Stephen Delaney R.I.P.

Stephen Delaney a member of the Irish Team in the 1983 Franco Belge

Stephen was originally from Sutton in Dublin, in the late 70's he started cycling as an underage rider with the Howth Viking's and later joined the Tara Road club, racing with the successful brothers Paul and Raphael Kimmage, under the guidance of their father, Christy. Stephen had a talent for time trials and was an excellent climber. The oldest memory for me was when he came to people's notice winning the prestigious '42 mile Mountain Time Trial' in Wicklow in the early 80's, this put him in the top echelon of cyclists in Ireland.

Stephen excelled at Time Trials winning the National TT Championships and clocked up numerous results in road races over the following years. (Link to a 1984 race Stephen won)

His most notable achievement was in 1984, at 21 years of age, Stephen entered the FBD Ras Tailteann in the Dublin Leyland county team. The Rás back then was an 8-day race with 13 stages, as our premier race it had the top Irish and many international riders in the race.

Stephen took the lead about mid-way into the race, winning Stage 5B Time Trial up the Healy Pass climb in Kerry, he held the lead back to the finish in Dublin.

In 1984 Stephen Delaney (Dublin Leyland) won the FBD Milk Ras with John Shortt (Galway Rosengrens) 2nd, Raphael Kimmage (Raleigh Ireland) 3rd, Jimmy McQuillan (Antrim) 4th and Jamie McGahan (Dublin SKIL) 5th.

After winning the Rás in 1984, Stephen represented Ireland on many international teams, he also went to do some racing in France, after which he returned and continued racing at top level, joining the Cidona Carrick Wheelers.

1985 Tour of Poland: L-R Michael Kinsella, Stephen Delaney and Paul Kimmage

Separate from road racing, during the winter months, Stephen enjoyed mountain biking and came out with the MAD MTB club I was a member of. He was a pleasure to know, he was great at helping newcomers with advice on cycling as he had a wealth of knowledge.

In his later years, his huge experience and knowledge led him to the sport of Triathlon, he joined Triathlon Ireland’s staff as a National Development Coach and in recent years was promoted to the role of Performance Director.

His death is a huge shock to me, as I had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a super rider and a gentleman. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Debbie, his children Max and Adam, his parents Paul and Maeve, his brother John and his extended family and friends.

May he rest in peace

DEATH NOTICE
DELANEY - Stephen (Steve) (Castleknock, Dublin 15) August 26th, 2026 (peacefully) surrounded by his loving family and in the care of the staff at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.

Beloved husband of Deborah (Debbie) and much-loved father of Max and Adam. Sadly missed by his loving wife, daughter, son, mother Maeve, father Paul, brother John, mother-in-law Josephine, father-in-law Don, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and colleagues, athletes and friends, especially those from Triathlon Ireland, 3D Triathlon Club and from his proud cycling career.

Reposing at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Blanchardstown on Sunday evening (August 30th) from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Removal on Monday morning (August 31st) to St. Mochta’s Church, Porterstown arriving for Funeral Mass at 11.00am followed by a private family cremation.

Donations, in lieu of flowers to St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.

RIP Notice Link: Click Here

A look back at one of Stephen's wins