Roche Vs Kimmage: Stephen’s Day Race, Phoenix Park, 1981

Paul Kimmage throws the shoulder into Stephen Roche as they sprint for the finish line at the end of the St Stephen's Day Cyclocross Race in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. We think the photo was taken in 1983 just weeks before a then 19-year-old Kimmage (Photo with thanks to the Delaney family)

Once a competitor, always a competitor. And that was the order of the day back in the early 80s in a grim and windswept looking Phoenix Park in Dublin for the annual St Stephen's Day Cyclocross Race.

The above image shows Stephen Roche and Paul Kimmage going hell for leather for bragging rights at the end of the event, where Dublin Wheelers stalwart Donal O'Connell was officiating and waving the chequered flag.

The photo has come to light on social media via former international road rider Stephen Delaney.

It's difficult to tell from consulting media archives when the photo was taken though the Esso sponsor's badge on Roche's right arm would suggest it was 1981.

A little fact in Irish cycling history is that Roche is a former national champion at the cyclocross discipline, having won the title in Balbriggan, north Co Dublin in 1979.

The Kimmages were also excellent 'cross riders, with Raphael Kimmage the best on the scene in the early 1980s when he won a number of national titles.

Like his younger brother, Paul Kimmage also rode the 'cross scene in winter in the colours of Tara Road Club as did Kevin - who was younger than both - and went on to take overall victory in the Rás and a stage win in the Milk Race during his elite career.

Below are some fantastic photos of 'cross racing in Ireland, all courtesy of the Delaney family.

Please do feel free to chip in a fill on some of the blanks with the names of the riders and the year's of the races.

Stephen Delaney, early 80s

Raphael Kimmage, in the Phoenix Park in 1986

Phoenix Park, 1986

Roche, now with La Redoute, in the park in 1984. Looks like he's chatting to Mick Walsh, watched by one-time national champion Gerald Irvine of North Down.