Five Hundred Motor Racing Club of Ireland – 2025 Awards Party
The Five Hundred Motor Racing Club of Ireland held its annual Awards Party on Saturday 3rd January at the Beechlawn Hotel, Dunmurry.
Although most of the 2025 racing season took place at Kirkistown Racing Circuit in County Down, the evening attracted guests from across the island, including Derry, Lisnaskea, and Youghal in Cork. The furthest travelled award, however, undoubtedly belonged to Aidan Mulready, the 2025 Fiesta Zetec Champion, who made the journey all the way from New York to attend.
Proceedings for the evening were expertly overseen by Circuit Manager Donal O’Neill, who acted as M.C. He subsequently invited Club Chairperson Fay Weir to the stage to present the trophies and awards.
Champions in Attendance
Among the champions present were:
- Mike Ward (Youghal), the 2024 Roadsports Champion, who successfully retained the Sports Car Trophy for 2025.
- Aidan Mulready (New York), crowned 2025 Fiesta Zetec Champion, receiving the Rallycross Trophy.
- Gavin Kilkey (Derry), the 2025 Libre Saloons Champion, awarded the Special Saloon Trophy.
- Ashley McCulla (Lisburn), winner of the Clarence Trophy as 2025 N.I. FF1600 Class D Champion.
- Philip Harris (Ballynahinch), who retained the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy as 2025 N.I. FF1600 Class C Champion, and also finished third overall in the championship.
- Craig Ewing (Dundonald), who once again claimed the Modi‑5‑Cup as 2025 Mazda MX5 Champion.
- Aaron Newell (Ballygowan), crowned 2025 King of Kirkistown in 250cc Superkarts, receiving the Baird’s Cars Trophy.
Scott Greenaway (Gilford), who, for the third consecutive year, was named Prince of Kirkistown in 125cc Superkarts, and received the Budweiser Trophy.
Special Awards
The Marshal of the Year award was a joint presentation, going to father and daughter Nigel and Corrigan Hallet from Derry, who were presented with the Don McCurdy Trophy.
Other award winners in attendance included Conor Mulholland (Newtownabbey), who finished third in the Fiesta Zetec Championship despite missing several rounds due to ill health; Darren Gilmore (Lisnaskea), runner‑up in the Mini Cooper Championship; and his twin brother Craig Gilmore (Ballyhalbert), who finished third in the same series. Also recognised were Damian Moran (Dundalk), runner‑up in the Modi‑5‑Cup; Philip Mills (Dollingstown), runner‑up in the Prince of Kirkistown; Gavin Dewart (Waringstown), third in the Prince of Kirkistown; Henry Campbell (Ballymena), second in N.I. FF1600 Class C; and David Nicholl (Markethill), who finished third in the same championship.
Entertainment
Entertainment on the night was provided by the superb Caolan McBride, master magician from Armagh, along with popular band The Collective. Guests also enjoyed the talents of Nick Lewis, who was offering his much‑admired caricature services throughout the evening.
