Boyle is set to welcome the exhilarating finish of Stage 1 of the 2025 Rás Tailteann on Wednesday, May 21st, as the world-famous cycling event rolls into town for what promises to be a spectacular afternoon of sport and celebration.
The opening stage of this year’s Rás Tailteann — the historic 70th edition — will see riders travel from Drogheda to Boyle, tackling over 150km of scenic Irish roads. The peloton is expected to arrive in Boyle between 2:30pm and 3:00pm, depending on racing speeds, with the finish line located outside An Craoibhín Bar, right in the heart of the town centre.
Spectators are encouraged to line the streets early to soak up the atmosphere and witness some of the finest Irish and international cyclists sprint for victory. The best viewing points will be along the approach roads into Boyle and, of course, at the finish line on the Crescent, where an electric atmosphere is expected.
County Roscommon has a proud connection to the Rás through Daire Feeley, a Roscommon man and one of Ireland’s most talented riders. Feeley famously won the overall title in 2022 and continues to inspire the next generation of cyclists from the region. His ties to County Roscommon makes Boyle a fitting and emotional place to host a stage finish.
This marks the first time since 1994 that the Rás will finish a stage in Boyle, making it a truly historic occasion for the town.
Race Director Ger Campbell said, “We are thrilled to bring the Rás Tailteann to Boyle for the first stage finish of this landmark 70th edition. Boyle has such strong sporting traditions and a real passion for cycling. We can’t wait to showcase the energy and excitement the Rás brings to every town it visits.”
Local Stage End Organiser Noel Feeley added, “It’s a huge privilege to welcome such a prestigious event to Boyle. The whole community has pulled together to prepare a real celebration, and we’re encouraging everyone to come out, enjoy the day, and make it one to remember.”
Co-organiser Carmel Regan said, “This is going to be a very special day for Boyle. We’re ready to roll out the red carpet for the riders and visitors, and we hope everyone will come and experience the magic of a Rás finish in our town.”
The stage end co-ordination team would like to extend their sincere thanks to Louise O’Grady and all the team at Roscommon County Council, whose support has been invaluable in facilitating the stage finish of Rás Tailteann in Boyle. They would also like to thank the CEO of Roscommon Sports Partnership, Noel Feeley, for his immense contribution in coordinating the stage finish in Boyle. Additionally, they are grateful to An Garda Síochána in Boyle and all the Gardaí from the local stations who will be assisting on the day. Without their ongoing support, this prestigious event would not have been possible.
Their thanks also go to the local cycling club, Curlieu Wheelers for their help and Brian Nerney of www.boyletoday.com for his continued support and weekly communications on the Rás Tailteann and the stage finish in Boyle. Special thanks also go to Ian Cooney, Sports Editor of the Roscommon Herald, whose work has made a significant impact in promoting all sports in the local area and across County Roscommon.
Picture: Co-organisers of the stage finish in Boyle, Carmel Regan and Noel Feeley meet with local Gardaí in Boyle to launch the finish of stage one in Boyle.
Stage 1 of Rás Tailteann 2025 is dedicated to all the volunteers on the event, past and present. Particularly those who are no longer with us today.
Without the dedicated work and passion of countless volunteers, the Rás Tailteann would not be the event it is today. Their selfless contributions have helped make the Rás a cornerstone of Irish cycling, bringing joy and excitement to every community it visits. Ger Campbell, Race Director, shared: “The volunteers are the heartbeat of the Rás Tailteann. Their dedication, year after year, has been essential to the success of the event. As we celebrate this historic 70th edition, we want to take a moment to acknowledge their invaluable role in bringing the race to life.”
