Munster ‘100’ returns after 18-year wait
In a season where top events such as the Athea and Faugheen Road Races have both fallen by the wayside due to financial constraints, the rejuvenation of the Munster ‘100’ bridges an 18-year gap since the event was last held in nearby Clonakilty. Starved of top class racing action in the province, some 10,000 spectators are expected to converge on the town most noted for the birthplace of Sam Maguire.
Top road racers, Michael and William Dunlop will race in most of the 11 races that culminate with the feature Munster ‘100’ where the winner will collect €3,500 of the €25,000 overall prizefund. The legendary brothers won’t have it all their own way as Ryan Farquhar has shelved other plans so as to make the Dunmanway event. Promising rider, Derek Shiels is amongst the entry that also features some 15 riders from across Britain.
The only Cork representation is provided by Declan Swanton and Ciaran O’Callaghan. Swanton, better known in circuit racing circles said, “Most of my racing is circuit racing or hillclimbs so in some ways it is nice to have a home event like this. It’s going to a fantastic event especially within the town. Road racing is very different from circuit racing, you have to be aware of road conditions. In circuit racing, you can afford to run that bit deeper into a corner, but you can’t do that on the roads otherwise, you would come a cropper. Swanton will compete in the 600cc and the Open class races and hopes for a top six finish.
Event organiser, Derek Wilson, who is one of the four Course Safety Managers and whose father, Alan was the chief organiser of the last Munster ‘100’ outlined the preparations, “Getting the track prepared safely to the best of our ability was our biggest task. Originally, the route picked by myself and Jer Cronin started out to be a much bigger circuit, but seeing as this is our first year as the West Cork Motorcycle Club running the event, we opted for a shorter route, the total length of the track is 1.9 miles.”
Meanwhile, club stalwart, Jer Cronin commented, “When this club was formed in 1997, the first objective was to bring the Munster ‘100’ back to west Cork. A few years ago, we spoke about it and reckoned that if we didn’t do it soon, we would never do it. The event will cost about €100,000, we have raised a significant amount from fundraising and other events. That, together with what we take on the day, we should be able to cover our costs. In terms of the event, all the clubs in the area are all helping out, the soccer club are manning the gates for us. It’s a great community effort.”
Motor Cycling Ireland president, Sean Bissett, who will clerk the races, has designated Castle Street a “no pass” zone for safety reasons.
Practice takes place on Saturday with racing on Sunday set to start around 11am.
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