IWA 2nd Annual Motoring Rally

A mix of skilled competition and good fun, the second IWA Motoring Rally attracted over 50 participants, writes IWA Transport Manager Tony Maher

The second annual Irish Wheelchair Association Motoring Rally took place on the 17th September 11 and was again generously sponsored by Wheelchair Cars Ireland. The rally, which was open to both drivers and passengers with disabilities, started and finished in Cuisle Holiday Centre, Roscommon. Over 50 contestants pitched their navigational and driving skills on a 160km course which traversed the counties of Roscommon, Longford, and Westmeath.

Contestants had to follow a prescribed route and also drive particular stretches of the route at specified speeds. As part of the rally, a number of driving skill tests were carried out on off-road locations along the route where drivers were required to navigate in and out of traffic cones and were marked on their time and driving accuracy.

After leaving Cuisle in the morning sunshine, contestants worked their way through a maze of Midlands’ roads before finally arriving for a well-earned break with refreshments and food at the Institute of Technology in Athlone. Already the chatter was starting as to who were the likely winners.

Despite extremely inclement weather conditions, contestants faced the challenging second half of the route with increased confidence. While one or two did stray off route, everybody crossed the finishing line at Cuisle that evening.

After enjoying an excellent meal prepared by Glen and his kitchen staff in Cuisle, we were all ready to find out who were the winners. Patrick Lennon, who had won ‘Best Overall Driver’ last year, once again earned the top spot on the winners’ podium, together with his able navigator Darren Lee. Prizes were also awarded in a number of other categories (listed below).

Prize-winner or not, everyone felt a sense of achievement. For some, it was purely a social and fun event, whereas for others it was a serious opportunity to test their navigational and driving skills in a competitive environment. And, for one driver it was a means to get some practice for a forthcoming driving test! Whatever the motivation, this unique event generated a positive response from everyone involved.

IWA is deeply indebted to Declan Grogan, our Rally Co-ordinator, and his merry band of fellow motoring enthusiasts, without whose expert advice and guidance we would not be able to run such an event. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Gerry Murtagh and his colleagues at Wheelchair Cars Ireland, Glasson, Co Westmeath for their continued sponsorship of the Rally. If you would like to participate in any future events, please contact me at the National Mobility Centre in Clane on tel: 045 893 094 or email: maats@iwa.ie

PRIZE WINNERS

 

OVERALL WINNER

Driver: Patrick Lennon, Termonfeckin Navigator: Darren Lee , Dundalk

 

CATEGORY WINNERS

 

Category: Drivers with over two years’ driving experience

1. Driver: Tom Caulfield, Athlone
Navigator: Dermot Hope, Athlone

2. Driver: Sean McManus, Moate
Navigator: Emer McManus, Moate

3. Driver: Ger Naughton, Kilbeggan
Navigator: Joe Jones, Mullingar

 

Category: Drivers with less than two years’ experience

1. Driver: Joseph McCormack, Ballymahon
Navigators: The McCormack Family, Ballymahon

2. Driver: Fergus Rattigan, Athlone
Navigator: Raymond McDaid, Donegal

 

Category: Ladies

1. Driver: Kay Bedford, Limerick
Navigators: Mary Sheehan/Brid Callaghan, Limerick

2. Driver: Melissa Evans, Mullingar
Navigator: Colm Carren, Dublin

3. Driver: Marie McConnell, Athlone
Navigator: Joe Meade, Athlone

 

Category: Disabled passengers

1. Driver: Emmet Grogan, Tullamore, Offaly
Navigators: Tommy and Mary Grogan, Tullamore

 

Category: Best regularity

1. Driver: Thomas Cannon, Swords
Navigator: Darren Cannon, Swords