ANICC Awards Evening - (Sat) 30 Feb 10

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Posted: February 1, 2010 1:02 PM

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ANICC Special Achievement Award Winners

Posted: February 1, 2010 12:56 PM

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Northern Ireland's Motorsport Competitors Celebrate Outstanding Success!

Posted: February 1, 2010 12:27 PM

Despite being a relatively small country, Northern Ireland is bursting with motorsport talent, and that was evident at Saturday's annual Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs' (ANICC) awards evening!

With an impressive array of more than 200 trophies, the finest competitors in the country were present at Portadown's Seagoe Hotel. From autotesting to racing, hill climbing and rallying, the star-studded evening was a night to remember, as competitors celebrated the success achieved in various motorsport disciplines during the 2009 season.

For many, 2009 was a year full of highs and lows, with plenty of memorable moments. Unfortunately, some of those moments were memorable for all the wrong reasons! But those with the determination to succeed were rewarded on Saturday as their names were etched into the history books and on to the winning trophies.

There were a few surprises in store as well, and not only for competitors. The ANICC also presented two lifetime achievement awards to a couple of very special individuals, with Robin McKinney and Ronnie Trouton MBE receiving their awards as special recognition for their services to motorsport.

Robin is a stalwart of the Ulster Automobile Club and was an acknowledged competitor. Initially, he became involved in the sport as a competitor, and won the Circuit of Ireland Rally in 1955 and 1956. He later concentrated on the administration side, and went on to become an accomplished club and event secretary, International Clerk of Course and Steward. Impressively, it was Robin who was instrumental in introducing special stage rallying into Ireland in the '60s.

"Receiving the award was a great honour," McKinney said afterwards, "especially as this was first time the award had been given. It's also very nice to see Ronnie receive the same. He's an old friend and we go back a long way, back when the ANICC was formed."

Ronnie Trouton has also enjoyed many years of involvement within the sport, and was present at the formation meeting of the ANICC in 1963. He has represented Dungannon Motor Club, North Armagh Motorcycle and Car Club and more recently the Autotest Drivers' Club during the intervening years.

However, it is through the ANICC that Ronnie has become best known, and he has held the posts of Secretary, Chairman and President over the years. He also represented ANICC at the Royal Automobile Club and Motor Sports Association (MSA), spending many years as Chairman of the MSA Autotest Committee, and was also elected to the Board of MSA during this time.

Formerly a member of the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, Ronnie also chaired their Lottery Committee and currently keeps up to date with all things motorsport in his role as an active International Steward.

"It was a complete surprise!" Trouton said after receiving his award. "I knew Robin was receiving a lifetime achievement award but I had no idea that I was also going to receive one. I have spent many years involved in motorsport so it was a lovely surprise and very much appreciated."

Five competitors also claimed Special Achievement Awards for the outstanding success that they enjoyed further afield during the 2009 season.

Receiving these special recognitions were
Dungannon's Kris Meeke (Intercontinental Rally Champion),
Portadown's Adam Carroll (A1GP Champion),
Portadown's Colin Turkington (British Touring Car Champion),
Draperstown's Martin McCormack (British Citroen Racing Trophy champion,
British Junior champion)
and Maghera's Eugene Donnelly (Irish Tarmac Champion for a record equalling fifth time).

Kris Meeke also collected the ANICC Northern Ireland Motorsport award, which is regarded as the number one prize in Northern Ireland motorsport. Members of the media, motor clubs and ANICC council members had all been given the opportunity to nominate a competitor who they considered worthy of the award. And after all votes were counted, Kris emerged as a very worthy winner of the 2009 award.

Londonderry's Robert McDaid received the ANICC Clubman of the Year award. He was Head of Communications and Assistant Clerk of Course at last year's Rally Ireland. He still competes regularly, usually as a co-driver, and finished third overall with Sean Devine at the 2009 Topaz Donegal International Rally.

Speaking on behalf of the ANICC, Chairman Henry Campbell, said:
"This has been a tremendous evening for Northern Ireland Motorsport. This small country has the ability to produce some exceptional driving talent and in 2009, many achieved their personal goals and have been recognised on the International stage."

"Whilst I also congratulate Kris Meeke on being selected for the 2009 ANICC Motorsport Award, I feel it is important to offer support and congratulations to all of our award winners, and especially to each of the winners of our Special Achievement Awards. They represent the 'icing on the cake' in terms of our very talented drivers and co-drivers. I wish everyone a safe and successful year's motorsport during 2010."

With the triumphs of 2009 behind them, competitors are gearing up towards another successful season. Many championships are already underway, and there are sure to be some tight battles in all disciplines. More details about all forms of four-wheeled motorsport in Northern Ireland can be found online at

Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs - www.motorsportni.org