17/05/2006

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

Tallaght Start for FBD Insurance RÁS

This Sunday 21st May the ancient village of Tallaght, nestled in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, will reverberate to all the excitement, colour and pageantry of a major, modern-day, international event when the Ceremonial Start of this year’s FBD Insurance RÁS takes place outside the Dominican Church at 12 o clock.

In a major break with the traditional start from the GPO over 140 racing cyclists from nine countries will parade up Main Street led by the Tallaght Youth Band. Following a ten minute stop the race will set off on the first of eight days of gruelling racing with stage finishes in Enniscorthy, Cobh, An Daingean, Listowel, An Cheathru Rua, Westport, Clara, with the finish in Skerries on Sunday 28th May.

Countries already confirmed as starters include Britain, Poland, Norway, Canada, USA and of course the Irish national Grant Thornton team and sixteen county teams. Further teams are due to be announced later this week.

The innovative start in Tallaght Village (Main Street)  has the support of South Dublin County Council, local community organisations and the recently formed South Dublin Cycling Club, which is based in the area.

For all the up-to-date news log-on to; www.fbdinsuranceras.com

Further Information; Dermot Dignam at dermotdignam@eircom.net

Sally Ryan 01 - 6496400