Motorcycling fans planning Killyleagh memorial to racer Steenson

Motorcycling fans planning Killyleagh memorial to racer Steenson

17 April 2019

A GROUP of motorsport enthusiasts have unveiled plans to erect a memorial in Killyleagh in memory of road racer Brian Steenson who lost his life at the Isle of Man TT in 1970.

The news comes just over two months after the Recorder exclusively revealed plans were being drawn up to erect a memorial to road racing legend Tom Herron — in the heart of Newcastle — where he lived for a time.

If both plans are successful, Down District would be home to two memorials to highly regarded motorcycle racers who died while competing in the sport they loved.

Those behind the Newcastle plan said they hope that in the 40th anniversary year of Heron’s death in 1979 during a Superbike race at the North West 200 that a tribute could be erected in his memory in the resort.

Now plans have been unveiled for a second memorial, this time in memory of Steenson with the issue due to be discussed at a meeting in Crossgar next Friday evening, April 26. 

Enthusiasts are keen to see their hero, who sadly died aged just 23, formally remembered with a memorial in 2020 which marks the 50th anniversary of his death at the Nobles Hospital on the island following his crash.

Steenson was born on the Derryboy side of the Clea Lough outside Killyleagh and enthusiasts hope a new memorial can be erected to reflect the esteem in which he was held.

Alan Lyons, who is helping organise next Friday night’s meeting in the Corner Inn, Crossgar, is pleased that Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Mark Murnin is supporting the proposal to erect a memorial in memory of the legendary Tom Herron in Newcastle.

He is also delighted that Rowallane councillor Patrick Brown is an enthusiastic supporter of a memorial to Steenson and hopes other people will come forward with support for a project which could help attract more visitors to the town.

Alan says while it is very early days, those behind the Steenson memorial want people to know what they are planning for a road racer he described as a “one of life’s gentlemen”.

He continued: “We will do whatever we can to erect something in Brian’s memory and are committed to raising funds to help us realise our goal. We hope others will also come forward with their support.

“We were delighted to read recently about plans to remember Tom Herron and believe it is only fitting that we recognise Brian for all he did and indeed the person he was. Brian was an experienced racer and made his TT debut in 1968. 

“A year later, Brian scored a remarkable second place in the Junior race, riding an Aermacchi behind the legendary Giacomo Agostini’s MV Agusta.”

Alan said Steenson, who competed in England, Northern Ireland and Europe, worked as a research engineer employed by BSA in Birmingham. At the time of his tragic death, Brian’s parents had moved to Derryboy Road, Crossgar. 

“None of the Steenson family are longer alive and given the memories Brian left us with and the person he was, we want to do something to remember him. What better way than via a memorial,” he said.

A barbecue is planned as part of next Friday evening’s meeting in Crossgar when Graham Ritchie will be displaying photographs and memorabilia of Brian. 

It is also hoped that Steenson’s Aermacchi racing machine which he rode in the 1968 and 1969 season will be on display.

Alan added: “The consensus amongst our group is that a memorial for Brian should be sited in Killyleagh. I have spoken with local councillors Patrick Brown and Harry Harvey about this venture and both have said they would support having this sporting hero remembered.

“Next week’s meeting will be informal to hear what other people’s thoughts are regarding the planned memorial.”

Anyone would like to contact Alan are asked to do so via 07771 689871 or email alan-lyons@hotmail.co.uk. The meeting starts with a barbecue at 6pm with discussions on the new memorial due to start around 7pm.