12 replies to this topic

[exclubracer]

Hi everyone.

I've always believed that sponsorship has been more forthcoming due to the fanaticism (if that's the right word) due to the 'roads' preference of the Irish racers.

It seems that many individuals or companies are prepared to throw very large sums of money at racing, (long may this continue BTW...)

Irish sponsors who immediately come to mind:

Hector Neill

Jim Finlay

Danfay (Dublin Yamaha importers)

Any more?

Have I missed anyone out? Apologies if so...

Any comments or info?

[Rennmax]

Joe Ryan and his 'fireplace' Norton

[larryd]

John Rea

Mick Mooney

Joe Millar

Three of the very best - indeed, the three very best!

[ravenous25]

Francis Neill
McAdoo
PJ O Kane

[Robin127]

Do Queens University count?

[SMonty]

Another gentleman worth a mention is surely Frank Maguire (East West Transport), who was largely behind Gary Cowan's rise to prominence

[dommieracer]

Seen many a bike with Irish sponsors at he Island. The best sponsor i had, was my main sponsors wife. She bought me a set of tyres as a thank you for looking after husband when he had a massive off earlier in the year. My tyres had done 4 races and 9 practise sessions so the new set were well over due. I packed up or started my break from racing in 2000 but became a sponsor in 2007.

Kevin

[exclubracer]

Another gentleman worth a mention is surely Frank Maguire (East West Transport), who was largely behind Gary Cowan's rise to prominence

IIRC they also backed Carl Wilson, a quick lad on a 250 as I recall.

[SMonty]

IIRC they also backed Carl Wilson, a quick lad on a 250 as I recall.

Your recollection is spot on Mick - well almost spot on, it was Karl not Carl!

[SMonty]

Naturally everyone knows and remembers the BIG sponsors in the sport, and God bless every one of them.

Lets also remember all the small time sponsors and those who have helped in all sorts of less glamourous ways, without fuss, attention, or publicity. For example I remember mates chipping in to buy me tyres, like they were chipping in to a drinks kitty. Another mate buying me a new Bell helmet when neither of us had the price of a round of drinks.

That said, I have particular fond memories of a gentleman I met in the Deerpark Hotel in 1980. I was still in full time education and working as a part time barman/waiter to fund my up and coming racing exploits in my first season on a Honda MT125. One night in the hotel I got chatting to a motoryle business owner from Ballycastle (about 50 miles away from me) by the name of Bob Black. He was naturally interested in my plans and the sport in general. At the end of the evening he came up and handed me a cheque for £50. Wow!!! in 1980 that was a princely sum - and to hand over to a spotty teenager he had only just met.

There were then, and I'm sure there are still now so many good, genuine, generous people who love the sport and admire those involved. Bob, if your still around or if anyone who knows you can let you know, your enthusiasm and love of the sport are still still appreciated.

Heres to all the small time sponsors and unsung heroes.

[exclubracer]

Your recollection is spot on Mick - well almost spot on, it was Karl not Carl!

[Arthur]

Danny Keaney and Harry Lindsey When adverts on machines first came legal the first bike I see at the UGP with an advert on the fairing said DUREX Were they sponsors in Ireland?

Edited by Arthur, 18 March 2011 - 15:39.

[greg1953]

Hi everyone.

I've always believed that sponsorship has been more forthcoming due to the fanaticism (if that's the right word) due to the 'roads' preference of the Irish racers.

It seems that many individuals or companies are prepared to throw very large sums of money at racing, (long may this continue BTW...)

Irish sponsors who immediately come to mind:

Hector Neill

Jim Finlay

Danfay (Dublin Yamaha importers)

Any more?

Have I missed anyone out? Apologies if so...

Any comments or info?

At last years Armoy races I met Hugh O'Kane and his son, Hugh was the sponsor of Merv Robinson. They were running a small display of racing bikes at their garage in Armoy so we went to have a look , they let us leave our bikes and gear there rather than lugging our stuff around which was much appreciated. True gentlemen.