Details were released today of a unique event, the Gordon Bennett Commemorative Run, celebrating the birth of international motor racing with a run for motor cars and motor cycles built prior to 1905, thus no vehicle taking part event is less than 100 years old.
This is the largest gathering of cars of this age ever to take place in Ireland and serves as a fitting commemoration of the great pioneer racing drivers who raced their cars on a figure-of-eight course based on Athy in the 1903 Race.
Organised by the Royal Irish Automobile Club, whose members played a vital role in the organisation of the 1903 Gordon Bennett Race, it is planned that this event should be an annual commemoration. This inaugural event, supported by Colliers Jackson-Stops, the international property consultants, has attracted entries from all over Ireland as well as from Britain.
Indeed, one of the most interesting entries is from the Royal Automobile Club, which in 1903, as The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland, had the duty of organising the Irish race.
Michael Donohoe, director of Colliers Jackson-Stops, the main sponsors of the event, said how pleased the firm was to be associated with such a prestigious event given his own firms long history in the Irish property market.
The sponsors are also encouraged by the strong level of entries for the event both from Ireland and abroad and also the fact that a number of well known Irish sporting personalities (and motoring fans!) such as Victor Costello (member of Ireland's Triple Crown Winning Rugby Team) and T J Kearns - who represented Ireland in the 400 metre hurdles at three Olympic Games, have shown their support.
On Sunday July 4th the cars will drive in a cavalcade through Dublin's streets from the Royal Irish Automobile Club Headquarters in Dawson Street, Dublin, to the official start at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. From there the cars and motorcycles will be started - oldest cars first commencing at 9.45 a.m. - and will leave the Park through the Knockmaroon Gate, travelling via the Strawberry Beds, Lucan, Leixlip, Maynooth, Prosperous, Mondello, Caragh, Newbridge and Kilcullen to the finish at the Gordon Bennett Race monument at Ardscull near Athy.
The event will close with a short ceremony there. Dudley Reynolds, chairman of the Royal Irish Automobile Club, said "that the Club is delighted to have instigated this new event and is particularly gratified by the high level of support which it has received." 8 a.m.: Line-up of cars in Dawson Street for Garda escorted cavalcade through the city to the start at Phoenix Park.
8.45 - 9 a.m.: Cavalcade of cars from RIAC, Dawson Street, to Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.
9 a.m. - 9.45 a.m.: At Visitor Centre, Phoenix Park for Tea/Coffee.
9.45 a.m.: Event starts from Visitor Centre - oldest cars first.
9.45 - 2 p.m.: Cars en-route from Phoenix Park to Moat of Ardscull
2 p.m.: Latest permitted arrival time at the Moat of Ardscull to qualify as an official finisher.
2.15 p.m.: Short ceremony at the Moat of Ardscull
2.30 - 3 p.m.: Lunch for participants at Kilkea Castle followed by presentation of finishers awards.