Big interest in memorial night for Stamullen rider
THE Alan Bonner Memorial Night will take place at 8pm on Saturday November 4th in the CityNorth Hotel, just off exit 7 of the M1, and the tickets are going fast.
Stamullen road racer Bonner (33) died during a qualifying session for the Isle of Man TT Races in June of this year, and the motorcycle fraternity have come together to assist the Bonner family.
Kev Gosson, one of the members of the organising committee, explained the reason for next month’s event.
‘This night is to set up Alan’s daughter Nicole in a better financial position,’ he began. ‘Obviously as the girl gets older she is going to need various things like college, or somewhere to live when she gets to that age, and give her a better start in life.
‘The tickets are going very well and we have worked very hard to put together a night that road race fans will enjoy and lend their support to a great cause.
‘We have top British Superbike riders Alastair Seeley and Glen Irwin, and you will remember the brilliant Superbike race between the pair at the North West 200 earlier this year.
‘Alastair has won both the British Superstock and Supersport championships, and Irwin has secured his first Superbike win in the British Championship at Silverstone this season.
‘We also have TT legend Michael Dunlop, the special guest, who along with his brother William will be the top road racers at the chat show, and definitely they will be a favourite with the fans. From a local point of view we have Micko Sweeney and Brian McCormack.
‘With the main aim being a fundraiser, we have a hectic schedule on the night, with doors opening at 7.30pm.
‘We will have an auction and a raffle, and already we have secured some amazing items for the auction.
‘Former TT star Phillip McCallen has made a rare gesture, as he seldom lets go any of his own racing memorabilia.
‘He heard so much about Alan that he wanted to do something, and he has donated one of his helmets that he actually crashed at the Ulster Grand Prix with, and already we have a bid of €3,400 for this, which is a fine gesture, and we expect this to go for more on the night.
‘On top of this we also have a Michael Dunlop replica helmet that Michael has signed, kindly donated by Johnny Farrelly.
‘TT Sidecar Legend John Holden has also donated a signed helmet that has been signed by 18 TT riders, as well as a voucher for £1,000 from Paintbox, kindly donated by David Williamson.
‘There are many other items, including an Isle of Man Steam Packet Voucher for a car and two people, as well as a signed shirt by Ian Hutchinson, a Honda top signed by John McGuinness, one of Alan’s t-shirts signed by 20 riders at the Ulster GP, and many other items.
‘We are also delighted to receive a number of items from BSB and factory Norton TT rider Josh Brooks. To cap off the auction we have a replica 2010 championship-winning R6 Bonner Mini Moto, which is a one-off.
‘The night will consist of music by the Skerries group the ‘Hipaclapicts’, the chat show and raffle, as well as a DJ. Our timeframe is still under discussion, but we are sure that the fans will have a very entertaining night.
‘This will be a night for the memorabilia collector as well as the race fan and those who are there to support Nicole. Tickets are available from Karen at 0892036664.
‘We would like to thank everyone who has given items for the auction and raffle and look forward to seeing you all on the night.’
LAST week’s Duleek AFC/ SBG FC lotto numbers were 2, 8, 14, 16 and the €20 prizes went to Noel Heeney, D Keelan, S Boyle, Millis, Aoife Dunne and James Guilfoyle.
Gold for Lily TENURE schoolgirl Lily Sheeran, who took silver at the recent Irish International Karate Open, went one better when claiming gold at the IKKU National Kate Karate Championships in Portmarnock.
Whist results RESULTS from the Philipstown Whist League: Top Bridie Minogue 140, Joint 1st Lady Maureen Carry & Marian Kearney 139, 1st Gent Mary King 138, 2nd Gent Aidan Conlon 137, Ladies Sweep Marie McKevitt 23, Gents Sweep Gene McDaniel 23.
Meath Rings MEATH Rings League round three results: Lobinstown 4 Lobinstown B 0, Sally 0 Fays 4, Railway 4 Gormalough 0, Woodtown 1 Keogans 3.
Friday’s fixtures: Lobinstown v Sally, Gormalough v Lobinstown, Keogans v Railway, Fays v Woodtown.