Having claimed a stage victory on the penultimate stage of Rás Tailteann, and then sealed overall victory on Sunday with a brilliant breakaway ride, Dillon Corkery has been given a hero's welcome on his return to Co Cork.
While he is from Lombardstown, the parade and party was held in Banteer, home to many members of his original club, O'Leary Stone Kanturk. Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the 24-year-old's huge win, the second year in succession the final yellow jersey was won by an Irish rider after Daire Feeley's victory last season.
Corkery, clad in the most famous and coveted yellow jersey in Irish cycling, was given a proper bash, with a parade from the village square to Banteer Sports Field. Corkery travelled at the head of affairs - the same position he was in last Sunday as he drove the breakaway to the finish in Blackrock, Louth - in a convertible Mercedes.
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A pipe band provided the sounds and atmosphere for the occasion, with the a great turnout from the youth members of O'Leary Stone Kanturk, along members of other local clubs from Kanturk and Banteer and people from across the community.
After the large crowds paraded to the sports ground there were speeches from Cycling Ireland president, Tom Daly, as well as the Curtins, Dan and Will, who helped Corkery's coaching and development in the early days. Also present were former O'Leary Stone Kanturk riders Paidi O'Brien, a former international rider, and Barry Meade.
