Donegal Hillclimb Weekend - 8-9 Sept 01

Posted: September 5, 2001 1:18 PM

Clerk of the Course for the event, Declan Mc Cay said he was, "it is fabulous to have the confidence of such companies as Graham Motors BMW and InPhone Communications, put financial backing into The Point Lodge ^ÑGolden Mile^Ò National Hillclimb".

"These two companies along with The Point Lodge, recognise that the Donegal Motor Club are bringing a positive focus to the County, by promoting sporting achievement in a field that is exciting to watch for both to followers of MotorSport and the general public."
He added that, "these forward-thinking companies represent all that is good and modern in companies within Ireland to-day."

Our main sponsor The Point Lodge, is a new-concept complex at the forefront of the Irish Tourism and Hospitality Industry, with a modern accommodation block for guests, on par with anywhere in Europe. They are currently developing a holiday caravan park beside the Foyle, similar to those found at such internationally recognised resorts such as Annecy in the Alpine region of France, hoping to tap into the huge tourism market for Ireland and the North-West in particular.

Graham Motors BMW are the main agents in Co. Donegal for the most sought after vehicles in the world, at the very pinnacle of motoring, safety and cutting edge MotorSport in all fields particularly Formula 1. Their products are recognised by the public and by rivals in the motor industry as the standard to which vehicles should be built.

InPhone Communications promote a range of products that are part of the current electronic world revolution that is taking place as we speak. Through the use of such technology, the individual can be contacted almost anywhere, while on the modern car can keep in touch with satellite through the mobile phone. During the week-end of the event, results will be relayed to a local radio newsdesk to keep the local listeners in touch with the progress of the event using an up-to-date results service used to time cars to one-thousandth of a second.

Deputy Clerk of the Course, Dan Gormley, returns to this event as one of the main officials along with John Doherty, the Carndonagh businessman, who were instrumental in bringing the event to the Inishowen area for 2000. Both Dan and John competed together in the late 1970^Òs, and have been instrumental in bringing this event to Inishowen. Commenting, Dan said,^Ô as a competitor in the Donegal Hillclimb in the early days, myself and John always knew that County Donegal had a strong association with RallySport, but lately we thought that Hillclimbing should be given a new lease of life in this area, and we are overwhelmed by the support given by the local residents and the local business community. With The Point Lodge providing this base for the week-end, we only foresee the event attracting more competitors now and in the future.

John Doherty commented, "I am pleased to have one of the associate sponsors from the Carndonagh area, indicating the level of support that the area provides for this event, as has been the case in the past."
Details released for the 8th and 9th of September, show almost a maximum entry of 100 cars on each day of he competition, highlighting the intense interest of competitors from all over Ireland.

Dan Gormley, in a briefing statement, said that, "Roads closed at 9.30a.m. on each of the two days, Saturday & Sunday, opening again at 6.00p.m. Alternative routes close to the course are well signposted, and for anyone visiting the speed event, please follow marshals instructions by parking cars at the place indicated and use the disinfectant mats which have been placed at access points, for the protection of the agricultural community. We ask that spectators follow the instructions given by the Marshals and Officials, and watch from a safe distance. We hope everyone will enjoy the week-end, and the event begins with scrutiny on Friday night at 7.30 in Doherty's Garage, Quigley' Point and in The Point Lodge. The Saturday night prizegiving dinner & dance welcomes anyone who would like to partake of good food and chat after a hard day^Òs Hillclimbing."

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28/08/01
Following on the announcement of the 2001 ‘Golden Mile’ Hillclimb, the Donegal Motor Club has just announced it has a new sponsor for the 2001 event with THE POINT LODGE, at Quigley’s Point, in Inishowen. Clerk of the Course for the event, Declan Mc Cay said he was, “delighted that the Point Lodge had joined the Motor Club in the promotion of this important National Sporting Event.”

Owners of The Point Lodge, Mr. & Mrs O’Neill are, “looking forward to the week-end and the interest the ‘Golden Mile’ Hillclimb is generating in the area.” They added that, “Inishowen had a great MotorSport reputation in the county, with the Shell International Rally having it’s Sunday run in the district for many years.”

The week-end of speed, will host rounds 5 & 6 of the MotorSport Ireland National Hillclimb & Sprint Challenge, and round 2 & 3 of the Oil Burner Trading Donegal Motor Club Championship. Spectators can expect to see some exotic cars competing in the event, some of the more familiar rally cars competing against National competitors in their single-seater machinery such as the Philbeams, which are only one step away from a Formula 1 car on appearance and performance. Already entries for the event are filling up as the competitors are keen to try out this new course.

Entries are now open and available from:
Joan Reid, Illistrin, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Entries close on 31st August 2001.

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23/08/01
Donegal Motor Club has just announced brief details of it’s Innishowen based National Championship Hillclimb at Glentogher, named the ‘Golden Mile’ after the famous gold strike from up in the National Museum in Dublin.

A few miles from Carndonagh, in Inishowen the Donegal Motor Club will run its second event in 2001.
Clerk of the Course for the event, Declan Mc Cay announced details for the week-end of 8th & 9th of September.

The week-end of speed, will host rounds 5 & 6 of the Hillclimb MotorSport Ireland Championship, normally the Frank Keane Trophy, and this will be round 2 & 3 of the Oil Burner Trading Donegal Motor Club Championship.

The number of entries for the event are expected to be in high demand from all across the country, and regulations are now available from:
Joan Reid,
Illistrin,
Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal,
closing on Friday 31st August 2001. Internet users can log on to the Donegal Motor Club website
www.donegalmotorclub.com
for regulations and information relating to the event.

Donegal Motor Club Chairman, Tom Higgins said he was, “delighted to see this important National event return to Co. Donegal, and looked forward to a great week-end’s MotorSport”.

The event will consist of a ‘double header format’, with two separate hillclimbs taking place, one on Saturday 8th and repeated again on Sunday 9th of September.
Roads will be closing for the competition each day @ 9.00 a.m. with the first practice runs starting at 10.30 a.m.