New motorsport club launched in the West

Motorsport fans from across the counties of Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon gathered on Saturday, October 10, at The Cot and Cobble in Ballina to celebrate the official launch of the Wild Atlantic Motor Club, a new community hub for motor enthusiasts of all ages. The event marked the start of an exciting chapter for motorsport culture in the West of Ireland.

In attendance were Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, Senator Mark Duffy and Cllr John O’Hara, as well as the club’s founding members together with their friends and family members, and members of the public curious to learn what the club has to offer the community.

Club chairman David Breen shared the vision of creating a welcoming space for both seasoned motor fans and newcomers, with plans for monthly meets, training sessions, and charity events… so keep an eye out!

There was a good turnout, with many signing up for membership. Local businesses and politicians in attendance also pledged support to the new club, signalling strong community backing for the club’s future.

"It’s fantastic to see so many people passionate about motorsport coming together," said David Breen. "This is just the beginning."

Established earlier this year, the story of the club is also the story of the people behind it. The Wild Atlantic Motor Club draws its membership from different generations of marshals, organisers, mechanics, drivers and supporters who have given immeasurable voluntary hours to ensure various motorsport events took place safely and successfully, weaving pride, passion, and community spirit into the sporting life of Ballina and Mayo. Thus making the club as much a social institution as a sporting one.

The Wild Atlantic Motor Club has hosted a few events so far this year – the Ballina Motor Club 50th Reunion in July, and most recently a Cars and Coffee morning with the proceeds going to the Sunflower Children’s Hospice. Details of these events are available on the club’s main social media channel Facebook. The club is also in the midst of setting itself up on all other social media platforms.

The Wild Atlantic Motor Club would like to express their sincere gratitude to all in attendance who made it an evening to remember, including the local politicians who took time out of their busy schedules to be present.

The club want to extend their heartfelt thanks to Mary Moyles of The Cot and Cobble for hosting the launch. The feedback from those in attendance has been overwhelmingly positive, and much of that is thanks to her role as host.

The club is looking forward, with enormous pride, to many years on the road ahead.