GET INVOLVED IN DUNGANNON BOROUGH ARTS FESTIVAL 2008
After the success of Dungannon's first ever Arts Festival in 2007, the Dungannon Borough Arts Forum plan to make this years festival even bigger and better!! The forum is now beginning to organise this year's week long event which will run from Thursday 2nd - Friday 10th October 2008.
A planning meeting will take place on Wednesday 30th April at 7.30pm at the Community Arts Studio, Enterprise Centre, 2 Coalisland Road to discuss this year's festival. All artists, musicians, community groups, craftspeople, filmmakers, dancers and performers are welcome to attend.
The Arts forum is a collective of local artist and creative's with the ambition of promote, empower and celebrate the arts in the borough.
Photographs
If you have, or know of somebody who has, photographs of Dungannon 100 races, please Contact Us
Dates to Remember
10th May - 70s/80s Disco Gables Bar, Carland - Fancy dress encouraged - spot prizes, etc.
20th/21st June - Bush Road Races Race Week details to follow
Club Member Awards 2008
Riders are requested to have returned membership forms to the Club, by or on 1st May, 2008 to be eligible for Club Member Awards during Bush Road Races 2008.
With the arrival of brighter evenings, motorcyclists across Northern Ireland are blowing the cobwebs off their machines and breaking out the leathers in readiness for the biking season.
With this in mind, Constable Bill Holden, the service’s Bikesafe coordinator, spoke to Lifestyle magazine and offered some timely advice to all motorcyclists.
“During 2007, 26 motorcyclists, including one pillion passenger, lost their lives on roads in Northern Ireland, that’s 12 more than 2006,” Constable Holden explained.
“Already this year, one pillion passenger has died following a road traffic collision. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been avoided
“There are some simple steps Bikers can take to improve their safety, even before their machines come out of storage. Firstly, even though their motorbike may have gone into winter storage in good working order, a thorough safety check is essential. Pay particular attention to brakes and fluids, tyres, fork seals, chains, sprockets and lights.
"These are, of course, checks that all motorcyclists should make regularly! If in doubt, it’s always worth seeking the advice of a reputable dealership for a road-worthiness check.
"In addition to checking over the bike, riders should check their safety equipment and clothing. Your helmet is, without doubt, your most important piece of equipment. Damaged helmets or helmets with worn webbing or straps must be replaced. Scratched visors hamper your vision and can usually be replaced for a few pounds, this is money well spent.
"Always wear your protective clothing - even if your intended journey is only short. Incidents can happen close to a journey’s start or end.
"Motorcycling is enjoyable, but it is also demanding, so riders must ensure they are fully able to handle their machine.
"In particular, people who were keen bikers in their youth returning to motorcycling after a long period as car drivers, must realise that motorcycles may be bigger and more powerful than those they once used. It is always worth taking a refresher course with an approved instructor.
"Even for seasoned bikers, it’s worth participating in our Bikesafe initiative. These regular events stages across Northern Ireland are an opportunity to talk to experienced police motorcyclists and take an accompanied ride-out. These are not a substitute for formal lessons, but you could pick up tips to help keep you safer on the roads.
"While motorcycling gives an extremely high level of pleasure, it is still a vulnerable activity and comes with great responsibility. Think of your quality of life and how easily it could be destroyed, not to mention the people around you that need you to come home safely,” Constable Holden concluded.
For further information about Bikesafe events, contact Bill Holden on 02838 366 109 or alternatively, log on to www.bikesafe.co.uk, click on the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and follow the instructions to apply on-line.
Local road racers Ryan Farquhar, John Burrows, Trevor Ferguson and Moto-X rider Richard McKeown spent time with the pupils of Sperrin View School for children with special needs in Dungannon Tuesday 11th March.
The pupils got to meet the stars and tried out their machines for size, this was all arranged by the Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club member’s and the Principal of Sperrin View School.
John Burrows HM Sports Motor homes said, “It was a privilege to be here today and see the children enjoy themselves so much.”
Ryan Farquhar McAdoo/Harker Kawasaki Racing said, “It’s been a pleasure having been asked to attend today and it was great working along the children.”
Trevor Ferguson commented, “Some of these boys knew what the key was for and wanted me to fire her up but I think in this confined space it would not have been practical and it has been a pleasure working and interacting with the children.”
The dates for the Bush Road Races are the 20th and 21st June and there will also be a weeklong programme of events before Race Day on the 21st.
ELLIOTT BACKS BUSH ROAD RACES TO CHARGE ENTRY FEES AT FUTURE EVENTS
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Tom Elliott MLA has backed the organisers of Bush Road Races by taking forward the proposal that the current legislation which only permits the Ulster Grand Prix at Dundrod to charge entry fees to spectators should be amended.
Tom said: “When I was approached by the organisers of Bush Road Races, we agreed to write to the Minister of Regional Development, Conor Murphy MP MLA that they should urgently examine the possibility of allowing this local Dungannon club to be included in the current legislation and request a meeting with the Minister with representatives of the club.
“The club since it’s formation a few years ago has put in a tremendous amount of work and has been able to raise approximately £20,000 for the event in the last year but are being penalised by current legislation that restricts charging an admission fee to spectators. The organisers of the event want to continue to make safety upgrades for the benefit of riders and spectators but this costs money. The Bush Road Races are suffering the same plight as many other events, NW 200 who printed 20,000 programmes but only sold 10,000 at an event watched by 120,000. The club are dependent on the revenue generated by programme sales to finance the event but sadly only the dedicated race followers will buy a programme whilst thousands of other spectators watch for free! Clearly this can not continue and I would have thought that a charge of £10 for one and half days racing would be a reasonable amount with children free. If one attends an Irish League football match which lasts only 90 minutes it could cost you £10.
“I await our meeting with the Minister which was requested on 15 October 2007 and will be putting forward a strong case for all motor cycling clubs that they should be included in the current legislation and permit entry charges from next year. It is in the interest of the sport that this obstacle can be removed and allows the club to improve the event as a major sporting spectacle.”
John Burrows was awarded “Man of the Meeting” for the Bush Road Races 2007
Darren Burns & John Burrows had been tied on 32 points each after race positions and it was down to the fastest lap on the day to decide who would receive Man of the Meeting.
With a speed of 85.765mph, achieved in the Cohannon Inn & Autolodge Open Race, deciding the winner, the Man of the Meeting was therefore awarded to John Burrows.
This was the same system that was used in 2006 to award the Man of the Meeting to Raymond Porter from Darren Lindsay as they too had been tied on points and Raymond Porters faster lap had secured him Man of the Meeting 2006.
Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club would like to congratulate John Burrows on becoming Man of the Meeting, Bush Road Races 2007.
Gerard McHugh & Son Crane Hire Junior Support Result: 1 Ivan LINTIN; 2 Derek COSTELLO; 3 Michael SWEENEY (Fastest Lap / New Lap Record 77.506 mph); 4 Richard FORD; 5 Myles BYRNE; 6 Damien HOWARD; 7 Paul MAGUIRE; 8 Mark WADDELL; 9 Trevor REID; 10 John CAHILL; 11 Trevor RUFUS; 12 Sean LEONARD; 13 Brian LOUGHLIN; 14 Baylon McCAUGHEY; 15 Stephen CARR; 16 Ryan CRAWFORD; 17 Steve LYNAM; 18 Yvonne MONTGOMERY; 19 Thomas CRAIG. DNF: Rodney LITTLE.
Trevor Haydock Limited 250cc – 350cc Junior Classic Result: 1 Tim STEPHENSON; 2 Denis GALLAGHER (Fastest Lap / New Lap Record 71.446 mph); 3 Adrian McFARLAND; 4 Freddie STEWART; 5 Ian AMBLER; 6 Nigel MOORE; 7 Alex McVICKER; 8 George STINSON; 9 Davy CRAWFORD; 10 Les CROSS; 11 Thomas CRAIG; 12 Trevor STEWART; 13 Gerry O'KANE; 14 Bertie BRADFORD; 15 Robert WRIGHT. DNF Gerard MARTIN; R J WOOLSEY; Trevor RUFUS; Robert McCRUM; Allen GIBSON; Tom EDGEWORTH.
Jester Interactive Publishing 125cc / 400cc Result: 1 Nigel MOORE; 2 Darren BURNS; 3 Pound Michael DUNLOP (Fastest Lap / New Lap Record 80.180 mph); 4 William DUNLOP; 5 Mark YOUNG; 6 Robert DUNLOP; 7 Jeff SHAW; 8 Graham WILSON; 9 Joe PHILLIPS; 10 650 Paul GARTLAND; 11 Ciaran DONNELLY; 12 Adrian COLEMAN; 13 Gareth COSTELLO; 14 Des BUTLER; 15 Gary JORDAN; 16 Elle FORREST; 17 Sean LEONARD; 18 Mick CHATTERTON. DNF John SCOTT; Ronnie SCOTT.
Eurocoach Junior 250cc Result: 1 Darren BURNS (Fastest Lap / New Lap Record 83.001 mph); 2 William DUNLOP; 3 John BURROWS; 4 Ian MORRELL; 5 Robert McCRUM; 6 Brian MATEER; 7 Maurice WALKER; 8 John ELLA; 9 Dave HEDISON; 10 Neil CUDWORTH. DNF 7 Adrian McFARLAND.
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council 401cc – 750cc Senior Support Result: 1 Ivan LINTIN (Fastest Lap 79.021mph); 2 Stephen McKNIGHT; 3 William COWDEN; 4 Michael SWEENEY; 5 Sean SMITH; 6 Declan DUFFY; 7 Dave IRVINE; 8 Craig GIBSON; 9 James McCANN; 10 Damien HOWARD; 11 David YEOMANS; 12 Robert GORDON; 13 Myles BYRNE; 14 David LUMSDEN; 15 Darwyn YOUNG; 16 Neil VICARS; 17 Adrian MULLEN; 18 Michael GILLAN; 19 Mark YOUNG; 20 Andy FARRELL; 21 Jack WILLIAMSON; 22 Colin McWHIRTER; 23 Adrian O'SULLIVAN; 24 Brian LOUGHLIN; 25 John DUNNE; 26 George SCOTT; 27 Matthew TURNER; 28 Neil LYONS. DNF James CHRISTIE; Martin BRYAN; John CAHILL; David BLACK; Robert McCLELLAND.
Donnelly Group Bush Open Race Result: 1 Conor CUMMINS (Fastest Lap 84.482mph); 2 Paul CRANSTON; 3 John BURROWS; 4 Trevor FERGUSON; 5 Andrew BRADY; 6 Shane CONNOR; 7 James REDPATH; 8 Victor GILMORE; 9 Derek BRIEN; 10 Andrew BROWN; 11 Paul GARTLAND; 12 Anthony McCOLGAN; 13 James McCULLAGH; 14 Alan CONNOR; 15 Mickey FITZPATRICK; 16 Emlyn HUGHES; 17 Declan O'MEARA; 18 Phill ARCHER; 19 James BRESLIN; 20 Wayne KENNEDY; 21 Jack WILLIAMSON; 22 Simon FULTON. DNF: Stephen McILVENNA; Gareth COSTELLO; Michael WELDON; William DUNLOP; Philip SHANNON; Wayne KIRWAN; Dwyer AGNEW; Andrew NEILL; Darren BURNS.
Cohannon Inn & Auto Lodge Open Non-Championship Result: 1 Conor CUMMINS (Fastest Lap / New Lap Record 86.581mph); 2 Paul CRANSTON; 3 John BURROWS; 4 Shane CONNOR; 5 Darren BURNS; 6 Trevor FERGUSON; 7 Victor GILMORE; 8 Derek BRIEN; 9 Paul GARTLAND; 10 Andrew NEILL; 11 James REDPATH; 12 Philip SHANNON; 13 Emlyn HUGHES; 14 James McCULLAGH; 15 Michael DUNLOP; 17 Wayne KIRWAN; 18 Declan O'MEARA; 19 Dennis BOOTH; 20 Mickey FITZPATRICK; 21 Services Andrew BROWN.
Linen Green / Jermon Developments Over 350cc – 1000cc Classic Result: 1 Adrian McFARLAND (Fastest Lap 69.582mph); 2 Robert McCRUM; 3 John SCOTT; 4 Billy LYLE; 5 Tim STEPHENSON; 6 Ian BOYD; 7 Alex McVICKER; 8 Anthony AMBLER; 9 R J WOOLSEY; 10 Ian WILSON; 11 Norman BOYD. DNF 12 Richard FORD.
McAvoy Group / Greenline 600cc Supersport Championship Race Result: 1 Conor CUMMINS (Fastest Lap 83.774mph); 2 Shane CONNOR; 3 John BURROWS; 4 Darren BURNS; 5 Derek BRIEN; 6 Paul CRANSTON; 7 Kevin FITZPATRICK ; 8 Victor GILMORE; 9 Barry DAVIDSON; 10 James REDPATH ; 11 Anthony McCOLGAN; 12 Paul GARTLAND; 13 Andrew BRADY; 14 Emlyn HUGHES; 15 Stephen McKNIGHT; 16 James McCULLAGH; 17 Wayne KENNEDY; 18 Alan CONNOR; 19 Andrew NEILL; 20 James BRESLIN; 21 William COWDEN; 22 Phill ARCHER; 23 James McCANN; 24 David IRVINE. DNF Craig GIBSON; Trevor FERGUSON.
An even bigger and better Donnelly Group Bush Road Races 2007
All roads lead to the little village of Bush situated just outside Dungannon in Co Tyrone for Bush Road Races on Saturday June 23rd 2007 which is the next road race on the calendar. The Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club held a very successful press night on Tuesday night past and would like to take this opportunity to thank all who attended on the night and to welcome all sponsors onboard for 2007.
Thanks must also go to George McCann for conducting the interviews and also to Baylon McCaughey who also did an excellent job reading out all the race entries.
Last year the Bush Road Races was a success, and the Club have been working flat-out to ensure an even bigger and better Bush Road Races 2007.
The Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club would like to thank everyone who came to their official press night which as held at the Cohannon Inn & Auto Lodge on Tuesday night. Last year the Club put in a lot of effort to ensure safety as well as organising a very successful race.
The Mayor of Dungannon & District Council who was in attendance at the press night said “we are absolutely delighted to be involved in the running of such an event” and wished the Club every success for future years to come. Raymond Donnelly, of the Donnelly Group one of the largest car dealerships in Ireland said, “We are very pleased to be involved once again as the main sponsor” and wished the club every continued success in the future.
Friday 22nd June 2007
Race 1 Practice evening [time permitting] Gerard McHugh & Son Crane Hire 201 - 401 Junior Support Race
Craig GibsonNewcomer Yvonne Montgomery is entered into this one and will ride an SV 650. Yvonne is pretty much looking forward to it, as is Baylon McCaughey of Cookstown a former Irish clubman 400 champion in his time McCaughey will take to the grid as a newcomer to the event on a sv650. Just to mention a few of the other rider's, Myles Byrne, Craig Gibson, Rodney Little, Derek Costello, Trevor Black, Ivan Linton, and Thomas Craig who will all run 400's
A good entry of Classic's for Friday evening, locals to watch out for include, Trevor Stewart from Newmills, Nigel Moore from the Bush, further afield but still classed as locals we have, Trevor Black, Robert McCrum, RJ Wolsey and Freddie Stewart.
Ian Forsythe Chairman of M.C.U.I. Ulster Centre “I’m very pleased to be here, the guys here certainly have put a lot of effort in and needed to be congratulated“.
George McCann Race Commentator “I would assume the lap record will go this year”.
Dr John Hinds M.C.U.I Medical “The Bush is one of my favourite circuits it was a safe race last year and the Club have even done more this year”
Alan Armstrong Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club Press Officer “I would just like to welcome and thank all Press and wish all riders and everyone a safe weekend's racing”.
John Burrows HM Sports Motorhome’s Honda “Last year I had a silly off. This year to be honest I have been struggling with my arm injury, but I will do my best and I hope for some podiums”.
John McKeown Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club Chairman “I just would like to wish all riders’ a very safe Bush Road Races 2007, just go out and enjoy yourselves and come back safe”.
Darren Hughes Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club Clerk of Course “Safety is paramount hopefully things will run smoothly and we hope for safe weekends racing”.
David Campbell Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club Chairman of the Fundraising “I would like to say thank you to all sponsors, let’s hope for some good weather and most of all some good racing”.
This year it is hoped that 2 races will be run on practice evening on June 22nd with roads closing approx 4.00pm. Official practices will start the evening followed by the Junior Classic and Junior Support races. Last year Raymond Porter took the inaugural "Man of the Meeting award". On race day it is hoped that Raymond will be one of our special guests joining us in the paddock, providing an excellent opportunity for photos and autographs.
For 2007 the club are very pleased with the amount of entries received, at the time of writing 68 newcomers have entered also the Club are very delighted to welcome onboard Lester Ferguson of the Kells Club as Assistant Clerk of Course. Fresh from the Isle of Man TT is Martin Finnegan, Robert Dunlop, Connor Cummin’s, Ryan Farquhar, John Burrows, Davy Morgan, as well as host of other rider’s. With more safety improvements carried out i.e. more new surfaces, more hedges taken away the message from the organising Club is that safety is paramount.
For the first time this year the fans will be able to take advantage of the new grandstands situated on various parts of the circuit. With a super 11 race programme and bigger prize money one can only say get yourself along to what promises to be an even bigger and better Donnelly Group Bush Road Races 2007.
Saturday 23rd June 2007
Race 1 125cc/400cc Sponsor Jester Interactive 8 Laps
Robert Dunlop will be a newcomer to the event and will line-up on the grid onboard the KES 125 Aprillia. It will be interesting to see how Robert gets on as he will no doubt be aiming for a podium, chasing Robert will be Michael and William Dunlop.
However, opposition will come from locals Mark Young and Nigel Moore. Young, who not so long ago scored a good second spot at the Cookstown 100 and Moore who only lives yards away from the course. Other rider's include Elle Forrest after having a good outing last year will be trying to improve. This race without doubt should be a cracking race day opener!
Race 2 Junior 250cc Sponsor Euro coach /2 Stroke Supporters Club
Well folk's by now it will be time for the 250 machines to take to the grid also time to get good vantage points and keep well in between the hedges for this one I have no doubt this will possibly be one of the best races on the day.
John Burrows will line up on the grid, for this one Burrows fresh from the Isle of Man TT will most certainly be one of the favourites to look out for. Burrows having taken a podium last year in this class will be hoping for another. Out to stop Burrows will be Saintfield's Davy Morgan on the Ballygowan 250 Honda, with Morgan having experience from last year over the Bush circuit I'm sure he will be there in the thick of the action.
Also entered is Ryan Farquhar on the Peter Berrick Honda, another rider to look out for is Darren Burns on Roy Hanna’s 250 Honda, Burns having an excellent season so far wont be too far away, neither will Ballymena's Barry Davidson onboard the Cleaver Brown 250 Honda. Davidson a winner at Cookstown will no doubt be looking to keep up his winning form, also entered is William and Michael Dunlop both on Honda's who in turn won’t be too far away. Also entered are Stephen O’Brien, Ian Morrell, Elle Forrest, Dave Guiney, Phil Archer and Paul Maguire need we say anymore the action should be hot!
Race 3 Senior Support Championship Sponsor Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council
A full grid for this race, this will be a good race to watch. Mark Young will take to the grid on the Autotech Kawasaki which is the same machine that Davy Morgan rode at Bush last year, also on the grid will be Alan O'Dwyer and James Cooney both newcomers to the event who will ride under the Diamond Edge Banner. Maghera’s Craig Gibson having had some good outings recently will not be far away from the leaders. Also entered are Myles Byrne, Colin McWhirter, Darren Fagan, Stephen McKnight, Newcomers Derek Costello and Mark Morgan again only a few to mention out of a host of other rider's who all will be hoping for a good run out.
Race 4 Bush Open Race Sponsor Donnelly Group
Full grids again in this, the main race and Martin Finnegan will take to the grid as a newcomer to the event, but as a multiple road race winner I’m sure he will be right up there at the front! Last season John Burrows took Man of the Meeting at Cookstown, John on the HM Sport's Motorhome’s Honda will be racing hopefully for a top step. Add in newcomer's Wayne Kirwin and Shane Connor on the JD Yamaha’s, again two very good rider's who won’t be too far away. Two interesting entries are the locals Nigel Moore and Phil Archer who have entered on Triumphs.
Then there’s Connor Cummin’s the fastest Manx Man, Connor is also a newcomer to the event and should add a little spice to the menu. Ryan Farquhar entered on the Mark John's Honda will also be there, as will Andrew Neil, Trevor Ferguson, Stephen O'Brien, Adrian McFarland, James Breslin, Philip Shannon, Andrew Brady, also on a Triumph and as well as Davy Morgan, and Wayne Kennedy just some of the names who will battle it out.
Yorkshires Tim Stephenson makes a return to the Bush along with John Scott, Freddie Stewart, Les Cross, and Ian Wilson. Last year’s winner Robert McCrum returns. Other locals include RJ Woolsey and Philip Riddell from Richhill
Time for the 600’s to take to the grid, if last years race is anything to go by then we are sure in for some good 600 action, entered is Ryan Farquhar, also John Burrows, Martin Finnegan, Connor Cummin’s, Wayne Kirwin, Shane Connor, Trevor Ferguson, Davy Morgan, just a few to mention out of full grid once again.
Race 7 Open Non Championship Sponsor Cohannon Inn & Autolodge
This race is the Non Championship event and the entry of rider’s is similar to race 4 on the programme yet another good race to look forward to!
Race 8 401cc-750cc Support Non Championship Sponsor KDL Scaffolding
Again the entry is something similar to race 3 on the programme which is a non championship race.
Race 9 600cc Supersport Non Championship Race Sponsor Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council
The final race of the day is another non Championship event the entry is similar to race 6 on the programme.
Just some of the races to mention of an eleven Race Programme in total, The action kicks off next Friday June 22nd with roads closing at 4:00pm sharp for official Practice followed by the Junior Support and Junior Classic Races.
Then on Saturday June 23rd roads close for Racing at 10:00am and reopen 6:30pm
More Track improvements for 2007 Donnelly Group Bush Road Races
Preparations are well under way for the 2007 Donnelly Group Bush Road Races In 2006, Lifford’s Raymond Porter took the inaugural honours as man of the meeting.
Raymond Porter 2006 Man of the Meeting (Photo: David Anderson)
The Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all sponsors and everyone who also has helped with the preparations so far.
This year the Club have made several more improvements on safety to the track with more hedges "having been removed" from paddock bend with more removable fences put in place also more new tarmac surfaces at Paddock bend, Lowertown dip, Corrainey Corner, Killyman 1, and Mill Bend.
Confirmed Rider’s so far The Club are also delighted with entries so far which include Connor Cummins JMF Yamahas, Ryan Farquhar Harker Kawasaki/Mark Johns Honda, John Burrows HM Sports Motor homes Hondas, Wayne Kirwin and Shane Connor JD Racing Yamaha’s as well as a host of other riders to name just a few. All other entries will be confirmed on the press night!
Although entries are now closed the club are still willing to accept a few more! Entry forms can be obtained elsewhere on this website.
Press night The Dungannon & District Motorcycle Club would like to welcome you all to its official Press Night in the Cohannon Inn and Autolodge a few mile from the course at Tamnamore Dungannon beginning at 7:30 pm on tuesday 12th June, which you are all warmly invited to attend light supper afterwards.
Practice June 22nd 2007 The roads around the course will be closed to the public from 4pm on Friday 22nd June for official practice roads reopeb 9:30 pm.
This year there will be two races run on Practice night, with the Junior Support and Junior Classics
Raceday Roads close from 10am on Saturday 23rd June for Raceday and reopen approx 6:30pm.
The new Surface at the Mill Bend Section
Paddock Bend with the new Surface and Removable fencing
