The organisers of An Post Rás na mBan would like to express their sincere thanks to all in An Post for their help and assistance in making Ireland’s premier women’s stage race the great event that it is today.
Following today’s announcement that An Post will withdraw from supporting cycling from next season, we at Rás na mBan wish all in the GPO in Dublin the very best, not least Aileen Mooney whose team have helped make it a hugely productive and enjoyable association for all of us on the race.
Over the past six years Rás na mBan has expanded from three days to five and moved from Kerry to Clare and on to its current base in Kilkenny with the grateful assistance of the national postal carrier.
The race now attracts over 25 teams of top quality racers from all over the world for a race that is supported by international TV coverage, daily youtube highlights and an integrated season-long cross platform promotional campaign.
Today’s news will have no impact on the 2017 race which is fully funded and plans are complete for the second visit to Kilkenny in September.
Discussions are currently ongoing with new and existing partners for the 2018 event and beyond.
Race Director Valerie Considine: “An Post have helped make this race what it is today and we’ve made friends for life in Aileen Mooney, Feargal Purcell, Donal Connell and Barney Whelan and the rest of the team.
“2017 is secure and we have a great group of supporters for our race which has developed in a really satisfying and worthwhile way over the last 11 years.
“The race continues to grow from strength to strength and we are excited about the future of this hugely popular event. We’re looking forward to the start of the biggest and best edition of the race in Kilkenny on September 6th and to giving An Post the send off they deserve.
An Post have been great friends to Irish cycling in the past number of years and it behoves all of us in the sport to express our gratitude.”
