tragically, earlier this year we lost one of local heroes – Martin Finnegan………Martin was a natural on a motorcycle and raced with great style and most of all, fun. If he was not backing it into corners with tyres howling, he was up on the back wheel on the way out. Such was his skill the results came while he was having the time of his life. The photographers loved him. No one ever vaulted the infamous Irish jumps better
and provided spectacular images of man and machine in total harmony albeit off the ground. He was the air king of Ballaugh Bridge in the Isle of Man. Look at any shot of him in action and its clear, Martin was having a great time. He was always willing to please the media and most of all his thousands of fans. I remember him signing thousands of autographs in the Skerries paddock for hours after racing and smiling all the way through. All the kids including my own adored him.

His influence is evident all around as many other local riders have now joined the racing community and emulate their local hero. In fact Martin had assisted nearly every rider in the paddock at some stage with his advice and experience, even his rivals. Try his name in Google or You Tube and see how he was more famous than he could ever have known. He was a friend, fellow TTSC member, and one of our own. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the road racing community.

Irish TTSC founder member Keith Costello has decided to hang up his leathers. Keith decided not to participate any longer after receiving poor start numbers for September’s MGP as well as other personal reasons. Keith was a consistent performer over the last seven seasons riding in all Irish Nationals and NW200. His machine preparations on his little, but very fast Capco 400 and his ex-Martin Finnegan R6 were always immaculate; he was also well known for his Gary Dynes Replica helmets. I had the great personal pleasure of presenting him with the realroadracing. com ‘Rookie of the Year Cup’ for his performance at Killalane in 2005; his name is now engraved alongside the likes of Guy Martin.
His results were impressive over recent seasons, with wins at nationals in the Support classes and at his home circuit of Killalane, but Keith’s heart was always in the MGP. Last year he had his most memorable Manx with his best place finish to date of 15th in the Junior, and personal fastest lap of 19 50.64 / 114.080 mph from a standing start. Perhaps it was the luck of having good friend and TT maestro Ian Lougher
boarding for him at Ginger Hall. However, the controversial Ultra Lightweight later in the week saw Keith being credited initially with third in the 400 Race but then demoted to fourth. This was after his amazing ride over the Mountain on the last lap to take the third position by only a second from rival and good friend Joe Phillips. However, he was reinstated after an appeal and with great sportsmanship, Joe gave Keith his third place finisher’s cap. Keith has now decided to assist his Costello Racing Team brothers, Derek and Gareth over the forthcoming seasons; they should fair well with his experience and knowledge. All in the Irish TTSC (including Donna his wife!) are very proud of his performances and would like to wish Keith & the Costello Racing Team all the best for the future and thank him for all the enjoyment he has shared with us over the years.

This year’s traditional TTSC night, held on the Friday of the Skerries 100 had an unusual twist this year as I had proposed that my old band, “Risky Business” should reform and add some rock & roll to the weekend’s festivities. So my old drum kit was dusted down and a few rehearsals took place to blow some cobwebs away after some 18 years! We also decided to split the door’s takings and lend our support to Yvonne Ward’s injured riders fund and after racing practice was completed the Yacht Bar in Loughshinny was full.
The extra surprise for the gathered rocking crowd was that I had persuaded old friends Barry Devlin & Jim Lockhart from the legendary Celtic rock band “Horslips” to join us on stage to perform a few of their numbers with the band. The crowd loved it and the night was a great success. It is hoped to become an annual event.

Myles Lally
Irish TTSC Representative

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