Circuit of Ireland on way to Downpatrick

Circuit of Ireland on way to Downpatrick

15 January 2014

MOTORSPORT fans are in for a great with the announcement that the Circuit of Ireland Rally is returning to Down District this Easter.

Downpatrick and the Mournes will host special stages of the iconic rally, reviving memories of the glory years when star drivers such as Jimmy McRae, Billy Coleman, Russell Brookes and David Llewellin.

Circuit of Ireland Event Director Bobby Willis, alongside Down Council chairman Maria McCarthy, confirmed the Circuit of Ireland will visit the area on Good Friday, April 18.

Also at the launch was Downpatrick driver and Circuit of Ireland competitor Fintan McGrady, who is clearly delighted at the prospect of competing in front of local fans.

“I’ve competed in this world famous event many times during the last two decades and it’s truly a unique experience,” he said.

“As a native of this region it will be extra special competing on my home turf and I’m sure there will be lots of spectators cheering on all the local competitors.”    

Downpatrick will be one of the hubs of the event with rally cars, team members and fans converging in the centre of the county town.

As well as having the opportunity to get up close and personal with the rally competitors, the public will also be able to enjoy a range of family focused-activities and entertainment organised by Down Council and experience the cultural heritage and visitor attractions that Downpatrick has to offer.

Organisers will also be promoting the Circuit of Ireland affiliated road safety message, ‘Keep the Race in its Place’ via various activities during the ‘regroup.’

Thanking Down Council for their support, Mr. Willis said: “The 2014 Circuit of Ireland is delighted to team up with Down District Council.

“The positive images to be broadcast worldwide by Eurosport of Downpatrick and the surrounding countryside will help to further raise the tourism profile of this historic and stunning region as well as generating economic benefits for both the town and the wider area.

“By bringing the rally to Downpatrick we anticipate an influx of several thousand visitors, many of them travelling to the region for the very first time.

“One of twelve prestigious events featured on the European Rally Championship calendar and the second oldest rally after Monte Carlo, the Circuit of Ireland has been dubbed ‘legendary’ by ERC organisers.

“It’s therefore fitting that we have included historic, legendary and heritage elements within the Downpatrick area into the Circuit’s initial day of competitive racing.

“It’s wonderful to bring the Circuit to this area of Down as it’s such an inspiring and ancient region. I’m sure all the drivers and co-drivers as well as visitors will appreciate and value such a prestigious regroup location.”    

Ms. McCarthy said Down Council was delighted to be part of such a huge international sporting event.

“We believe it provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our historic town and ecclesiastical links to St Patrick as well as our stunning rural scenery,” she remarked.