Shock as Kells International Road Races are cancelled

The shock cancellation of this year's Kells International Road Races is being seen as a massive blow to businesses in area, which enjoyed a major boost each July from the influx of 30,000 visitors who attended the festival. Bed and breakfast operators, restaurants and pubs, in particular, have been devastated at the news, which comes as the Kells Motor Cycle Racing Club tries to clear outstanding debts caused by atrocious weather conditions during the last two events. A statement issued by the club this week described the decision as "one of the most difficult it has had to make since it was formed in 1992". This week's statement from race secretary Aileen Ferguson said: "It is with great regret that Kells MCRC has to announce that, due to circumstances beyond our control, the 2012 Adelaide International Kells Road Races will not now take place. The Rally Round Kells Festival, which was organised for race weekend, has also been cancelled. To read the full story, see this week's Meath Chronicle.