Ras Tailteann stage to honour John Caulfield

The 2024 edition of the Rás Tailteann gets underway today (Wednesday, 22nd May) coming through North Tipperary.

This is the 69th edition of the race will begin from Tullamore, and will finish in Kilmallock, coming through North Tipperary for the second year in a row.

It will also be a special stage as the race organisers have named the first King of the Hills climb near the Pike, Ballingarry in memory of the late John Caulfield.

John, who passed away on December 12 last year, was a mentor to so many who share a love of cycling. There weren’t many editions of the Rás since the late 1950’s where John wasn’t either participating, managing, or as in latter years, spectating. His infectious enthusiasm for the sport never waned and how fitting that today his memory will be honoured in such a fitting way by the cycling community.

Cycling enthusiasts and North Tipperary Wheelers are encouraged to wear their club gear at the climb, named in his honour, at around 1.00pm to remember the man who had such an impact on so many.

After passing through Ballingarry, the stage comes through Borrisokane, Nenagh, Birdhill and Newport before moving onto the finish in Kilmallock.

Stage 4 on Saturday also has a Tipperary element as the riders start out from Horse & Jockey to the stage end in Kildare Town.