Published: Wednesday, 25th November, 2009 4:54pm

Council praise for work of Kells Road Races group

by Ann Casey

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The amazing work of the Kells Road Races Committee in promoting Kells at home and abroad was commended by members of Kells Town Council last week.

As the council prepares its preliminary budget this week, members will now consider making a grant to the committee to help with the running of the event in 2010.

A deputation from the races committee attended a meeting of Kells Town Council last week, at which they outlined the financial commitment involved in running the annual Kells Road Races.

The committee thanked the council for working with them over the past 17 years and told councillors that up to 30,000 people attended last July's event and even more attended the funday at the Fair Green in Kells, held in conjunction with the races.

More than 300 motorbikes took part in the Kells to Kells Ride-Out which saw riders, including members of the Gardai and the PSNI, riding from Kells in County Antrim to Kells, County Meath.

Organiser Aileen Ferguson told councillors the costs were enormous and they had to upgrade safety for the international event this year. She added they had worked hard the whole year round promoting Kells and looking for sponsorship. She paid tribute to their main sponsor, Adelaide Insurance, without whom they couldn't continue.

Ms Ferguson pointed out that the group is bringing visitors into Kells, filling the bed and breakfasts establishments. There had been a fantastic feedback from lcoal businesses, she added.

Cllr Bryan Reilly said that no other group had done so much for tourism in Kells over the last few years. "The amount of visitors they bring to Kells every year is growing and we should be in partnership with this group," he said.

Cllr Conor Ferguson said the committee must be supported and needed major funding. Cllr Frankie Lynch said the races attracted thousands of people to the town and the council should give whatever funding it could to the organisers.

Cllr Oliver Sweeney congratulated the committee on its success this year and said it was great to see the races growing. Cllr Sean Drew described the committee as professional and said they were pushing an open door for whatever funding the council can give. Cllr Brian Collins said the council should be in partnership with the road races committee and they would have to see how they could establish such a partnership.

Cllr Sharah Reilly said the races created a great buzz and excitement around the town and was great for business.

The council cathaoirleach, Cllr Brian Curran, agreed, saying that if any group deserved recognition in Kells, it was the Kells Road Races Committee.