Temple Motorcycle Club Social Evening 2026

The hotel's Ballygowan Suite was filled to capacity with familiar guests all united for an evening of entertainment, camaraderie and celebration of the sport.

The event proved a great way for the club to kick off the 2026 motorcycle season, as the social event brought together riders and race officials, supporters and sponsors and those behind the scenes with those behind the visors.

Everyone in attendance was welcomed by Temple Club chairman Mark McBride before enjoying the company of Mayor Amanda Grehan from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council who spoke of her support of the sport and chosen Mayoral charity, Action Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, to which everyone happily contributed affording the Temple Club an opportunity to raise a healthy donation for this deserving cause.

Having enjoyed a deliciously satisfying four-course meal, guests settled back in their seats to enjoy the evening's presentation of riders before the band took to the stage and the revellers to the dance floor.

Temple Club secretary Mark Harrison took the opportunity to interview some of the riders present, providing sneak peek plans for the upcoming race season and the Temple Club were honoured to hear from three generations of active racing members.

An award was presented to the Temple Club’s youngest competing member, Louis Craig, for his outstanding achievement in the 2025 Irish and British mini bike series. The youngster represented the club, his family and team with an impressive second place in the Irish Minibike Championship and a third place position in British Minibikes.

Accompanying Louis to collect the award was his proud grandfather, Adrian Craig, president of the MCUI and legendary road racer himself.

Louis at the age of 10 is already making headlines in the minibikes with a promising future ahead of him. Some of those he stood shoulder to shoulder with on the night are already working their way through the ranks and making global motorcycle headlines.

The Temple Club were delighted to welcome local rider Cameron Dawson who will be racing with Powerslide Motorcycles Suzuki for the 2026 British Sportsbike Championship. Cameron was joined by Temple member Tom Booth Amos of PTR Triumph Factory Racing Team 2026 World Supersport Championship and one of the Temple Club’s most well known members Jeremy McWilliams universally recognised for his capacity to shine at every genre of motorcycle racing he turns his hand to.

Jeremy will return to the Northwest 200 in 2026 and the Ulster Superbike Championship this coming season with Jason McCaw’s JMCC roofing race team.

The calibre of riders present keeps faith in the sport and its future alive, when listening to the riders speak of their aspirations for the coming race season they share passion, promise and fearless ambition for the year ahead.

There are few motorcycle clubs who can boast such an array of talent among their ranks and the Temple Club could not have been more proud to host a room full of motorcycle racing legends and were delighted to welcome them all to their social evening. The club are equally honoured to have such an elevated standard of officials, members and volunteers in tarmac, off-road and behind the scenes.

The combined race community are the reason evenings like these are so important to bring everyone together and build enthusiasm for the year ahead.

The Temple Motorcycle & Athletic Club wishes to thank everyone involved and loved to see those who came along sitting side by side, sharing a drink or a dance and a laugh because on and off the track we’re all the same.. lovers of the sport.