Longford to roll out red carpet for An Post Rás

There will be more than a hint of local interest in  the air this weekend when this year's An Post Rás descends on the streets of Longford.

Promising young cycist Daire Feeley, who boasts strong links to the Killashee area, will no doubt consume much of that curiosity ahead of the event's first stage this Sunday.

The Moatepark, Co Roscommon cyclist is  a son of Eilish Neary and grandson of Mike and Cella, Ballinakill.

A number of Daire's aunts and uncles also live locally, all of whom will be keen to see their nephew flying the Irish flag alongside some of world's leading cyclists.

A key member of the Irish U23 team, Daire  has spent  the past number of months in southern France cycling with the Monaco team in the lead up to this week's race.

Organisers are expecting cyclists to arrive in Longford at around 3:30pm on Sunday, weather permitting with competitors scheduled to  make their departure the following morning ahead of a  10am start time.

On the morning of the RAS, Longford Cycling & Longford Tri Club members  will undertake a  fun cycle by  taking in part of the RAS route.

In a bid to promote this weekend's events, both clubs are urging  all members to come out and join them to welcome the RAS cyclists into the county town.

The event is one whic h is also being supported by Longford Chamber of Commerce, Longford County Council and  Longford Lions Club. 

For more information  on the cycle, contact Brian on (087) 8035701 or Carl on (086) 2594739.

Members of the public are likewise being asked to come out in their droves to welcome competitors on both days with local schools also being encouraged to attend when cyclists head for Westport on Monday.

For queries contact RAS Stage End Coordinator  Lisa Brady on (087) 7786834

Can you mention Chamber & County Council, Longford Cycling Club & Longford Tri Club & Longford Lions