George Kimber climbs into yellow with commanding Wolftrap victory
Stage four from Ennis to Mountrath brought ferocious racing across 128.1km, with attacks from the very start and relentless pace all the way to the final climb.
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The flag dropped under blue skies and high speeds, with 24km covered in just 28 minutes — an average of 51.4km/h. The bunch stayed together through Bodyke and Whitegate, with riders like Clay Davies (21) repeatedly testing the waters.
After numerous failed attempts at attacks, a break of six finally stuck near the 90km mark: Dom Jackson (1) – Foran CT, Tom Martin (37) – Wheelbase/Cabtech/Castelli, Kim Satchel (60) – Good Guys Racing NYC, Cian Keogh (64) – Team Skyline, Gareth O'Neill (95) – Cycling Ulster and Evan Keane (117) – Pinergy–Orwell Wheelers.
After two hours of racing, the average speed remained a searing 50.4 km/h before hitting the Category 1 Wolftrap with three km of climbing ahead — and that's where the fireworks truly began.
From the yellow jersey group, Kimber, Dean Harvey, Jamie Meehan, and Adam Lewis surged clear, with Kimber, Meehan, and Harvey forming a lead trio on the descent.
With the bunch splintering behind, Odhran Doogan (Cycling Ulster) attacked in defence of yellow but was unable to bridge across.
Kimber rode away solo in the closing kilometres to take a brilliant win in Mountrath, with Meehan and Harvey completing the podium.
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The Irish Sun
22-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Irish cycling community ‘devastated' at the death of champion ‘stalwart of road scene' aged 52
THE Irish cycling community is mourning the sudden death of a cycling star, 52, who made eleven appearances in Rás Tailteann and also competed internationally having made his debut in Japan in 2002. Craig Sweetman late of Mornington, Co Meath and Skerries in Dublin attended the 'Peter Bidwell' race in Donore last Saturday evening. Advertisement 1 Craig Sweetman has sadly passed away Credit: He was not racing due to an injury. He took ill and died at his home on Sunday. 'Craig was such a likeable guy and a superb rider, he was still racing and a regular at events. "His son Toby has followed in dad's footsteps and is very successful in the junior ranks. This is devastating news for the cycling.' Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport 'He was a stalwart of the Irish road scene, with a racing career marked by a rare longterm committment that included eleven appearances in Rás Tailteann. "He was also an international rider, making his debut at the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan in 2002. Craig was also 2nd in the Classic League in 2002 and won a large number of races at the height of his career, including being crowned men's senior Leinster road race champion. Advertisement Most Read in The Irish Sun He was still placing in races this year and two years ago won the Masters 50 title at Masters National Road Race Championships in Clonard, Co Meath. He had remained very committed to cycling down the years, and passed on much of his vast knowledge to younger riders and those in the early stages of their racing careers.' Bizarre moment Tour de France rider snatches cardboard sign off stunned fan... but had brilliant reason for doing it Mr Sweetman worked for the Dublin Airport Police and Fire Authority. He is survived by his wife Gill, their sons Toby and Tyler, parents Tony and Mona, siblings Jeff, Dale and Kadie, extended family, work colleagues and a large circle of friends. Advertisement He will lie in repose at his home tomorrow (Wed) evening from 5 – 8pm. His removal will take place on Thursday morning to St Patrick's Church, Skerries arriving for 10am mass. Mourners will then gather at Dardistown Crematorium.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shock and sadness following sudden death of champion cyclist as tributes pour in
The Irish cycling community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of a champion road racer who was "loved by all in the cycling world." Craig Sweetman, 52, originally from Skerries in Co Dublin but late of Mornington in Co Meath, passed away suddenly at his home after taking ill on Sunday. A death notice shared on states that he will be "sadly missed by his loving wife Gill, sons Toby and Tyler, parents Tony and Mona, brothers Jeff and Dale, sister Kadie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, work colleagues and a large circle of friends especially those in the Irish Cycling Community." Mr Sweetman, who worked as an airport policeman, was a leading and influential figure in the Irish cycling community and had been a member of Stamullen Road Club in Meath since he was 14 years old. The father-of-two competed in cycling events in Ireland and abroad for over three decades and made more than 11 appearances in Rás Tailteann, an annual international cycling stage race held in Ireland. Mr Sweetman passed away on Sunday at the age of 52 Mr Sweetman was an extremely gifted cyclist who won a number of races at the height of his career, including the 2006 Leinster Road Race Championships, the Brendan Carroll Memorial and the Ballivor Grand Prix, while he also represented his country on many occasions. The 52-year-old was still racing at a highly competitive level and was recently crowned a national masters champion. Mr Sweetman's son Toby has followed in his father's footsteps and has developed into one of the leading lights in the Irish cycling scene, with the family celebrating just last week when the 18-year-old claimed a stunning stage win at the Junior Tour of Ireland while riding for the Irish Team. Mr Sweetman's sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Irish cycling community, with heart-breaking tributes pouring in for the hugely popular figure. In a message shared on social media, Lucan Cycling Road Club said: "We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Sweetman family. It was an absolute shock when we heard of Craig's passing. He was a gentleman and a fierce competitor on the bike. "Some of our members have been racing against Craig for 30 years and they can all confess, he has cycling DNA in his blood. From club leagues to Rás stages he did it all. Age didn't keep him back and he kept racing hard always chasing that win, and man, he knew how to win races. He was an inspiration to young and old in the cycling community. Life is all about moments & It's been great to see his son Toby following in his footsteps with his very recent success in the Irish jersey. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. "We will miss Craig. May he Rest in peace." Mr Sweetman represented Ireland on a number of occasions Bear Cycling Club also paid an emotional tribute to the champion road racer in a message which read: "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Sweetman family on the devastating loss of Craig. His passing has come as an absolute shock to us all, and we are profoundly saddened by this news. "Craig was more than just a cyclist; he was a true gentleman and a formidable competitor whose passion for the sport was undeniable. He had cycling DNA in his blood. From club leagues to Rás stages, he did it all. "Age was never a barrier for Craig; he continued to race with fierce determination, always chasing that win with an incredible drive and an innate understanding of how to cross the finish line first. He was, without a doubt, an inspiration to both young and seasoned cyclists within our community. "Life is indeed about moments, and it has been a true joy to witness his son, Toby, follow in his footsteps, recently achieving success in the Irish jersey. It's clear the apple didn't fall far from the tree, and Craig's legacy will undoubtedly live on through Toby's achievements. "We will dearly miss Craig—his presence, his competitive spirit, and his enduring love for cycling. May he rest in peace." Mr Sweetman had been a member of the Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service for over 25 years, with his colleagues paying an emotional tribute to the popular father-of-two in a heart-breaking statement shared online. "It's with deep sadness, we share the funeral details of our dear friend and colleague, Craig Sweetman," they said. "Since joining our force in September 1998, Craig was a shining example of professionalism, dedication, and kindness. His thoughtful nature and attention to detail set a high standard for everyone he worked alongside. "This dedication was also mirrored in his love for cycling over the years he worked with us both nationally and internationally. "Craig was more than a colleague—he was a devoted husband, a loving father and son, and a loyal friend. His absence is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. "Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time." Mourners have also left tributes to the champion cyclist, with a close pal saying: "Sad to hear of Craig passing. My sincere sympathy to Gill, the boys and the family. Worked with Craig for many years and he was a true professional and a true gent. I never saw him in bad form and he always had a kind word for anyone he met. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm." Another person added: "Sincere condolences to the Sweetman family on Craigs untimely passing. It was a privilege to work with him , he was not only a champion cyclist but a champion bloke too." While a third mourner said: "Shocked and saddened on the sudden passing of Craig, I have known Craig over 30 years through cycling and then working in DAA over the years, he was an absolute gentleman and his enthusiasm for cycling was unmatched. I was delighted to see Toby getting his stage win 2 weeks ago in the Junior Tour and I know how proud Craig was training with and following Tobys progress over the last few years." Mr Sweetman will lie in repose at his home on from 5pm until 8pm on Wednesday evening, with removal on Thursday morning to St. Patrick's Church in Skerries arriving for 10am Mass followed by funeral to Dardistown Crematorium. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The 42
03-07-2025
- The 42
'There will be a huge appetite to go again' - Galway's recovery from shock All-Ireland exit
FORMER GALWAY FOOTBALLER Michael Meehan is confident that Pádraic Joyce's squad will recover from their shock All-Ireland exit and be competitive in 2026. Galway, who contested last year's All-Ireland final, were dumped out of the championship by Meath at the weekend after an error-strewn performance. Poor handling, decision-making, and shot selection contributed to Galway's demise in Croke Pa But despite the manner of their quarter-final defeat, Meehan still believes Galway can reload for another charge at Sam Maguire next year, having reached the finals in 2022 and 2024. 'I think there will be a huge appetite and desire to go at it again. There's still the bones of a very strong squad there. It's that initial getting over the losses and moving on. When things start being lined up again, probably next October or November, that's when it all has to start in earnest, straight back into it in the league next year.' A disappointed Damien Comer after Galway's All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Meath. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO Meehan pointed to players like Céin D'Arcy and John Maher who have reignited their inter-county careers under Joyce's watch. D'Arcy has been particularly effective in the air at kickout time while Maher has continued to maintain his high standards after winning an All-Star last year. Advertisement Rising star Matthew Thompson has also impressed Meehan this year. After captaining the Galway U20s last year, Thompson broke through to the senior team in 2025, bringing a big boost to the forward line in the absence of the injured Damien Comer. 'He's been fantastic,' says Meehan. 'A breath of fresh air. An amazing player for his age and how he grew into the role.' Meehan continued by drawing a comparison between Thompson and former Galway forward, Paul Clancy, who was part of the squad who won two All-Irelands in 1998 and 2001. 'He just reminds me a little bit of Paul Clancy. He had a similar left foot where he could just find a pass and maybe no one else could find or see. He's a hugely exciting prospect for Galway. 'From game one all the way on, he just brought a little bit more each day to get him to the stage there. In the last few games where he probably has one of the most touches on the ball, he's trusted to carry ball, to link up play, to make the right decisions. We saw his pass for Shane's goal in the last game against Down as an example. He's done umpteen of those passes.' Michael Meehan was speaking as part of Solgar's Golden Moments campaign. Solgar, a leading provider of high-quality nutritional supplements is the official vitamin partner of the GAA/GPA and partner of the GAA Museum. Meehan can relate to Comer's injury frustrations having suffered with ankle, knee and shoulder issues throughout his own career with Galway. The Annaghdown forward made a notable contribution off the bench against Meath on Sunday, but Meehan laments the disruptions that Comer has suffered again this season. 'You'd be disappointed for Damien because he'd be a senior player in that group. He's one of the leaders of the group. It hasn't been straightforward for a number of years now. 'This year has been very difficult for him. I know from personal experience, [that] it's a difficult time when you're sidelined at length. You just can't get involved. 'I was delighted that he did make a big impact in the game with scores and assists and turnovers. He got fouled for a free as well. He contributed an awful lot. 'You'd love to have seen him for longer on Sunday and all the other days. But it's been difficult for him managing the injuries. He has played so little this year, I'd say, probably more than any year.' Joyce has completed his sixth season as manager of the Galway footballers but has firmly said he will not be making 'any rash decisions' about his future. The role of veteran midfielder Paul Conroy has also changed this year, coming on as an impact sub at times including the Meath game. Meehan declined to speculate on what either might do for next season but says the entire group will use the club championship to reset before making any calls on the 2026 campaign. 'I suppose the hardest days are the few straight after a tough loss like that. 'But they'll all go back playing club championship. You just don't know what people will do and what they're prepared to sign up to when everything settles down. There's a bit of time off now or certainly time away from the county scene for the Galway players.'
