Comeback man Ciaran Kelly takes first round of Mondello Series from Michael Barry

Ciaran Kelly on his way to victory in the opening round of the Usher IRC Mondello Series in Co Kildare this evening (Photo: Amy Norah Farrell)

After having returned to racing proper this year following a prolonged break, Ciaran Kelly has taken another win; this time in the Mondello Series in Co Kildare.

Kelly, whose own business Bikeworx sponsor's the series, took victory from Cuchulainn's Michael Barry, with the in-form Zippy Doyle (VeloRevolution) in third and Kelly's Bikeworx team mate Stephen Halpin in 4th.

The winner this evening, Kelly was a former top international junior rider and also rode for the team which has since morphed into the An Post-Chainreaction outfit.

However, he became disillusioned with the sport after the 2006 season and returned to Ireland, where he has since established his successful business in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

Kelly rode a small number of races last year but put his head down over the winter ahead of his first full assault on a return to competing this season.

Before tonight's win had already won the A3 race at the Ned Flanagan Memorial on the opening day of the season in mid February and claimed the win in the A3 event at Rás Naomh Finian in Clonard last month.