London Irish Motor Club - Open Meeting - (Mon) 24 Apr 06

Posted: April 22, 2006 9:27 AM

The club has been meeting for the last number of weeks and is keen to attract new members. At a previous meeting it was decided to apply for recognition from the Motorsport Association and a com mittee was formed. Over thirty enthusiasts attended and they elected well-known rally driver Ollie O’Donovan as their inaugural Club President. Killarney man Mickey Smith, who has been involved with other motor clubs for many years is the new clubs chairman. Paul McDevitt (Donegal) was appointed membership secretary. A formal application has been submitted to the Motor Sport Association and it is expected to be officially recognised by early April.

Included in the thirty plus enthusiasts that have already committed to the club are John Reddington and Gerard Moroney – this pair are regular podium finishers on tarmac events driving their Ford Escort and Subaru WRC respectively. Michael O’Brien, a regular front-runner on BTRDA gravel rallies is another well-known figure committed to the success of the new venture. Bernard Glackin, a rally winning codriver, originally form Donegal is another member of the new club, as is Mark Cassidy, one time co-driver to Niall McShea(Former Production World rally champion).

The membership is open to any one from the London area with an interest in motor sport – especially rallying but some current members compete in Hill climb and Sprint championships. Once the club has been formally recognised by the MSA, they will start organising motorsport competitions and social occasions. Current members also expressed an interest in getting involved in local community ventures like the annual St.Patrick’s day parade and fundraising activities for local schools and charities.

Details of the clubs official launch will be discussed at this meeting – plans are afoot to have a motorsport open day and an informal evening gathering sometime in May to formally launch the club. It is intended to have a large range of rally and racing cars belonging to club members on display and officials will be on hand to discuss the clubs activities.

Club President Ollie O’Donovan can be contacted on 07766-774965.
Paul Mc Devitt is the membership secretary and his number 07817-205770.
Membership costs just £20 for the year and special rate is available to families.