DONORE, Co. Meath, July 20, 2025 – Craig Sweetman, a celebrated fixture in Irish road cycling for decades, has died unexpectedly at age 52. His passing has sent ripples of shock and sorrow through the cycling community.
Tributes Pour In for Beloved Irish Cyclist Craig Sweetman
A dedicated member of Stamullen Road Club since his teenage years, Sweetman maintained a competitive edge, racing robustly throughout his veteran years. His commitment to the sport spanned decades, including 11 appearances in the prestigious Rás Tailteann and an international debut at the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan in 2002.
Sweetman’s son, Toby (VC Glendale), achieved a significant victory the week before his father’s passing, winning a stage of the Junior Tour of Ireland while representing the Irish team. Craig had been present at the ‘Peter Bidwell’ race in Donore, Co. Meath, on Saturday evening. Though unable to compete due to an injury, he was spectating when he became unwell and tragically passed away later that evening.
Sport: Some very sad news in local cycling circles this weekend with the sudden passing of road race stalwart and @StamullenRC member Craig Sweetman.
Ar dheas de go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/GzAsKgcGbn— LMFM RADIO (@LMFMRADIO) July 20, 2025
Sweetman’s career was marked by numerous accolades. He secured second place in the Classic League in 2002 and claimed the men’s senior Leinster road race championship. Even in recent years, he continued to achieve strong results, including winning the Masters 50 title at the Masters National Road Race Championships in Clonard, Co. Meath, two years ago.
His passion extended to mentoring. Sweetman generously shared his extensive knowledge, guiding younger riders and those beginning their racing journeys. He was set to be interviewed about his son Toby’s Junior Tour success, a plan now postponed out of respect.
Toby recalled his father’s crucial advice during the Junior Tour, a tip that directly contributed to his stage win. Craig had instructed him to be at the front of the race at a specific point, anticipating a race split that indeed occurred, allowing Toby to make the front group and secure victory in the sprint.
He is survived by his wife, Gilly, and their sons, Toby and Tyler. His absence will be deeply felt across the Irish cycling landscape, leaving a void among his many friends and fellow competitors.
