Rás Tailteann 2 Day Cycle Race
19-20th. September 1953
An Rás Tailteann
In selecting a name for a bicycle race which circuits the nation, over a period of eight days, it was necessary that such a name should at once bring to mind the thought of a sports festival and the spirit of a nation. An Rás Tailteann certainly recalls both, for the Tailteann Games are synonymous of a golden era of sport and nationhood.
The first notice of which the Annals record of Tailteann (the name of which is still preserved in the modern Teltown) is that in the year 370 in the year of Lugh Lamhfhada. In that year the fair Tailteann was established by the king in honour of his foster mother, Tailte, the daughter of the King of Spain, and the wife of the last Eochaidh, son of Erc, the last king of the Firbolgs.
The fair continued down to the time of Roderick O’Connor, the last monarch of Ireland, and was held annually upon the first of August, which derives its name in the Irish language from this very circumstance, being still called Lugh-nasadh or Lugh’s Fair. Upon these occasions various sports and pastimes were celebrated – consisting of feats of strength and agility in wrestling, boxing, running and such-like manly sports, as well as horse races and chariot races. Besides these the people were entertained with shows and drama.
An Rás Tailteann to-day is the N.C.A.I. event of the year and only a national body having full co-operation of its members throughout the country could possibly attempt an amateur race of such magnitude.
The Association is appreciative of the magnificent work which has been carried on by the county Boards to enter teams and prepare the way for An Rás. There is a special word of praise for the energetic stage end committees, whose task, though difficult, has been so very well performed.
To three people in Dublin who worked very hard during the months preceding the race there is due a deep dept of thanks, and they are Mr. Bob McFarlane, Mr. Jack Barrett and Miss Mairin Hartnett.
An Rás Tailteann has always been favoured by a good press, and to the Sports Editors and Columnists, all participating in the Rás extend sincerest thanks.
An Rás Tailteann thanks the Central Council and Leinster of the G.A.A. for their support, and also the G.A.A. clubs throughout the country for the support given to the various county teams.
Many others have, in one way or another, by support, help, advice, etc., made the task of organising An Rás Tailteann so much easier and indeed pleasant. It would take long list to name all such, and in paying tribute to them here I trust that they will realise how grateful the N.C.A.I. is for the assistance received. All those firms who have favoured this programme with an advertisement have given valuable support.
And to you, the people, who honour the competitors by coming along as spectators and contribute towards the race by taking a programme, I hope that An Rás Tailteann is for you a spectacle worth seeing.
Seosamh Mac Criostail,
Race Director
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| Colm Christle Winner Of The First Rás Tailteann With Jim Killean President Of The National Cycling Association |
Route
Stage 1: Dublin To Wexford 90 Miles.
Stage 2: Wexford To Dublin 110 Miles
Stage 1 Results: Dublin To Wexford
1. M. Carr, (Cork ) 4-20-26
2. M. Cahill ,(Harp C.C.) @34"
3. W.Scannell, (National C.C.) @st.
4. C.O'Reilly, (Antrim) @st.
5. C.Dunne, (Harp C.C.) @st.
Stage 2 Results: Wexford To Dublin
1. C. Cristle, (St. James Gate) 5-01-03
2. O. Cullerton, (Wexford) @ st.
3. P. Kenna, (St James Gate) @st.
4. K. Sloan, (North Kildare) @st.
5. J. Moran (St. Lawrence) @st
Race Director: Joe Christle
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| Joe Christle Race Director |
Generasl Classification
|
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. |
C. Christle, St. James Gate
P. Kenna,St. James Gate
K. Sloan, Kildare
J. Moran, Wicklow,
P. Fitzgerald, Kerry
L. Collins, Meath,
W. Scanell, National C.C
C. O’Reilly, Belfast,
C. Dunne Harp C.C.
H. O’Toole-King, St. James Gate |
9- 20-39
00-30
01-01
01-23
07-40
11-16
11-16
11-31
14-45
14-45 |
Team : St. James Gate C.C.
C. Christle, P. Kenna, H.O'Toole-King 28-17-13
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| Mick Carr Cork winner of stage 1 of the 1953 Ras Tailteann From Dublin To Wecford 90 Miles in 4-20-26 (pic courtesy of Stephen Ball) |
C. Christle Fine Win In Ras Tailteann
Colm Christle of the St. James Gate Racing Club who won the second stage of the two day Ras Tailteann promoted by the Tailteann C.C. from Dublin to Wexford and back, was also the overall winner, beating his clubmate P, McKenna by the narrow margin of 30.4 seconds.
Christle’s time for the complete journey -200 miles -was 9 Hours 20 minutes and 39 seconds.
Frank Reilly Meath broke away on his own shortly after leaving Wexford and held on to his lead for a further 5 miles. He Was Eventually joined by C. Carr and L. Collins and the three risers were two minutes in front of the field when the reached New Ross, At Camross C. Christle Gate and Lieutenant K. Sloan North Kildare in turn left the field and overtook the leaders at Carlow where Christle punctured. Christle received an exchange of wheel and continued to catch up with the leaders.
Eight miles from the finish the race was confined to eight riders J. Moran St Lawernce, P. Fitzgerald Kerry, Carr North Kildare, T. Caidwell Belfast, Sloan North Kildare, P. McKenna Christle Gate and O. Culleton Wexford and these riders rode steadily until a mile from home when Carr had a slight mishap.
Christle won in an exciting finish from the Wexford rider, Culleton, P. McKenna Gate Taking third Place.
The youngest competitor in the race 16 year old Des Maguire of Wexford compieted the course a meritorious achievement.
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| Pat Kenna Carlow Second Overall In The First Ras While Cycling For St James Gate Dublin |
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| Kerry Sloan , North Kildare |
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| Colm Christle Gate C.C. |
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| Mick Christle Gate C.C. |
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| Colm Christle 2008 |
