An Post Team Connacht Launch

In September 2009 an ultra marathon cycle challenge will take place in Ireland which will test endurance, strength and mental toughness. The Race Around Ireland is a time trial consisting of 1350 miles of open roads, over some of Ireland’s largest mountains taking in magnificent scenery and passing some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks. During the Race Around Ireland cyclists will be competing in the most challenging event of their lives as this event lies second behind the Race Across America (RAAM) in terms of Toughness

At 8pm on the 16th September four riders from the An Post Team Connacht will start their journey from Navan to compete in the event. The team of amateur cyclists includes Padraig Marrey (Western Lakes Cycling Club South Mayo), Dara Mooney (Eire Og Cycling Club) and brothers Noel & Michael Brady (Covey Wheelers Westport). The riders will toss aside interclub rivalry and form An Post Team Connacht for an adventure of a lifetime.

It is impossible for a team to complete the challenge with out a crew. It’s the responsibility of the crew to care for the cyclists by providing food, clothing, medical care, bicycle repair, massage, and navigation. Crewing for the cyclists will be as much of a challenge as riding itself. It offers some immense rewards of seeing the country, building some lifelong friendships and the pride of getting your cyclists safely around Ireland. The crew includes Colm Casey (Manager), Jimmy Durcan, Jim Tuohy, Ray Mc Hugh, Brendan Scullion, Padraig Conway, Martin Mc Nally, Ray Staunton, Joe Marrey & Jesse Mooney

It is also impossible to enter a team with out the help of sponsors and with three postmen on the An Post team Connacht the first letter seeking a sponsor went to Barney Whelan Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs with An Post. Thankfully An Post came up trumps once again for cycling in Ireland. “Without the support of An Post for our team it is quite simple we would struggle to be on the start line” Barney Whelan said “An Post’s support for cycling in Ireland ranges from basic recruitment to the sport right through to professional level, with our sponsorship of the Sean Kelly Team. The An Post Cycle Series and The Race Around Ireland are great opportunities to support our customers and our own staff who put so much effort and commitment in at amateur level.”

The team has also been selected as the guinea pigs for an exciting research project said Colm Casey Manager of the An Post Team Connacht. While the An Post Team Connacht riders are competing, a group of scientists and researchers from Dublin City University, CLARITY: Centre for Sensor Web Technologies, and NUI Maynooth will be undertaking research into the effect this event will have on competitors and their environment. The effect that this type of ultra endurance cycle racing will have on the body, and how long it will take to recover from such an event, is currently unknown. CLARITY researchers will be working in conjunction with An Post Team Connacht.