The 69th edition of Ireland’s biggest cycling event passes through  Kildangan this Saturday en route to the finish line. Rás Tailteann spans over five days with many competitors, both national and international, pedalling it out for the famous George Plant Trophy. As stage 4 of this 784.8K race closes, it passes through Kildangan on the way to the stage finish in Kildare Town.

Stage 4 spans 139km from Horse and Jockey (Co.Tipperary) and ends in Kildare Town. As it makes its way from Athy heading Towards Monasterevin, it will pass through Kildangan. The first part of Kildangan it will pass is the home place of Paddy Flanagan, Kilbeg, it will then pass by Worrell’s shop and the Cross Keys where the people of Kildangan will be waiting eagerly to see the riders. 

Kildangan’s Paddy Flanagan has won the Rás Tailteann a remarkable three times and his brother Eamon (Ned) was also a stage winner in the Rás. Paddy dominated the Irish racing scene wining 11 stages between 1960-76. Most notably his three victories, 1960, 1964 and when he turned back the clock and won his last yellow jersey in 1975 at 36 years old. 

Top rival Shay O’Hanlon described Paddy as “one of those guys who was always having a go. Up until the last race he rode, he was a very aggressive rider; always attacking, but very cute and full of tricks too. Basically, a great cyclist and a very decent fellow.”  

Paul Kimmage notes that “Paddy was one of cycling’s true gentlemen, one of the greatest racers this country has ever known, a gritty road man.” 

An illustrious cycling career which saw three George Plant Trophies, wins against riders from the USSR, Czechoslovakia and Great Britain and last but not least 11 stage victories. Paddy certainly earned his place with the best in cycling.