Money made during first year of Armoy Road Races

The issue was raised at a recent Leisure and Amenities Committee meeting after Bill Kennedy, Chairman and David Guild, Treasurer of the Club made a presentation to members on the 2009 Armoy Road Race and its plans for the future for the 2010 Race.

Mr Kennedy advised that the 2009 Races had gone well and there were a number of top UK and Ireland riders competing.

He thanked the Council for its financial support, particularly the initial contribution of 2,000 towards set up costs, and advised that a surplus was made on running the event.

In response Alderman Frank Campbell, Mayor, commented on an excellent event in 2009, stating that reports he had heard were very complimentary and congratulated Bill Kennedy on his role as Clerk of the Course.

Cllr John Finlay concurred with Alderman Campbell’s comments and congratulated Mr Kennedy and his team for a great days racing.

He continued: “Last year was the first year of the event and it is to be highly commended. I only hope that it goes from success to more success. My only wish is that more of the track was in Ballymoney. We gave money last year and we should do it again this year.”

It was proposed by Cllr Finlay, seconded by Alderman Campbell that Council support the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, in principle, and refer the item to the Rates Estimate meeting in January 2010.

However Cllr James Simpson questioned the issue adding: “In the presentation they said a ‘surplus of money was made’, so why are we proposing to fund it?”

Cllr Ian Stevenson highlighted that last year was the first year of the event and the Club ‘wasn’t to know that a surplus was going to be made’.