Rás Mumhan

Dornan Rás Mumhan 2025 – Race Report

Stages 1–4: Grit, Rain, Breakaways and Big Performances in Kerry.

Over Easter weekend,Pinergy Orwell Wheelers took on the mighty Dornan Rás Mumhan, one of Ireland’s toughest and most iconic stage races. With four stages over four days, battling wind, rain, brutal climbs and elite company, this was a proper test of endurance, teamwork and character.

Representing the club were Luke Keaney, Joe-Nathan Mater, Evan Keane, Ronan O’Flynn, guest rider James McKenny, Team Manager Neal Hudson, and Mechanic Luke Potter.

________________________________________

Stage 1 – Friday Double: Team Time Trial 1A & Road Stage 1B.

The race kicked off in miserable conditions with a Team Time Trial. The lads rolled home in 11:13.91, placing 18th out of 32 teams, but left the course knowing they had more to give.

Later that afternoon, Stage 1B served up a savage road stage with relentless rain and a punchy opener that split the bunch. Joe and Evan made the front group, while James and Luke dug deep in the chasing groups. Ronan unfortunately had to withdraw due to illness. Joe finished 25th, Evan 28th — a tough but promising start.

________________________________________

Stage 2 – The Queen Stage (Killarney to Portmagee).

A brutal 122km with six categorised climbs, including the infamous Coomanaspig, and not a dry moment from start to finish. The race exploded on Ballaghisheen, with Joe and Evan again among the strongest climbers. Joe got into the day’s key breakaway, a powerful group of 18 riders.

On the final climb of Coomanaspig, the race splintered again. Joe finished a strong 21st, Evan came in 39th, while Luke and James battled bravely behind. A classic Ras Mumhan day of attrition.

________________________________________

Stage 3 – North Cork Powerfest.

Stage 3 saw riders take on a rapid run from Kerry into North Cork, with 48km/h average speed in the first hour alone. A crash at the base of the main climb cost Evan dearly — he was well-positioned but lost his chance at a result. Still, he showed heart to finish strong.

Joe-Nathan came in 20th, bumping himself up to 15th on general classification. Luke suffered a mechanical just after the main climb, losing valuable time despite a strong ride. Thanks to Killarney CC for helping with a mid-race bike swap. James put in his best ride yet, finishing just 5:45 down on the winner.

________________________________________

Stage 4 – The Theatre of Killorglin.

The curtain closed with the traditional finale in Killorglin – three big loops followed by eight furious town circuits. It was fast, it was chaotic, and it was classic Ras.

James and Luke were active early, with James launching a break that gained 90 seconds before being reeled back. Luke, growing in confidence every day, was well-positioned as the race entered the town.

On lap three, Evan launched a brave solo attack, trying to slip off the front, but was eventually pulled back.

As fatigue set in and the pace ramped up, Luke and James were distanced but fought to the line and finished out a punishing weekend.

Up front, Joe-Nathan and Evan battled to the end, with Joe finishing 21st on the stage and 13th overall in the general classification — an outstanding performance across all four days. Evan came home just 28 seconds off the stage winner, capping a hugely impressive campaign.

________________________________________

Team Result – Top 15 Finish.

With four riders completing all four stages, Pinergy Orwell Wheelers finished 13th in the Team General Classification — a strong showing in a high-calibre international field.

________________________________________

Special thanks to Neal Hudson and Luke Potter for their tireless support on the ground, to Grainne for the feeds and to Killarney CC for their mid-race mechanical assistance.

Photo credits:

Caroline Kerley Photography Dany Blondeel