SLANE ACROBATICS:Prepare to be dazed and amazed as you observe lithe and artistic riders hurtle themselves into the air to perform motorcycle acrobatics.
Slane Castle will be transformed into a two-wheeled amphitheatre as freestyle motocross riders take to the ring and perform daring and perilous stunts to battle it out for the title of High King of the X-Fighters.
"The Red Bull X-Fighters international freestyle motocross (FMX) has its origins in the bullfighting arenas of Spain and Mexico with the bullfighting theme mixing seamlessly with FMX. Riders use 15-foot 'kicker' ramps to launch themselves into the air and are judged on executing a host of aerial stunts combining finesse, athleticism and showmanship," according to organiser Killian Burns.
Spectators will also be musically entertained by ASH, The Blizzards, Director and Afro Celt Sound System.
The Red Bull X-Fighters takes place in Slane Castle on Saturday, May 26th, 2007. Standing tickets cost €40 and are available at ticketmaster.ie and a limited number of tickets will be on sale on event day in Slane village via a mobile unit.
CENTENARY ISLE:
This year the Isle of Man will be bulging with motorcycles as the island plays host to the 2007 Centenary TT races. Amid the spectacular entertainment of the races will be the PokerStars TT on the Prom 2007. Some of the world's top motorcycle stunt riders will perform spectacular stunts and daring displays including our very own Galway-born Mattie Griffin.
The 27-year-old Griffin is Ireland's number one motorcycle stunt riding champion and he is really looking forward to this special event. PokerStars TT on the Prom will burst into life on May 31st with an extraordinary opening ceremony. For more information visit iomtt.com or mgstuntriding.com
PORTER RETIRES:
Road racer Raymond Porter has announced his retirement from racing between the hedges following the North West 200 races. The 30-year-old Donegal racer admitted he has quit, according to his sponsors McAdoo Racing, "due to the extremely dangerous nature of the sport".
A talented road racer, Porter took a podium win at the Isle of Man TT in 2005, coming third in the supersport junior race and came first at the North West 200 the same year in the 600cc supersport race.