By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent
The Gene Moriarty Cup is the highlight of the Irish cycling calendar this Sunday in Listowel, Co. Kerry, but the town is also famous for the Writers Week and the Festival of Horse racing in September. The local community are very supportive of all things that bring people to the town
Organiser Tadgh Moriarty has once again set the bar when it comes to the promotion of a cycle race. "I have been around for a quiet a while and I recognise that it is important that when it comes to bike racing, what is needed," he said. "My first priority has been the safety of the competitors, but equally the general public who I don't wish to discommode. After all, I need everybody's support and particularly the local community."
Defending champion Ken Norgrove is in buoyant mood. "Yes, I feel that with the way the All System Dublin Wheeler team is going at the moment, that I have a better than average chance of repeating my success of a year ago." Since the McGraths Concrete Ras Connachta a couple of weeks ago, the ‘Wheelers' have been doing the business. So, we'll wait and see the outcome on Sunday in the Kingdom.
The injury sustained by Eugene Moriarty of MyHome.ie back in April seems to have healed, so Listowel should see the team that has been in the news last week with the sale of the company for €50 million.
Coming into form at the moment is the M Donnelly Stamullen Racing Team, and they will surely be a force to be reckoned with. Craig Sweetman's victory in the Leinster Road Racing Championship hasn't gone unnoticed.
