Brian Steenson cavalcade raises thousands for MND

Brian Steenson cavalcade raises thousands for MND

14 September 2022

THE hugely successful car and motorcycle cavalcade held in Crossgar recently raised £3,300 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Organised by the Brian Steenson Memorial Group, the charity to benefit from this year’s event was chosen by members in memory of Martin Holland’s wife Rosie who sadly passed away in January after a long struggle with the disease. 

Now in its fourth year, the annual cavalcade is hugely popular with the most recent event the largest of its kind ever held in Crossgar.

Organisers have confirmed that 88 classic cars took part in the cavalcade, alongside 177 classic motorcycles, with the star attraction a Metro 6R4 Group B rally car which featured in the cult television series Car SOS.

Owned by local rally enthusiasts Brian McKay and his son Gerard, the famous rally car won the British National Rally Championship in the mid-80s driven by Scottish rally legend David Gillanders.

The other big attraction at the Crossgar cavalcade were the legendary Dromara Destroyers motorcycle road racers Brian Reid, Ray McCullough, Trevor Steele and Ian McGregor.

Event compere, Roy Neil, interviewed the legendary riders who all had great stories to tell to the large crowd who gathered for the rally in Killyleagh Street.

Indeed, Reid and Steele both rode in the cavalcade which made its way to Shrigley, Killyleagh and into Downpatrick before heading back to the village, with large groups of spectators lining the route to view and take photographs of the cars and motorcycles.

As part of the charity fundraiser, Graham Ritchie had on display photographs and memorabilia of Brian Steenson, while Trevor Lindsay had Steenson’s Aermacchi racing machine on display which he rode in the 1968/1969 seasons. 

The Ronnie Donnan Memorial Cup was awarded to Kenneth Patterson from Downpatrick for his 1973 Yamaha 250 RD which was judged the most interesting road motorcycle at the event.

And the J N Brown Memorial Cup was awarded to Ivor Christie from Cullybackey for his 500cc Seeley AJS which was judged the most interesting competition motorcycle. This same motorcycle was ridden in the early seventies by well-known Northern Irish road racer Gordon Bell.

Organisers of the Crossgar event wish to thank compere Roy Neill for providing the running commentary and also extend thanks to Declan and Briege McGonagle, owners of the Corner Inn, for providing tea, sandwiches and hot food which was served all day.

The Brian Steenson Memorial Group is also grateful for the support of local business people who donated prizes for the charity auction and raffle draw. 

And they wish to thank everyone who supported the event to make it a day to remember which raised a fantastic amount for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.