Reflections On The Ring of Kerry ‘25

~ Frank Fahy~

Being a relative new comer to cycling, my first Sportive was The Ring Of Kerry in 2022 and I loved every minute of it. As a result I was really looking forward to returning to Killarney for this year’s version of the event, especially given the company I would be riding in; Mike Murphy, Ken Sherry and Simon Burrell. We would also be joined for the weekend by Esmonde Keane, but Esmonde is no mere mortal, choosing to combine the Rings of Kerry and Beara into one event on the day, so he would be riding solo.

My enthusiasm for the ROK was tempered by my experiences doing the Ring Of Beara in ’24 and this year’s Tour De Connemara in horrendous conditions; suffering hypothermia onset in Beara and nearly being blown off the road in torrential rain and gale force winds ascending from Killary Harbour in Connemara. I made sure my fellow ROK participants were made well aware (several times) of my reluctance to travel South if the Weather Gods refused to co-operate for the ROK, as I’ve been broken by my recent experiences and am now a self-declared fair weather cyclist. I spent a nervous week pouring (pun intended) over the Kerry weather forecast in the run up to the event. With a decent outlook and Mike Murphy’s insistence on the application of Rule 5, I set off for Killarney cautiously optimistic for the weekend ahead. It was a good job that I was travelling alone as I stuffed the car with enough cycling gear to cover me for any conditions the Weather Gods would throw at us. I also collected my new STCC hoodie on the way, looking forward to debuting it very appropriately on the eve of the Sportive among the cycling fraternity. The journey to Killarney was uneventful, and the accommodation organised by Mike (though in reality it was his wife Mai) was top class and ideally located in the centre of town. Having settled in and completed the extensive unpacking, we headed to a local gastropub, The Porterhouse, to discuss tactics for the day ahead and to carb load !

Carb Loading the night before

Saturday dawned and with the weather holding, we headed for the Start Line in Killarney at 7:30 full of enthusiasm for the day ahead. 

At the Start Line. Rearing to go

It looked like numbers were down on previous years, which meant a less frenetic first few KM where we could set our own pace and settle into a nice rhythm. Conditions remained good until we reached the coast, about 30km in, around Glenbeigh when the wind and rain hit. It was jackets on and heads down for the next 40km to Cahirciveen, our first food stop. Food and drinks on offer were very welcome, top class, and the very cheerful volunteers at the stop were great. Leaving the food stop, we decided to split into two groups, Ken taking me under his wing, and Mike and Simon riding together. We headed for the first climb in Waterville with the rain still coming down. Thankfully temperatures were good, making things very bearable. Visibility on the climb, the Coomaskista Pass, was very poor, which was a shame as I suspect, from the odd snippet, the scenery was spectacular with rugged landscape and ocean views on both sides. The good news was that once we got over the top of it, the rain stopped and visibility improved. By the time we reached Sneem the sun started to make an appearance. Lots of participants decided to take advantage of the sunshine stopping in Sneem for coffee or lunch. No such thoughts crossed Ken’s mind. We stopped for a quick bio break and water refill (emptying one bag and filling the other) and carried on towards the next food stop in Kenmare at 140km. Some of the road surfaces between Sneem and Kenmare were atrocious. At one stage the rattling was so bad it broke one of my water bottle cages and my water bottle shot across the road. Of course, it was the recently filled bottle, so I had to soldier on with very little left in the remaining one.

It was a pleasure riding with Ken. He brought me along at a good pace, and the conversation was entertaining. However, at one stage he dropped me like a hot potato as his interest was piqued in a couple of very competent female riders who shot by us. Ken gave them chase and stayed with them until Kenmare, but I didn’t have the legs to tag on for long. In fairness, he was waiting for me at the food stop in Kenmare, looking very pleased with himself, and not in the least guilty for dropping me. He is forgiven !

Quality replenishment at the Kenmare food stop

Reunited with Ken, and after recharging in Kenmare we headed off on our last 40km starting with the climb up Molls Gap. A quick stop at the top to cherish the views, capture the moment, and get ready for the descent into Killarney. I still think its mad to see a big Avoca café at the top of Molls Gap. How did they get planning permission for it in such a beauty spot. Only in Kerry ! Still, it did seem to be doing a nice trade, so it meets a need.

Last climb done. Great views from the top of Molls Gap

The descent from Molls Gap into Killarney was fab.  The sun was beating down and the views of the lakes and the National Park were awesome.  It was great fun letting the handbrake off and getting up a nice bit of speed.  There were a few sharp turns to be negotiated on the way but it was a blast.  We made it into Killarney in no time, just to have our average speed dialled back by the traffic jams on the approach into the town. 

It was a very happy moment crossing the finish line, getting the medal, and taking the cheers of all the locals who turned out to applaud our achievement.  An ice cold beer hit the mark as we basked in the sun and waited for the arrival of Mike and Simon.  They arrived soon after and it was great sharing a drink and recounting the tales of the day with them. 

All done. Wearing those medals proudly !

Dinner that night was at Murphy Browne’s where we were joined by Esmonde who had completed the 2 Rings (I guess you could call him The Lord of The Rings). We ended the night in the famous Ready’s which is a warren of drinking holes, reflecting on the day and enjoying the buzz of the place. We all agreed that the Ring Of Kerry remains a great sportive; a great route, very well organised, excellent food stops, super volunteers, loads of people along the route cheering us on, and a great finish in the centre of Killarney with the area sealed off for a good post cycle celebration.

I’m already studying the long range forecast and looking forward to returning in 2026. I’ll be back !