The Corkman

Motorcycle monsters set to visit Cork once again

THOUSANDS SET TO FLOCK TO ANNUAL CORK MONSTER MOTORCYCLE SHOW

- BILL BROWNE

THE hugely popular Monster Motorcycle Show will make a welcome return to Cork on Sunday, February 25 with organisers promising a colourful family outing for bikers and non-bikers alike.

The event will this year take place in a new venue at the Fota Junction Retail Park near Carrigtwoh­ill, with organisers transformi­ng the 30,000 ft exhibition space into a veritable ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ dedicated to all things motorcycle related.

Organised by the Cork Motorcycle and Vintage Club, the annual event has grown over the years to become one of the largest of its kind in the country, attracting enthusiast­s from across the country and farther afield.

Club president George Thompson explained that it was formed in 2011 by former members of the ‘ Munster 100’, Motorcycle Road Races groups and others from the motorbikin­g world.

“The aim was to bring a fresh approach to promoting safe motorcycli­ng, catering for those who race motorbikes as well as those who ride for the pure pleasure of it” said George.

“Cork has been long recognised for its motorcycli­ng racing history and tradition across all discipline­s. It has always been our aim to continue this tradition though initiative­s such as the developmen­t of a racing academy for young riders and this annual show,” he added.

As in previous years, the 2018 show will feature a selection of stunning bikes, including modern, classic, vintage, race, off-road, drag bikes and custom machines. Prizes will be awarded to the best bike in each category.

There will also be numerous trade stands featuring a massive range of new motorcycle­s and accessorie­s, insurance companies, rider training and safety awareness programmes, photograph­y, books and clothing.

One again some famous faces from the sport of motorcycli­ng will be mingling among the crowds, including Isle of Man TT legend John ‘McPint’ McGuinness and Paul Bird, the winner of the 2017 NW 200 and Macau GP.

British Superbike sensation Glen Irwin, will also make a special guest appearance with many other stars of the Irish road and racing circuit on hand to sign autographs, pose for pictures and speak about their success on the track.

Admission to Sunday’s Monster Motorcycle Show will be €10 (children under 12 go free), with the doors opening at 10am.

For more informatio­n about the event visit www.corkmotorc­ycleracing­andvintage­club. com.

Acclaimed race photograph­er Stephen Davison will give a slideshow presentati­on at 8pm on the eve of the show at the Clayton Silverspri­ngs Hotel Conference Centre. It will feature a massive selection of images from the world of road racing, capturing the essence of this exhilarati­ng sport and its colourful characters. He will also give a talk on the careers of John McGuinness and Glenn Irwin.

Tickets for the slideshow, which will also feature a Q&A session with both riders, will cost €10 and places are limited so pre-booking is advised.

 ??  ?? Cork Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Fitzgerald launching the 2018 Monster Motorcycle Show with Cork Motorcycle Racing and Vintage Club members JJ O’Mahony and Robert Farrissey and Jer Henry, Kearys BMW Motorrad. Photo: Tony O’Connell Photograph­y.
Cork Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Fitzgerald launching the 2018 Monster Motorcycle Show with Cork Motorcycle Racing and Vintage Club members JJ O’Mahony and Robert Farrissey and Jer Henry, Kearys BMW Motorrad. Photo: Tony O’Connell Photograph­y.

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