Motor Cycling: Historic Achievement by Irish

Last weekend the La Mans World 24 hour Endurance Motor Cycling competition took place. The race involves a motorbike being driven for 24 hours non stop by three riders.

For the first time an Irish team competed in the 24 hour race. The three riders rode two bikes, one for the qualifying event and the other for the race. Both bikes were built by Irishman Austin Donoghue.

The Irish team made history by qualifying at their first attempt. The officials in La Mans were amazed at their achievement. The team qualified 47th out of the 57 qualifiers.(70 started) The team completed nearly 700 laps, approx. 3150 miles in the 24 Hours and finished 32nd of the 37 teams that completed the event.

The Irish team are now 9th Worldwide in the Superbike class.
  
The members of the Irish team were:
Roger Maher, Tipperary,
Hilton Hinks, Waterford,     
Damien Mulleady, Longford
John Walshe,Waterford(stand by)

For Further Information: Sean Bissett, Motor Cycling Union of Ireland on O1 8834885