Dunboyne steps back in time to memorable motorsport era

The throaty sounds of racing engines and the smell of Castrol R was evident throughout the town of Dunboyne on Saturday and Sunday last for The Spirit of Dunboyne 50th Anniversary Festival of Motorsport. The event, hosted by Dunboyne Motor Club, was a celebration of the famous road races which were held there in the 1950s and '60s. Club chairman Sean Henry said he was amazed at the huge crowd which had turned up for the event. He added: 'There must have been up to 5,000 people present to see a fantasic collection of bikes and cars from the era. Dunboyne Motor Club are delighted with the way the event went and sincere thanks to everyone who helped make it a success.' The festival got underway on Saturday with a charity bike and car run which went from Dunboyne via Summerhill, Trim, Navan and back to Dunshaughlin where it linked up with colleagues from the Dunshaughlin Motorcycle Club and did a lap of the old Leinster circuit. Proceeds went to The Irish Kidney Association and Meath Pallative Care. On Saturday evening, a number of young local bands took to the stage for an evening of musical entertainment with Copperhead Road heading the line-up. Event secretary Susan Ginnell said: 'It was great to see so many local people out to support young up-and-coming talent in our area. The whole festival itself was a success and brought a family atmosphere to the village.' Sunday morning saw over 200 bikes and cars park up for a static display commemorating the Dunboyne festival. Some of these machines went out for two parade laps of the old circuit later in the afternoon, a nostalgic occasion for all involved as the demise of the circuit is now imminent with the closure of Bennettstown bridge to allow the M3 motorway construction proceed in the area. Pride of place went to Rosemary Smith and Robin Rennicks who headed up the car parade laps - Rosemary in the Hillman Imp in which she won many races and Robin in his infamous Leprechaun. On the bikes there were Len Ireland on his Manx Norton and Dave Manley on his G50 Matchless; both men raced these beautiful machines in Dunboyne in the '50s and '60s. The weekend was a fantastic opportunity to step back in time and see what Dunboyne was like during a memorable era of Irish motorsport. It is planned to produce a DVD of the event the near future.