The future of Ireland's premier stage races for men and women looks secure after a significant funding boost, which should put them on a firmer footing as they continue to look for title sponsors.
The extra money, which is available for this year's editions of the races, has been allocated by the Department of Sport via Sport Ireland, with both races set to receive the same level of funding for the first time.
Cycling Ireland has welcomed the boost in funding for both Rás Tailteann and Rás na mBan, thanking Minister for Sport Catherine Martin TD, adding the extra funds would ensure both races would go ahead this year.
Rás Tailteann will take place from May 22nd to 26th while Rás na mBan is set to take place from September 4th to 8th.
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“Cycling Ireland is delighted to announce an increase in funding for the 2024 Rás Tailteann and Rás na mBan from the Department of Sport and Sport Ireland," said Cycling Ireland chief executive, James Quilligan.
"Both races are led by an incredible group of volunteers, and we look forward to working with both as event partners in 2024. The races are among the most important on the Irish calendar and showcase the very best of Irish cycling and have attracted many top international cyclists throughout their storied histories."
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Rás Tailteann race director, Ger Campbell, said everyone at Cairde Rás Tailteann, the group that organises the race, was "thrilled" with the announcement of the increase in funding.
"With the costs involved in promoting the event it's a huge boost for the race," he said. "It will allow us to plan our budget earlier this year and put in place important structures to make the event even better.
"The Rás is hugely important to Ireland’s sports calendar, and we look forward to the continued success for the event going forward. It’s a huge boost for the event."
Rás na mBan race director, Valerie Considine, was similarly enthused, saying without the support of the Department, Cycling Ireland and Sport Ireland "the event would quite simply not take place".
"I would also like to express our deep satisfaction at the fact that, after 17 years, we have achieved equality in official funding from state agencies and the national governing body," she said.
"Staging this event is a year-round project and our funding is derived from a variety of sources. It’s an ongoing challenge and our objective is to achieve a measure of stability so that we can be sure the event has a multi-year strategy.”
