No motorcycle racing in Meath for third year due to high insurance costs
Louise Walsh
Championship motorcycle road racing will not take place in Co Meath for the third year in a row as Motorcycling Ireland (MCI) says costs of insurance cover have soared to over €1 million for its affiliated clubs.
As up to 3,000 bikers prepare to take part in the biggest gathering of bikes for charity on Sunday in Kells, Co Meath, it was revealed that the town again can't hold its road races due to the lack of affordable insurance cover available to MCI
Since 2022, there have been no motorcycling road races in Kells or Cork, Athea in Limerick or in Skerries because clubs don't have the funds to meet the costs.
Motorcycling Ireland's Road Race Convenor Diarmaid Corcoran said the clubs were 'fighting a long battle' to get road races back to Kells and other affiliated clubs.
"The insurance costs, which are split between the disciplines, are far beyond even our fundraising ventures," he said.
"Last year we couldn't meet the insurance quote of €650,000 and it has risen to just over €1 million this year. It's just not possible for clubs to afford this with minimal government funding.
"It's very frustrating, especially as the races are ongoing in Northern Ireland.
"We haven't had road racing in the Republic since 2022 when insurance cost €200,000 for the year so in three years, the insurance has increased five fold."
However a breakaway motorcycling group Road Race Alliance Ireland which includes Faugheen 50 Supporters Club, Southwest Racing in Athea and Fore Motorcycling Club in Westmeath say it has secured insurance to hold seven events.
President of Southwest Racing Michael Dalton said they were able to secure a quote of €380,000 for the events.
Meanwhile thus weekend, part proceeds of the annual Ride Out in Kells will this year go towards Dad's Cycle for Charity.
"This meet which starts on Sunday at Park Ri in Kells at 1pm is the biggest gathering of bikes in the country and we can expect between 1500 and 3000 on the day. It's often the start of the bike season for many and a chance to catch up," said Diarmaid.
More on the Ride Out can be found on Kells Road Races social media.