Irish cycling community ‘devastated’ at the death of champion ‘stalwart of road scene’ aged 52
THE Irish cycling community is in mourning following the sudden death of a star rider.
Craig Sweetman, 52, late of Mornington, Co Meath and Skerries in Dublin, had made eleven appearances in Rás Tailteann and also competed internationally, having made his debut in Japan in 2002.
Sweetman had attended the Peter Bidwell race in Donore last Saturday evening.
However, he was not racing due to an injury and sadly died at his home on Sunday after taking ill.
Irishcycling.com posted a tribute to the married father-of-two who celebrated with his teenage son, Toby, recently after he won a stage of the Junior Tour of Ireland.
It read: “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.”
Stickybottle.com said that the long-term member of Stamullen Road Club in Meath was a popular figure on the Irish road racing scene for decades.
They wrote: “He was a stalwart of the Irish road scene, with a racing career marked by a rare long-term commitment 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 second 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.
“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.”
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.
He will lie in repose at his home on Wednesday from 5-8pm.
His removal will take place on Thursday to St Patrick’s Church, Skerries arriving for 10am mass.
Mourners will then gather at Dardistown Crematorium.