Orwell Announces Team for Rás Tailteann

Orwell Announces Team for Rás Tailteann

Pinergy – Orwell Wheelers are proud to announce an exciting team for the 70th edition of Rás Tailteann, taking place from May 21st to May 25th, 2025. This historic race will see riders take on five challenging stages, covering over 760 kilometres and tackling 13 categorised climbs across the stunning Irish landscape.

Rider Line-up

We’re excited to field a strong and determined squad, ready to take on Ireland’s most prestigious cycling event:

Ronan O'Flynn

A two-time Rás veteran, Ronan previously rode for Orwell in 2016 and 2017. In recent years, he’s been one of the top cyclocross riders in the country, standing on the M40 podium three times at the cyclocross national championships. His results this year include second a the M40 cyclocross national championships, third in C2 at the Lucan Grand Prix and fifth at the Coombes Connor Memorial

Luke Keaney

A former elite Gaelic footballer, Luke has progressed rapidly since he started road racing a little over a year ago. Highlights of his season to date include fourth at the Des Hanlon C3 race and back-to-back victories at the Wallace Caldwell Memorial and the Eddie Polin Cup, which propelled him in the C2 ranks. After his promotion, Keaney secured a top ten finish at the Waller Cup and third at the Mick Beggan Memorial

Evan Keane

An experienced C1 rider, Evan has been one of Orwell’s top performers since joining the club this year. Highlights of his season to date include victory in the main event at the UCD Open Races, fourth in the Mick Lally Memorial, sixth in the Sliabh Luachra Classic and eight in Bobby Power Memorial

Patrick O'Loughlin (Guest)

Guesting from Panduit - Carrick Wheelers, Patrick is currently third in the Cycling Ireland C1 rankings having racked up a string of impressive results this year including victory at the Kilteely GP; third places at the Mick Lally Memorial, the Denis Sheehan Cup, and the Donal Crowley Memorial; and fourth at the Crotty Cup.

Sean O'Kane

The youngest member of the team, Sean has a hatful of his results to his name despite having only started racing at the beginning of the 2024 season. Having started out as an A4 last year, he has already won promotion to the C1 ranks. The reigning club road race and hill climb champion, highlights of his 2025 season include sixth on GC in the Kanturk 3-Day, including third and second on stages 1 and 3

Each rider brings experience, strength, and team spirit to the road — all key ingredients for a successful Rás campaign.

The team will be managed by Neal Hudson, a two-time Rás veteran, who represented Orwell in 2015 and 2018. “We’ve got a great young team this year, probably the strongest team that Orwell has sent to the Rás in a very long time,” he said. “We’re coming into this race targeting results”.

Support Team

A race like Rás Tailteann demands an exceptional support crew — and we’re proud to have one of the best:

Donal Loughrey – Team Mechanic

John O'Sullivan – Soigneur

Johnny Walsh – Soigneur

Bernard Collins – Support

Their dedication behind the scenes will be crucial in keeping the riders fresh, focused, and racing at their best.

Race Overview

This year’s Rás will start in the cycling stronghold of Drogheda, Co Louth on Wednesday, May 21st heading westwards to finish in Boyle, Co Roscommon.

A transfer to Charlestown for the start of stage two where the riders will take on the infamous Windy Gap and Maumtrasna climbs in the longest of the 2025 Rás Tailteann stages.

Another transfer to Co Mayo for the start of stage three, where Cong will welcome the Rás Tailteann. After setting off from Cong, the riders will take in breathtaking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way before they face the fast finish towards Miltown Malbay in County Clare.

The penultimate stage will kick off from Ennis, Co Clare and take on 2 x category three climb’s before crossing the category one Wolftrap climb with less than 15KM remaining – will there be enough time to regroup before the finish in Mountrath, Co Laois.

The final stage of Rás Tailteann 2025 will kick off in Kildare Town heading across the plains of ‘The Lilywhite County’ before entering Co Meath where again, the winner of Rás Tailteann will be crowned in Bective.

The 2025 edition of the race will take on over 760km, including 13 categorised climbs.

Orwell’s team is proud to represent our club, our sponsors, and our supporters at this national event. Follow our journey and cheer on the team across social media and on the roads of Ireland!