Cork Cycling: McCrystal, Heverin and Lane led charge Cycling Ireland Youth National Championships

The 2025 Cycling Ireland Youth National Championships brought two days of top-tier youth racing to North Cork, hosted by Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club and Fermoy CC. 

With events spanning time trials and road races in Knocknagree and a fast-paced criterium at Fermoy Mart, the weekend showcased the best of Ireland’s young cycling talent.

Rían McCrystal (Bear Cycling) was one of the standout performers, claiming gold in all three U16 Boys events, time trial, road race and criterium. His dominance across disciplines confirmed his reputation as one of Ireland’s brightest young stars and capped off a summer that also saw the Louth native represent Ireland at the European Youth Olympics.

Emer Heverin (All Human-VeloRevolution) delivered a commanding performance in the U16 Girls, winning gold in the three events as well. Her solo road race win was one of the most impressive rides of the weekend.

Tom Lane (Dan Morrissey Pissei), a proud Corkman, won gold in the U15 Boys time trial, road race and criterium, showing his all-round strength and tactical awareness.

Cullen Murphy (O’Leary Stone Kanturk) swept the U13 Boys category, winning three golds. Joel Cummins, also racing under the guidance of Danny and Joan Curtin with the O’Leary Stone Kanturk Cycling Club, secured gold in the road race and bronze in the time trial (TT), showcasing both endurance and speed across the multi-stage competition.

Sliabh Luachra CC not only co-hosted the event but also delivered a string of podium performances:

Cara O’Sullivan from Cullen (U12 Girls) brought home two golds (TT and Criterium) and a bronze (Road Race).

Caroline Collins, Tullease (U11 Girls) won gold in the Criterium, and added silver medals in the TT and Road Race.

George Cleverley Rathmore (U11 Boys) claimed gold in the Criterium.

Caoilfhionn Foley Banteer (U14 Girls) earned three silvers across TT, Road Race, and Criterium.

Ethan Reale Gneeveguilla (U14 Boys) took two silvers (Road Race and Criterium) and a bronze in the TT.

Kieran Mulvaney Ovens (U15 Boys) secured bronze in the Road Race.

From Fermoy’s perspective, Shane O'Brien took bronze in the U16 TT and armed with local knowledge Max McGrath gold in the boys U12 crit.

UNFORGETTABLE

Both Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club and Fermoy CC extended their heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the 2025 Youth Nationals a safe, successful, and unforgettable event.

Special appreciation went to the marshals, volunteers, Gardaí, medics, support crews, and commissaires who ensured smooth operations and safety throughout the weekend. 

Keith Colville provided live updates and expert commentary, keeping spectators and participants informed and engaged at every stage. 

The clubs were grateful for the support of Knocknagree and Fermoy residents for their patience, cheers, and support, which created an electric atmosphere. Knocknagree Fairfield Tidy Towns and the Knocknagree Community Development Group offered hospitality and the use of facilities.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of sponsors including Farm & Home Store, Cycling Munster, Kerry Dairy Ireland, Verge, Reens Rathmore Car Sales, HPNutrition.ie, and O'Keeffe's Homevalue Hardware. A special thanks was also given to Fermoy Mart for providing the ideal venue for the final day’s action.