Round-up 2015

Well we have come to the end of another season and as the club send out its Christmas post we reflect on the year that was.   Never in our wildest dreams would we have envisaged what would happen at practice for Skerries, but it did and sadly we lost Dr John.   The road race family loss cannot compare to the loss of Dr John to his family and friends, we are sure you will join the committee in sparing a thought for Dr Johns family at this festive time. The Skerries 100 saw full grids, so the race committee had battled and planned well to accommodate as many riders on the grids and get the circuit ready in time.  Blessed again with the weather, there is definitely something about the Skerries 100 and Killalane Road races that attracts the best of everything, best of competitors, best of spectators, best of volunteer crews, best of the best and best of all the best weather!   Only on a couple of occasions in the history of both events has the weather caused any concern. So what’s the secret? Is it the dates that the events are held on? Or is it just pure luck? Or is it what most club members and locals believe that both events are somehow ‘protected’ against the worst of the Irish weather? Many a time we have stood on the circuits and watched storm clouds discharge their cargo of rain on either side of these famous historic Real Road Racing venues and marvelled at how the sun has always shone on the gathered masses sitting on the manicured grass verges waiting patiently for the action to begin. So it was this year as the spectators gathered to behold the gladiatorial battles about to ensue on the world renowned Skerries 100 and Killalane road race circuits in County Fingal, North Dublin, Ireland. The faithful had travelled from all corners of the world some describing their epic journeys as a pilgrimage to pay homage to hero’s they held in great esteem. Killalane has always held a special place in the hearts of Real Road Racing fans. As the ‘traditional’ final event of the Irish racing season many fortunes have been made and lost on the outcome of these final encounters of the year. Fans have flocked to Killalane to witness some of the most memorable and epic encounters in the history of road racing. 2015 was no exception and the loyal followers were treated to some of the closest and most nerve wracking racing ever witnessed on this high speed circuit. Those who had bagged themselves a seat on the grass verges around the circuit were relieved they hadn’t paid a premium price for it because they hardly had time to sit. The excitement was at fever pitch as the unstoppable Michael Dunlop held fast to his clinically precise line and denied the very persistent Derek Shiels that gap that he so skilfully searched out on each lap of each race. So another adrenalin fuelled season came to an end and we said our farewells to admired friends and true professionals who passed over doing what they loved best and what they dedicated their lives to. We hope their families drew comfort in the unconditional admiration and support that was offered by the road racing fraternity and the knowledge that they will always be remembered and revered by a dedicated and loyal group of followers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in both our fantastic events without their experience and expertise we would not be able to run our events. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.....Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club