Slogan: “From the Wild West to the Wider World – Grit, Gravel, and Good Craic.”
The Raceface Group is a crew of endurance and gravel cyclists from across the West of Ireland — bound together by a love of adventure, suffering, storytelling, and the odd beverage.
United under the Raceface Events banner, they bike-pack, run, row, hike, and sometimes even race each other (or the sunset) across Ireland and abroad.
They’re not a “formal team” per se — more like a tribe. A loose (and occasionally lost) bunch representing the West’s cycling, hiking, running, and adventure-racing soul. Equal parts grit, humour, and healthy rivalry, they prove that endurance is a lifestyle, not a category.
Core Members by Club
Western Lakes CC / Westport Covey Wheelers
Padraig Marrey
Originally from Ballinrobe — the godfather of Raceface and one of the true endurance pioneers of the West.
Organiser, coach, ultra-rider, motivator, and master of the long route. If there’s a map, Padraig will draw a longer line on it — preferably uphill, into a headwind, and ending somewhere scenic but miles from the nearest pub.
Darragh Delaney
Western Lakes CC man, endurance athlete, and the group’s resident gadget guru. Loves the fine print of events — the kind who can turn suffering into spreadsheets. A diesel engine on the bike and a wizard with a GoPro off it.
Bryan Hyland
The Muscles from Carrowholly — built like a sprinter, but now addicted to the long grind. Karaoke king, full-time character. His next great challenge? The World’s Toughest Row in December 2026 — rowing the Atlantic with Tom Bourke. Expect sea shanties, snacks, and a few questionable tan lines.
Noel Brady
A man for all seasons — the original Brady Bunch ringleader. Witty, stubborn as Mayo granite, and allergic to quitting. His “angry man” reputation is 50% myth, 50% motivation (and 100% entertaining).
Michael Brady
Brother of Noel and proud to be called the No. 1 Cove. Often seen “tagging along,” but mysteriously always near the front when it matters — especially when there’s a finish line or a bar counter involved.
Noel Kelly
Known as The Honey Badger — takes a hammering and just keeps coming. Tough as nails and just as sharp. If you think he’s dropped, check again — he’ll be at the finish waiting, pint in hand.
Mike Flynn
The Quiet Man — cool, calm, and calculating. Never wastes energy or words. You’ll hear him about as often as you’ll beat him up a climb.
Eamon Daly
New recruit for 2025, but already proven. Earned his stripes at the legendary Traka 360k in Girona — a baptism of dust and pain. Calm, humble, and built for the long haul.
David Hopkins
Part triathlete, part ultra-runner, full-blown endurance nut. Has completed the Marathon des Sables, which tells you all you need to know. The man can swim, ride, and run through anything — usually with a grin.
Anthony Murray
The young gun — fast, fearless, and versatile. A former Rás rider with pro stints in Australia, now channelling that race fire into running his own bike shop while coaching classes and showing his cliental how it’s done. Expect fireworks and ferocity, often in equal measure.
Tom Bourke
Turns up when you least expect it and always leaves a mark. Currently swapping handlebars for oars — teaming up with Bryan Hyland for the 2026 Atlantic Row. When he’s not on the sea, he’s plotting the next big escape.
Noel Mulroy
New face for 2025 and already fully embedded. Fresh off the 5-Day Rás Tailteann, still has to cut his cloth in the real long stuff but should be no bother to him. Noel’s now obsessed with capturing the chaos on camera. Expect all kinds of camera angle shots, laughter, and the occasional scenic detour (accidental or otherwise).
Kilteevan CC (Roscommon)
John Gilleran
Roscommon’s all-rounder — cycling, hiking, running, racing — if it involves fresh air and a bit of hardship, he’s there. Full of energy, enthusiasm, and chat. You’ll hear him before you see him, and you’ll miss him when he’s gone.
Donegal Bay CC
Damien Foley
A Kenlough man and long-time member of the extended Raceface family. He shows up when the sun (and holidays) appear. Back in the day, he was a fearless descender — gravity was optional. These days, gravity’s winning a few rounds, but he’s still dangerous on a hill going down..
Islandeady CC
Trevor Costello
The gravel guru and newly converted cyclo-cross addict. Lives for anything with two wheels and a bit of chaos. Also a dedicated hiker — the type who sleeps under the stars and calls it “five-star accommodation.”
The Raceface Identity
They’re not just a group — they’re a movement of the West.
Part racing unit, part adventure syndicate, all heart.
Their collective spirit has powered them through all sorts of lunacy:
- The Haute Alps route (Geneva to Nice)
- Atlantic Coast to Mediterranean Coast – Trans Pyrenees
- The TRAKA (Girona)
- Paris–Brest–Paris
- Super Randonneurs Series
- The Highest Peaks Challenge – Ireland and UK in 24 hours
- Even a world record for metres ascended and descended in 24 hours
Add in dozens of solo missions, team trips, and wild notions that start over a pint and somehow end with a passport stamp.
They share routes, recon rides, laughs, and a healthy amount of slagging — usually at themselves.
The Raceface Calendar Includes
- Wild Mayo Ultra
- Gravel Grind West
- New for 2026: The Mayo TRAKA
“We don’t chase podiums — we chase horizons.”
