Kells Road Races cancelled as national meeting is first to be called off in Republic of Ireland due to COVID-19 pandemic

The Kells meeting in Co Meath has become the first Irish national road race in the Republic of Ireland to be cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
By Kyle White
Published 22nd Mar 2020, 13:50 BST
Updated 22nd Mar 2020, 13:59 BST
Derek Sheils leads Michael Sweeney at the Kells Road Races in 2019.Derek Sheils leads Michael Sweeney at the Kells Road Races in 2019.
Derek Sheils leads Michael Sweeney at the Kells Road Races in 2019.

The promoting North Meath Road Racing Club Ltd confirmed the news on Saturday. The event was scheduled to be the first southern road race on the calendar from June 20-21.

A statement from club chairperson Johnny Farrelly said: “After receiving official confirmation from our governing body, the MCUI (SC), we can confirm that the Kells Road Races will NOT go ahead on our original dates for this year.

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“As a club we do not wish to put residents, riders, spectators or officials in danger and feel the right decision has been made.

“After a successful 2019 we were all looking forward to this year’s event but we look forward to bringing bikes back to Crossakiel in 2021.”

The news follows the postponement of the Cookstown 100, Tandragee 100 and North West 200. The organisers of the Cookstown race hope to run their event in September, but no alternative dates have yet been suggested for Tandragee or the NW200.

Last week, the Isle of Man TT and Southern 100 events were cancelled. For now, the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix in August remain on.

Related topics:Republic of IrelandCovid-19

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