Townsend scorches to brilliant sprint win as Feeley leads into final day of Rás

Townsend, an established Irish international, finally got his hands in the air at the end of a ferociously fast fourth stage from Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare to Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath

That winning feeling: Rory Townsend of Team Ireland raises his arms in celebration after winning today's Ras stage into Kilbeggan. Pic: Lorraine O'Sullivan

There was more joy for the Irish at Ras Tailteann today as road captain for the national team Rory Townsend scorched to a brilliant bunch sprint win while Daire Feeley retained the race leader's yellow jersey heading into the tomorrow's final stage.

Townsend, an established Irish international, has gone close a few times this week but finally managed to get his hands in the air today at the end of a ferociously fast fourth stage from Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare to Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.