On Saturday 6th January the 500MRCI Awards Party took place at the Beechlawn Hotel, Dunmurry. Over 120 people attended and over 30 trophies were given out.
Circuit manager, Donal O’Neill compèred the event and in his opening remarks he recalled other 500MRCI awards events over the years, saying that he was mightily impressed with this evening’s turn out. He also mentioned some of the “Greats” in Irish motorsport who has passed away recently, including Mick Merrigan, Sean Woods and, most recently, Roy Bowman. He then handed over to Club Chairman, Paul McMorran, who made a short, impromptu speech before presenting the awards.
Championship winners in attendance were David McCullough, from Ballymena (FF1600), collecting the J. E. Coulter Trophy, Francis Allen (Modi-5-Cup Mazdas), from Moira, collecting the Modi-5-Cup, Michael Graham (Fiestas), from Portadown, collecting the R.C. Trophy, Gareth Blaine (Libre Saloons), from Downpatrick, collecting the Special Saloon Trophy and Greer Wray (BMW 330i), from Lisburn, collecting the Jim McClements Memorial Trophy.
Other recipients of note included Kian O’Brien, who received the Sean Woods Memorial Trophy, for his excellence in the new Kirkistown Mini class. The trophy was presented by Sean’s wife, Siobhan. Darren Gilmore, from Kirkubbin, was awarded an Eagle plate for his many successful charitable efforts on behalf of the Club. Henry Cambell, from Ballymena, was awarded “Personality Of The Year” and the George Wyndrum Trophy. Hugh Reid, from Bangor, was awarded The President’s Plate for his continued services to motorsport at Kirkistown. Ronan Doherty, from Dunloy, was awarded The Des McAuley Trophy as Top Rookie in 2023.
The Prince Of Kirkistown (125cc Superkarts) was Ross Witherow and he received The Budweiser Trophy. The King Of Kirkistown (250cc Superkarts) was Alan Crossen, but he was unwell and his father, Derek, picked up the Bairds Trophy on his behalf.
During the meal, guests were amazed and bewildered by the magical talents of Trevor Price, as he went round the tables eliciting laughs, cheers, whoops and applause from an appreciative audience. Signed cards disappeared, reappeared and disappeared again, in front of guest’s eyes. A full deck of cards disappeared into thin air! Red sponge balls, multiplied, changed colour and finally changed form altogether, metamorphosising into full grown tomatoes! The truly amazing fact was that Trevor had slipped and fallen on ice that morning and his left wrist was swollen to twice its size, yet he was still able to perform.
Mick O’Dell provided grateful guests with humorous caricature drawings during the latter part of the evening while music was provided by the immensely talented “Collective” band.
The meals and service provided by the Beechlawn Hotel were excellent. With a choice of three starters, five mains and three desserts, there was something for everyone. Unfortunately, many people were just too full to dance!
Next year’s party date has already been set as Saturday 4th January, in the same venue.
Words: DONAL O’NEILL/500 MRCI Photos: GRAHAM BAALHAM-CURRY
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