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Irish Section News December 2011
Our North West weekend in Leenane had a great attendance of 93 this year. Great company, craic and good food made it a great weekend but it was a pity the weather could not oblige us again this year. Saturday morning’s run set off into a wall of water but as we approached Kylemore Abbey the leaden sky brightened and it cleared up and after lunch in Roundstone we even had dry roads home. After dinner on Saturday night, Anne McDonald was presented with the Paul Browne award for her many years of outstanding work for the Irish Section. On Sunday, Liam Quinlan led us on a fantastic run through the mountains to Murrisk where we had lunch in the Tavern and afterwards along with some friends and neighbours we attended the interment of Pam and Don Kay’s ashes in a nearby cemetery.
Sunday the 30th our Section AGM was held in the Maldron in Portlaoise. 24 members attended. No major issues cropped up and by far the most important item was the presenting of a special award to Mary and James Connolly for their many years of outstanding work for the Irish Section. Dave Browne, Stephen Somers, John Mount and myself stood down and an election of new committee members and officers followed. The new Section Secretary is Jim Sweeney, Social Secretary Chris Wright, Membership Secretary is Neil Hunter and Brendan Lang staying on as treasurer. Two newly elected committee members are Patrick Munnelly, Connor O’Leary and Elaine Simpson is now looking after regalia. All our business completed we closed the meeting and adjourned to lunch.
This will be my last Section News as I will now be leaving you in the very capable hands of Jim Sweeney and so I would like to wish the new team the very best of luck and to thank everyone for their support during my time as Secretary especially the outgoing committee. It was a privilege and an honour to work with such a great bunch of people.
Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year to you all
Sinn è
TJ McHale
Irish Section News November
This years Thatch Rally was overshadowed by the news of the passing of a dear member and friend to all Pam Kay. In fact the “Thatch” was synonymous with Pam and her Husband Don as they usually manned the welcome cottage and prepared the Irish stew and hot whiskeys for people as they arrived.
On Saturday morning after watching the Ireland thrash Australia at rugby we went for a ride out along the north Mayo coast to a lunch stop in Bellmullet. Well fed we proceded to Westport to pay our respects to Pam and her family. It is not a common sight in Ireland to see a line of sixteen BMW motorcycles parked outside a wake house. I’m sure Pam would have approved. Back to Killala for a fantastic meal in the Arch restaurant Saturday night. Linda Connors won furthest travelled female and Husband David furthest travelled male. Most people made their way home on Sunday but a few of us went with Chris Rawlinson on his quest for the origin of the “Kelly Kettle”, I will leave that story for Chris to tell.
In Memory of Pam from John Couzens
BMW club members, both in Ireland and across the water, will be
saddened following the death on September 15th of Pam Kay of
Farnaught, Westport, Co. Mayo. She died in Galway Hospital where she
had been for several weeks, but all who knew Pam would not be
surprised that she was confidently looking to the future and had
already made sure she had been booked to attend the Leenane hotel
weekend on October 22/23rd.
An honorary Irish Section member, Pam had been overwhelmed
when told that she was to receive a special award for her outstanding
contribution to the section (it was presented to her son Michael at
the 60th Anniversary Rally at the end of August). Over the years she
had received a number of awards.
Although her husband Don died in 2007 – together they had
worked ceaselessly for the BMW Club over several decades - she
maintained her support for the section, attended events, and
continued to welcome members to her home. A visit to Farnaught
provided all with an instant understanding of Pam’s love of plants
and gardening.
With her husband, she was a frequent motorcycling visitor to
Ireland from Kent in the 1960’s. These visits fuelled their love for
the country and in 1971 they bought building land at Farnaught,
moving a year later to build a home. Later they offered B & B to
motorcyclists from several countries.Together they became well known
at various BMW rallies, and were regalia officers for a number of years.
Numerous relations, friends and club members attended the wake at her son
Nigel’s home which was followed by cremation at Mount Jerome
Crematorium, Dublin.
Today Farnaught, Westport, is a sadder place following Pam’s
passing, and our thoughts are with her sons, Michael and Nigel, and
Freda and Wendy, together with their wider family.
John Couzens
TJ McHale
Irish Section Secretary
October 2011 Irish Section News
John Mount had a great turnout for his Beara camping weekend. A truly international event with some French German and Swiss tourists joining in, as well as a large contingent from the D.M.T.C.. The Hungry Hill campsite unlike its name might suggest was a great spot, with all our needs catered for on site or in the nearby bar. The Beara Peninsula itself is one of Ireland’s great beauty spots and though I’ve been to the area many times before I had never travelled the “Ring of Beara” until Sunday morning. A really great ride, with beautiful scenery and interesting, twisty, narrow roads.
Brendan Lang still has some places left for the Leenane weekend but it is filling up fast, so give him a call and get booked in on 0862555214 (see details for prices etc in the Diary of Events). Don’t forget our AGM in the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise on Sunday 30 October 12 noon. That’s all from me as I’m rushing off to catch a ferry so I will leave you with a report from Jim Sweeny from his July run.
On Sunday the 10th July we met as usual at the Spa Hotel Lucan by-pass, but at the earlier time of 9.30. This was because we had a long trip in front of us ,our destination being the Suir Valley Railway in Waterford. A good turnout of around 12 members arrived on time (miracles).. we headed off to meet up with two more members at the Wicklow gap turn-off on the N81. After a brief stop to fuel up and chat, we headed down the almost empty N81… found some super smooth side roads, (missed the odd turn) but eventually arrived in Kilmeaden bang on time for lunch, where we met up with Don and Susie Hall who were making their way home from west Cork and diverted to meet up with us. After a fantastic lunch, only €10 for 2 courses in the local inn, some opted to do a photo, and the rest of us then made our way to the Railway. This is a restored line that runs through superb scenic countryside along the banks of the river Suir and has recently been extended to the new Suspension Road bridge on N25 near Waterford. We availed of a special group rate for our members, and enjoyed the one hour trip. Weather still glorious, ice creams devoured, we then made our own different ways back to home. – Jim
Sinn è
TJ McHale
September 2011 Irish Section News
We had a great turnout for the “Ride to Meat” in Thurles with over fifty members taking part for the weekend despite the weather. An East Anglican Section member who was on tour in the area joined in as well. The food was excellent this year with plenty for all and even seconds before bedtime. Unusual for a bar in an Irish rugby club to run out of draft beer but it happened, at the time this did appear inconvenient and it was not until the next morning with clear heads all around that the benefits were truly felt. The ride home in heavy cold rain with heated grips on full certainly did not feel like midsummer and had I known that the good weather in April was the new summertime I would defiantly have made more use of it.
This year’s Section AGM will be held in The Maldron Hotel Portlaoise at noon on Sunday the 30 October. All members are very welcome and indeed it is very important for as many as possible to attend to air your views on how the Irish Section is run. As this is my third year as Section Secretary I will be standing down so anyone who wishes to nominate club officers or committee members please do so by contacting me at mctjrt11@hotmail.com or 0872470111.
There are still places left for the Thatch Rally in Killala from the 16 to the 18 of September and the Leenane hotel weekend on the 22 and 23 of October. Both these weekend offer exceptional value for money so if your interested contact Brendan Lang on 0862555214 or email at btlang@hotmail.com .
Sinn è
TJ McHale
Irish Section Secretary
Irish Section News August
The first weekend in June saw our "Boreen Run"
starting on the Saturday’s beautiful
summer morning in Mountshannon east Co Clare. A spectacular two days run followed
finishing up in Killkee each evening. Everyone knows west Clare is beautiful but to me
east Clare was a revelation, an area I had not travelled in before with gorgeous views
and fantastic roads. A full report will follow so for now suffice to say everyone had a
great time, thanks Daithi !
The Athlone camping weekend was a great success this year and though the weather
was not as nice as last year over forty people turned up. I was late as usual but just
managed to make the barbecue so thanks for that lads. Later the pool room was turned
into a music hall for the evening with the Brownes and Co, playing centre stage into the
small hours.
The Jack & Jill run from Portlaoise had a good turnout with over twenty members turning
up and collecting €550 and a large collection of old mobile phones for donation. Chris
Wright led us on a run around and over the Slieve Blooms with a lunch stop in Kinnitty
and then suitably full we headed back to Portlaoise some of the group then went on to
Urlingford for another nights craic and no doubt sore heads and dry throats the next morning.
August 12 and 13 sees us camping at the Hungry Hill Lodge, Adirgole on the Beara
Peninsula Co Cork. B&B, hostel, restaurant/pub facilities all available on site. Check out their
website on
www.hungryhilllodge.com
or call John Mount for details on 0872561051
Places are still available for the Thatch Rally in Killala at €99 euro it is great value this year with
breakfast Saturday and Sunday and the evening meal on Saturday all included. The Leenane Hotel
weekend is on again this year with the same great value as last year two nights B&B and evening
meals so get you bookings in to Brendan Lang on 0862555214 or
btlang@hotmail.com
.
Sinn è
TJ McHale
Irish Section News July 2011
On Sunday May 8 few of us from the Northwest travelled to marble Arch Caves in Co Fermanagh,
where we met with regular Ulster Section participant Colin Crompton. Tea sandwiches and the craic
was the order of the day and in deference to my lack of fondness for confined spaces we didn’t
undertake the tour of the cave system.
On the same day Jim Sweeney led a group to Strokestown House and he contributed the following;
Second Sunday in May (our regular date) turned out beautiful weather for the trip to Strokestown
House and famine Museum. A small group turned up at the Spa Hotel and we set off to meet Terry
Carolan at Mother Hubbard’s café near Enfield. There we enjoyed a short break and a nice coffee.
(Please take note: only one Euro for an Americano).
The group consisted of Sven, Terry (on his new and lowered GS) and Kevin and June Caffrey all on
GSs, Brendan on his Honda and myself on the trusty R90s.
To seek out the twisty roads we had Sven and his GPS to find the way, at a good pace on fabulous
roads and we eventually ended up in Strokestown in time for a leisurely lunch at the estate restaurant,
we then had a tour of the House,( in original condition, just as the last owner left it) and the beautiful
restored gardens, and finished up with a tour of the museum where we met up with an old club member
Gerry Tiernan, who had cast his envious eye over our bikes in the car park, and made his way up to
meet us. Gerry will be remembered for his round the world trip on his old Air Head some years ago,
(before the TV guys even thought about it) Kevin & June then made their way to Charlestown (his home
town) and the rest of us made our way back to Dublin by the main roads and even managed to miss the
odd shower.
Can I make a call for more members to try and join us for these Sunday runs, we try to have a nice
surprise destination on each trip, and of course a good lunch as well.
Jim Sweeney
Coming up this month is “The Ride To Meat” at Thurles Rugby Club on the 15 & 16 July. Two nights
camping at the club grounds , barbeque and entertainment on Saturday night for €20. Contact Dave
Browne on 087525271 for details.
The “Thatch Rally” this year in Killala, September 16,17,18 is very good value for €110. This includes
the use of the cottages for the weekend, dinner in the Arches restaurant on Saturday night and breakfast
on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
The Leenane Hotel weekend is on the 21,22 of October and the cost remains the same as last year’s
great value at €99 per person for two nights B&B and two evening meals. For all bookings contact Brendan
Lang on 0862555214.
Sinn è
TJ McHale
Irish Section Secretary
Irish Section News June 2011
Five of us made it to the National A.G.M. in Durham. We were blessed with fantastic
weather and had a great run over to Durham from Cairnryan via all the “B” roads we
could use. On the approach to Langholm I was leading, and noticed no one behind me
for a drop off when John mount was there two corners ago. I waited and waited, eventually
with dreaded fearful thoughts as to what had happened deciding to turn around and look
for the lads. I was sure I hadn’t met any oncoming traffic and the road though very twisty
was nothing too dramatic. On rounding the second bend I saw the bikes by the roadside
and everyone standing around John Mount’s Honda Dominator and one person on the
ground beside it. Getting closer I could see it was John; kneeling putting his chain back
on after it had come off. I should have steadied myself before having those dreaded
thoughts and realised the greatness I was travelling with, the Irish breakdown King
himself.
At the A.G.M. itself Neil Hunter was again in attendance exercising his member’s vote.
Three years a club member and already at his third national A.G.M. The top table would
be well advised to take note of this as his political ambition knows no bounds. During
the interval he was seen browsing some of the trader’s stands eventually buying some
Australian bush oil.
After two nights at the campsite in Durham we moved to the north Yorkshire dales and
the Tan Hill Inn for our final night. A great scenic run back to Cairnryan and a fast ferry
to Larne and the long ride home. Well all of us but John got home as he spent the night
in Portadown courtesy of Carole Nash after his chain finally gave up on the M1. The only
man I know who truly gets value for money when he pays his insurance premium.
What a man!
Coming up this month on the fourth and fifth, we have The Irish Section Boreen run starting
in beautiful east Clare and finishing in Kilkee. At the time of writing there are still a few
places available so contact Brendan Lang or
www.irishboreen.com
if you wish to book.
The 18 and 19 sees the Athlone camping weekend at Ballykerran campsite no need to book
just turn up and camp beside the rest of us. Last year this was a great weekend so I’m
going to make sure were there again.
June 25 sees the Jack & Jill fund raising run from the Maldron hotel Portlaoise try and
attend as they need all the funding they can get. Contact Chris Wright for details.
Sinn è
TJ McHale
Irish Section Secretary
Irish Section News May
It makes my job a hell of a lot easier when someone takes the time to write a report for the Section news and the following is from Jim Sweeny on the Leinster area’s Hill walk.
On a beautiful sunny, warm, Sunday 13th March, a group of us met at Crone forest, near Enniskerry waterfall, for our annual Hill Walk. We had moved it from January in the hope of attracting more members to do this trip, and it succeeded as we had a fantastic turnout of 14 people, including a few friends, Joe and Christina. As always we were led by Dorothy Byrne, an experienced hill walker who knew where she was going (because we did not),… and would NEVER have gone if we did, but when we saw big groups of little scouts, and such like doing it, we became brave and succeeded in achieving our goal. The scenery was amazing, it was great to see the largest waterfall in Ireland (Powerscourt) from the top, and we were helped, and cajoled by big Jim McGrath with his never ending banter and jokes. Having lost about 3 lbs each, we made the return journey, which was more difficult than the climb. In all we spent about 3 ½ hours walking. We then went to the Old Conna Golf Club for a big hearty lunch where we were joined by more members who were not able to make the big climb, but were able to enjoy our tales, and the good food. It was great to see Tim and Niamh Miller there for the lunch too, as Tim has not been well recently - Jim Sweeney. Thanks for that Jim, seems like good craic was had by all.
We, on the committee, hope to see as many of our members actively enjoying events this year and there is no shortage of events to attend. Brendan Lang tells me bookings are coming in steadily for events with our first big one this year, The Irish Section Boreen Run, filling up nicely. This starts in east Clare on Saturday 4th June with two nights in the Kilkee Bay Hotel . The weekend costs €140 with €15 extra for a good quality tee-shirt to remember the occasion. All details, including booking form are on the runs own website on
www.irishboreen.com
or contact Brendan Lang on 086 2555214.
From May, Jim Sweeney will be organising Sunday Runs in the Dublin area contact Jim at: 0872300736 info@lucanstudios.ie and Liam Quinlan will be organising the runs again from Cork this year. Tuesday evenings (May – September) 6.30pm Keary’s Motorrad – contact Liam Quinlan on 086 8252774
quinlanliam@eircom.net
. Liam puts a lot of effort into these runs, so if you live nearby, please support him and enjoy the nice Summer evenings out on your bike. See Diary of Events for dates/details.
Events coming up in June include the Athlone camping weekend 18 & 19th– again contact Brendan for bookings. As mentioned in the April journal, the run for the “Jack & Jill Foundation” who as many of you know do great work, in helping families with terminally ill children. Chris Wright will be organising this event from the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise on behalf of the Club. If you cannot make it on the day, you can send a donation to Chris, contact him at 083 0032400 and he will pass it on to the Club Treasurer for you.
Sinn è
TJ McHale
Irish Section Secretary
Irish Section News April 2011
We had a great turnout of 47 for the Mini Thatch at the end of February.
Unfortunately due to a clash with the NC meeting I could not attend but I
hear from some of those involved a good time was had by all. Thanks to the
Limerick lads for a great ride out around scenic Lough Derg stopping in Mount
Shannon and with lunch in Terryglass and even the weather complied with the
rain arranged to coincide with the lunch stop. Unfortunately for Chris Wright
his battery died which left him staying behind at the hotel. Chris needs to be
careful as he’s creeping up on John Mount’s unreliability record. After dinner
on Saturday evening, Alan Kane of the Ulster section was presented with the
Andy Baines award.
A number of us are travelling to the National AGM in Durham on Saturday 14
of April. Our plan is to stay in a hostel in Co Antrim on Thursday then get the
first ferry from Larne next morning to Carnryan . From there John Mount will
lead us on some of the roads of his adventurous youth, uphill and down dale
to Durham. Two nights on the caravan site and Sunday night at the Tan hill
Inn (highest pub in England) and then return home Monday via Larne. Anyone
interested in travelling with us call me on 0872470111.
George Kavanagh tells me he’s bored with the usual procedure at Northwest
meets (second Sunday of the month at Coffey’s Carrick on Shannon) so in an
effort to spruce things up for us he is going to lead us on some ride outs. All are
welcome anyone interested contact George on 0862154210.
On June 25 Chris Wright is leading a run in aid of The Jack and Jill foundation
from the Maldron hotel in Portlaoise . Anyone who is free on this date please
participate/contribute as this is a very worthy cause who’s state funding has
been cut dramatically. Please contact Chris on 0830032400. This and all our
events are available n our website www.bmwclub.ie
TJ Mchale
Irish Section Secretary
Irish Section News March 2011
The Ballintoy weekend of 22 January was a great success with 10 members
turning up and quite a few of them on their bikes. John Mount led a trip
to Bushmill’s distillery where a tasting session warmed the lads up.
Unfortunately I missed this as I didn’t arrive until Saturday evening. It was
great to finally get out for a decent spin after being cooped up since late
November so thanks to John for organising such an early event and I hope
it becomes an annual one. Ray Kearns won the raffle for the bottle of Bushmills
which was rather sensibly held on Sunday morning so he had his prize home
with him where I’m sure it proved useful antifreeze after a cold ride home to
Dublin.
We have a full calendar of events for you to avail of this year and I hope to
see and meet some of you at them, watch journal for updates and see website
also:
www.bmwclub.ie
Jim Sweeney will be organising his Sunday runs from
Dublin again from April and Liam Quinlan will be organising the Cork runs
from early May (see DOE for full details). Our next major event this year will
be the Irish Section Boreen Run which will take place on the 4th and 5th of June,
the Irish Bank Holiday weekend in Co. Clare. (please note change of date).
Daithi Wright the run leader has a feast of nice roads and beautiful scenery in
store for you throughout the weekend, he has even talked me into being
sweeper so I’m really looking forward to that. For full details:
www.irishboreen.com
bookings can be made directly on the website or to:
Brendan Lang – Tel: 0862555214 mail to: btlang03@gmail.com
All cheques/bank drafts/postal orders to be made payable to: BMW Club – Irish Section.
Sinn è
TJ McHale
Irish Section Secretary
Irish Section News February
Hear that the Leinster area Christmas Lunch went well, with 32 there this year.
Anne would like to thank all those who came along, and glad to hear they all
enjoyed it.
Hopefully by now the white fluffy stuff will have disappeared and -10 and cold
will have been replaced with +10 and mild and we can get back out on our
bikes. Keeping a sharp lookout for the inevitable craters and daisy chained
potholes of course, I hope you all have a safe and highly enjoyable 2011
motorcycle season. Everyone should have got their Diary Of Events by now e
ither by email or post for those without online access and you will see that a
what a full Calendar we have lined up for your enjoyment this year. For event
costs check on our website
www.bmwclub.ie or contact myself or Brendan Lang.
I hope to see as many of you as possible out this year and for those of you who
have never been to an Irish Section event , get on your bike and attend one, make
new friends and enjoy the best craic you can get in a motorcycle club.
On February 25, 26 , 27 the Mini Thatch will take place in Castleconnell,
Co Limerick . The venue is the holiday cottages of the Castle Oaks Hotel, check
their website
www.castleoaks.ie
and click the link to “Holiday Homes “. The
cost will be €99 per person, this will include dinner on Saturday night and full
Irish breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The Limerick lads are
organising a run for us on Saturday and we will have full use of the hotel swimming
pool and other leisure facilities throughout the weekend. Bookings for this event
to Brendan Lang 086 2555214
btlang@hotmail.com all cheques/postal orders
/bank drafts to be made payable to: BMW Club Irish Section
Jim Sweeney (Leinster) will be organising a hill walk followed by lunch in the
Wicklow Hills on March 13th, so a great chance to get out and about for
a chat with fellow members and shed some of those kgs put on over the
Christmas/New Year holidays (see diary for details) contact: 087 2300736
info@lucanstudios.ie
If as you read this, it is still snowing and -10 I will have gone completely
stir-crazy . If any one knows where to get snow chains or skis for a GS like this
French guy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNYhl4BCh98 please give me a call.
TJ McHale
Secretary Irish Section
Irish Section News January
On behalf of the committee, I would like to wish you all a happy and
prosperous new year. Late November as I write this and I’m already snowed
in for two days so I hope the weather improves and we might even get some
biking in.
In spite of all the bad news that has befallen our small nation in the past
months and in direct defiance of the IMF and the EUCB, the committee has
a full calendar of events for you to attend in 2011. We will be continuing last
years policy of keeping the costs of attending events as low as possible and
in doing so giving you the members the best value and enjoyment for your
money.
Our first event this year is a hostel/bunkhouse weekend in Ballintoy on
the beautiful north Antrim coast on January 21 to 23. Anyone interested
in attending, contact the organiser John Mount 086 2561051. The costs
are £14 sterling per night, paid directly to the hostel. Check their website
www.sheepislandveiw.com contact from Ireland 048 20769391.
On February 25, 26 and 27th the Mini Thatch will take place in Castleconnell,
Co Limerick . The venue is the holiday cottages of the Castle Oaks Hotel (check
their website www.castleoaks.ie and click the link to “Holiday Homes “). The
cost will be €99 per person, this will include dinner on Saturday night and
full Irish breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The Limerick lads are
organising a run for us on Saturday and we will have full use of the hotel
swimming pool and other leisure facilities throughout the weekend. Bookings
for this event to our Club Bookings Secretary, Brendan Lang 086 2555214
btlang@hotmail.com and NOT directly with the Hotel.
The following tribute to Ernie Barrett, one of Ireland’s greats from Don Hall
Motorcyclists throughout Ireland mourn the recent passing of Ernie Barrett,
one of the most distinguished figures in the history of Irish motorcycling.
A gentle, warm and friendly man beloved of all two-wheel enthusiasts, Ernie
was famed for his Mountjoy Motorcycles sales, service and parts dealership,
situated on Mountjoy Street on Dublin’s north inner city.
For as long as most of us can remember, Mountjoy Motorcycles was a mecca
for bikers in search of everything they might need from new and second hand
machines, helmets and apparel to spare parts, supplies and accessories of all
kinds.
An authority on all aspects of motorcycling in Ireland, Ernie was a most
approachable man, spoken of with affection by all who had the pleasure of
knowing him. A keen collector, he maintained a magnificent display of classic
and vintage motorcycles.
The biking community in Ireland has lost a true friend and a dedicated
supporter. May he rest in peace.
Secretary Irish Section
December Irish Section News
October 15 & 16 our Leenane Hotel weekend took place. With 76 members
including 4 people from the Ulster section and 6 from other UK sections in
attendance it was by far our biggest event this year and it didn’t disappoint. People
arrived all through Friday and after the usual meet up natter a leisurely meal was
enjoyed. A few of us then wandered in the village where we eventually ended up in
Gaynor’s Bar enticed by the music. We quickly became entangled in a local “stag
do” this led to a sort of sing off between our Champion and theirs (the Stag himself),
mighty craic but as the small hours grew nearer the wiser amongst us headed for
the hotel. Saturday dawned, one of those absolutely gorgeous clear sunny autumn
days and the star of the weekend was the beautiful Connemara countryside. George
Kavanagh and Pat Munnelly organised a loop of Connemara in a clockwise direction
and Brendan Lang and Chris Wright went anticlockwise with both groups meeting
at Dowd’s cafe in Roundstone for Lunch. Back again to Leenane and some of us
sat outside enjoying the view only to be treated to a display by the “white arrows” on
the opposite side of the fjord (you had to be there). Another fine meal on Saturday
night was followed by the presentation by Chris Browne of the Paul Browne member
of the year award. This is awarded to the non committee member who makes an
outstanding contribution to the Section. This year’s deserved winners were the
dynamic duo of Sheila Clarke and Liam Quinlan for their very successful running of
the Irish Section Boreen Run.
Our Section A.G.M. took place on Sunday 31st October, with a good turnout
considering the bad weather. Alan Kane of the Ulster Section carried out “teller
duties”. Lots of topics were discussed with lots of views being expressed, but by far
the biggest issue continues to be the late delivery of Club Journals. The committee
remains as it was with Brendan Lang Treasurer, Dave Browne Social Secretary,
myself as Secretary and Stephen Somers as Membership Secretary so get your
renewal form off to him by January. Please pay your subs for 2011 directly to the
Irish Section, and send to the Membership Secretary Mr Stephen Somers, 13
The Meadows, Passage West, Co Cork. Please make your cheques/drafts/postal-
orders payable to: BMW Club Irish Section. Please note if you intend to take part
in Club events, and bring a pillion passenger with you or indeed to bring a partner
or friend on their own bike, they must be fully paid-up members or in the case of
spouse/partner living at the same address, they can be associate members cost of
which is only an Euro 3.00. Contact Steve for full details of membership/associate
membership: somclan1@gmail.com
As this will appear in the December Journal, on behalf of the committee, I would like
to thank you all for your support throughout the year and to wish you all a very happy
and peaceful Christmas.
Irish Section News November
At the beginning of September three of us John Freeley, Neil Hunter
(AKA Roundy) and myself embarked on our Iberian adventure. We
had the pleasure of George Kavanagh’s company on the way to
Roscoff but at the drop of the ramp our ways parted. George was on
a mission to La Rochelle to see his and Karen’s personal jeweller and
later to spend a week in Chinon.
Our own “bull’s-eye” was Casa Roundy in the Algarve via every
possible mountain range or sierra, there and back in Spain and
Portugal. Taking advantage of the luxury of Casa Roundy and staying
a day longer than was planned left us slightly behind schedule, but
what good are plans if they cannot be altered to take advantage of
fortune, the following tale is a good example. Late of an afternoon
south of Granada in the small town of Lanjaron still some miles from
our planned destination a lunch break was called for, the second
tavern I stopped at was deemed suitably shaded. On entering and
placing our orders we were approached by an English lady who had
earlier dropped her phone near our table, conversation followed and
she recommended and inquired to a local hotel in the mountains on
our behalf. Alas no vacancies. “No problem says Angie you can come
and stay with my family and I” not wishing to intrude, we eventually
agreed. We followed her directions and found a beautiful villa
complete with a nice cool pool, Angie introduced us to her family
and we had a great evening in their company. Next morning after a
hearty breakfast we bid our farewells, as we travelled on John called
out over the radio with his two favourite euphemisms’
1. Everything happens for a reason
2. ‘tis better to be born lucky than rich
Saturday the 18 we arrived back in Cork where we caught up with
the Kinsale Thatch Rally ride out at their lunch stop in the Dunmore
Hotel. Declan O’Dwyer the run leader had one more stop for us
that day at the Michael Collins memorial in Bèal na Blath . Dinner
was had that evening in The Whitehouse Hotel, joining us for the
weekend were Eileen and Jim McGrath who recently celebrated their
40 wedding anniversary. Linda Connors won the award for furthest
travelled lady, this was Linda’s and Dave’s nineteenth Thatch Rally
and their first as Irish section members. John Hickman won the
award for furthest travelled male. John Mount won best old bike but
will have to share this with Steven Summers as his K1 broke down
on the way to the Thatch and he borrowed Steven’s K1. It would
seem that John does have some reliability issues with some of his
machines however this will be helped somewhat by him winning
some “Puncture Safe” during the raffle. Elaine Simpson and the other
Chris (Rollinson) have to be commended on their fantastic Irish Stew
which I missed on the Friday night but they kindly sent the leftovers
home with me on Sunday and I had dined on it until the following
Wednesday, delicious!
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