Paul Kennedy is continuing his romp through this first half of the 2026 season, taking his latest win today, Saturday (Photo: Caroline Kerley)
Paul Kennedy (Burren CC) recently told stickybottle he believed he was in his best ever form after a change of coach and changing his training, including a reduction in miles, and he has confirmed that again today with his latest win.
Now aged 45 years, and perhaps looking stronger than he has for several years, Kennedy emerged best at the Crotty Cup in Co Clare on a wet and windy day for race.
In the West Clare Cycling Club promotion he started in the C1 scratch group that caught the C2 bunch and went through most of them.
In the group of C1s first to get to the front of the race were Kennedy, Daire Feeley and Mark Shannon (all Burren CC), Eoin Clifford (VeloRevolution-Speed Queen) and Bren Broekaart (Tuam CC).
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And when that catch was made, Kennedy's team mate, Daire Feeley, lit it up with a solo attack. The Roscommon man went clear, with Limerick's Kennedy then attacking after him.
Kennedy's move carried him clear of the bunch, with the two Burren CC riders first and second on the road, each riding solo, for a time.
However, when Feeley realised Kennedy was coming across to him he stalled a little in the hope they could join forces.
Kennedy then bridged the gap, catching Feeley and making for a very strong two-man move off the front of the race. They put their heads down and rode for the line, pulling out around two minutes by the time they reached the chequered flag.
A six-man group formed behind them including Clifford, Shannon, Ciaran O'Sullivan (Greenmount CA), Broekaart, Brendan Reen (Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club) and Daniel Lynch (O'Leary Stone Kanturk).
With about 15km to go, Clifford and O'Sullivan got away from the other four in the chasing group and fought it out for 3rd and 4th.
Sat, May 16th: Crotty Cup
Kilrush, Co Clare
Promoted by West Clare CC
C1-C2 Race
- Paul Kennedy Burren CC
- Daire Feeley Burren CC
- Eoin Clifford VeloRevolution-Speed Queen
- Ciaran O’Sullivan Greenmount CA
- Bren Broekaart Tuam CC
- Brendan Reen Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club
- Mark Shannon Burren CC
- Daniel Lynch O'Leary Stone Kanturk
- Yan Tsymbal Unattached Munster
- Frank Doherty Killarney CC
