opened up a gap of over a minute in the early kilometres despite wet and greasy road conditions. Behind them, the bunch remained cautious, with the yellow jersey Kimber sitting deep in the peloton. As the race passed through Longwood, Feeley began to assert himself, clearly aiming to claw back his deficit on the general classification. By the time the riders reached Trim, he had gone clear with Harvey, and soon after, the break swelled to 14 riders. The final Category 3 KOM at Quarry Hill saw Adam Gilsenan take max points ahead of Feeley, Ronan O'Connor and Pritchard. The peloton, led by UCD and Ride Revolution, began to close the gap, and attacks began to fly as riders sensed the final opportunity to alter the general classification. With just over 10km to go, Odhrán Doogan (77 – Cycling Ulster) launched a late solo move in a final bid to take yellow. However, Kimber remained calm, backed by his remaining teammates, and managed to control the margin to secure overall victory by five seconds. At the front, Charlton had timed his move to perfection, sprinting clear of the reduced front group to take a fine stage win in Bective.
