Pictured (l-r) are: Robert Pritchard on an 1961 Manx Norton 100cc, Michael McGarrity (Organising Committee),
Andrew Brady (double Manx GP winner), Brian D'Arcy (Chairman, Enniskillen Motor Club)
and Councillor Thomas O'Reilly, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council on an 1951 AJS 7R.
A mix of nostalgia and excitement will be created at St Angelo Airport on Saturday, 25 August 2012 with the Enniskillen 100 Revival.
Although the Ulster Grand Prix and the North West 200 are well known to road racing fans in Ireland, there was a time when the Enniskillen 100 was as equally prestigious.
Between 1929 and 1952, 17 races were held on the six and a quarter mile triangular course between Mossfield, Sydaire and Ballinamallard. Many of the leading Irish and overseas riders of the day competed in the race over the years and local heroes diced with famous names like Artie Bell (Belfast) and Joe O’Neill (Dublin).
The Enniskillen 100 was held on a Wednesday afternoon, as that was the half-day for shops in Enniskillen with the last race being held on 20 August 1952.
Unusual aspects of the event include the fact that the race scheduled for 22 June 1949 had to be postponed to 21 September, because a heat wave had melted the tar and left the circuit in a dangerous condition.
Interest in the Enniskillen 100 did not disappear totally however and a group of local enthusiasts, mindful of the fact that the 60th anniversary of the last race was approaching in 2012, persuaded Fermanagh District Council to assist with plans to revive the event in some shape or form.
Various ideas and options were explored, including the possibility of running a parade type event for vintage racing motorcycles on the old course. As a road closure could not be obtained, the organising committee decided to hold an ‘Enniskillen 100 Revival’ event at Enniskillen Airport on 25 August 2012. The core of the revival event will be demonstration runs and parade laps by a wide variety of historic motorcycles, on a course laid out at Enniskillen Airport.
It is planned to have static displays, guided bus tours of the old circuit, a PSNI BikeSafe event, displays of historic racing and rally cars and a selection of other attractions for motorsport enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Further Information, please contact:
Eddie McGovern Tourism Development Officer
Fermanagh District Council
Town Hall
Enniskillen
County Fermanagh
BT74 7BA
