Gordon Bennett evening in Kilcullen

04 June: Kilcullen Heritage Group marked the occasion of the Centenary of the Gordon Bennett Motor Race with an Exhibition of 1903 memorabilia this evening in the Town’s Heritage Centre.

These included numerous books, programmes & catalogues including the official programme of the 1903-1953 Golden Jubilee of the Gordon Bennett Motor Race - Sixth Annual Veteran Car Run on 20 June 1953, and a large photograph of the auto Club Stand Enclosure at Kilrush. Lots of postcards of the Race were also on view.

The large crowd was welcomed by Nessa Dunlea (above), chairman of Kilcullen Heritage Centre, suitably attired in tradition costume for the occasion as was the Centre’s secretary Rosemary Mullins.

A huge number of items were loaned by Fonsie Mealy of Castlecomer and the Group’s own Visitors Book from Bardon’s Hotel dating back to 1897 was loaned by Peter Bardon.

One of the highlights of the evening was a talk and slide show in the theatre by Bob Montgomery. Bob has written a number of books on the Gordon Bennett Race and is the curator of the RIAC archives.

Rosemary Mullins, secretary of Kilcullen Heritage Centre with Mairead Kirby (Kilcullen) and Eddie Cross, manager of Bardon's Hotel examine the signatures of the French team who stayed in the hotel during the 1903 Gordon Bennett Rally. The hotel is pictured as it was at the time.

Pat Allen explains some of the exhibits of the Bob Montgomery selection of memorabilia to Mairead Connellan. Mairead and Jude Connellan live along the original route of the Gordon Bennett Rally.

PJ Lydon of Kilcullen Community Centre with Senator John Dardis.

Eddie Cross, manager of Bardon's Hotel in Kilcullen; Nessa Dunlea, chairman of Kilcullen Heritage Group; and John Dowling of Ballyshannon with plaques presented to them to commemorate their premises connection with the Gordon Bennett Rally.

Story by
Trish Whelan


Bob Montgomery, the curator of the RIAC archives.


Keelan Hegarty-Kelly and Cillian Halloran, from 3rd class Scoil Bhride pictured in front of their classes' contribution to the exhibition.

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