SDG Celebrated Rás Tailteann As It Spins Into Monaghan Town 

Monaghan Town witnessed the thrilling penultimate stage 4 of the Rás Tailteann 2023, a renowned 768-kilometre, five-stage cycling race, on Saturday, May 20th. The event, which commenced in Navan Co. Meath, saw a formidable contingent of 170 cyclists making their way through various towns, including Birr, Ennis, Castlebar, and finally arriving in Monaghan. The cyclists embarked on their last leg from Church Square at noon on Sunday, heading towards the grand finale in Blackrock Co. Louth.

The success of this spectacular race was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Emyvale Cycling Club and Cairde Rás Tailteann, with support from the local community, agencies, and financial sponsors. 

As the host club for Stage 4, the Emyvale Cycling Club was privileged to secure the support and sponsorship of SDG as well as Monaghan County Council. 

SDG expressed their immense delight and enthusiasm in sponsoring the Monaghan stage of Rás Tailteann 2023. Mark Skeath, SDG, expressed his pleasure in supporting an event that holds high regard both within the Irish and international cycling communities. He acknowledged the critical role of sponsorship in ensuring the success of major races, especially in a challenging era for organizing cycling events. Mark commended the race organizers and local councillors for their efforts in making Rás Tailteann possible. He further emphasized the pride of being associated with the prestigious Rás Tailteann, a race that has held the position of the number one race in Ireland for 70 years. 

SDG’s commitment to supporting the event from its early planning stages was unwavering, and Mark expressed their happiness in bringing the race to the county, which would provide a boost to the local hospitality and accommodation sectors. He added that the Rás Tailteann can easily rival any race across Europe or beyond, and SDG was thrilled to be a part of it.

Winners of each stage had the honour of standing on the stage and podium for the presentation of jerseys and commendations.

Stage 1 – Conor McGoldrick of the UK: Trek Richardson team won stage 1 in an effort that also put him into the Bective Stud supported race leader’s yellow jersey.

Stage 2 – Matthew Fox of the UK: Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team won stage 2 after sprinting to victory from a much-depleted peloton after 154.5km of racing.

Stage 3 – Matthew Fox of the UK: Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team won stage 3 after again proving fastest in a sprint victory after 149.3km of racing.

Stage 4 – Dillon Corkery of Team Ireland won SDG Sponsored stage 4 after proving fastest in a sprint victory after 175.9km of racing.

Second over the line was Finn Crockett of Derry: Foyle CC followed by Matthew Fox of Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli. The general classification remained unchanged as Conor McGoldrick of UK: Trek Richardson continued to wear the yellow jersey leading by 4 seconds over Dan Gardener of UK: Embark Spirit followed by Joseph Laverick of the Derry: Foyle CC team in third.

Stage 5 – There was a very dramatic final day at the Rás Tailteann on Sunday, with Irish rider Dillon Corkery jumping from seventh overnight to the final race victory after a brilliant performance. He crossed the line in Blackrock, Co. Louth fifth, rolling in a tearful and elated three seconds behind stage winner Finn Crockett (Derry: Foyle CC) and three others.

With the support of sponsors like SDG and the dedication of the cycling community, Rás Tailteann 2023 concluded in style, leaving an indelible mark on the cycling landscape both nationally and internationally.