Intro and Menu | February Articles
BALTINGLASS UNION.
THE AUTOMOBILE RACE.
Mr. Flinter asked the Chairman if there would be any use
in applying for a share in the automobile business.
The Chairman said he had written to the Secretary on the matter and he said that no final arrangements had been made yet.
Mr. Flinter: We have a fine road from Poul-a-phuca here.
Chairman: I told them we had 35 miles of a good road.
The matter then dropped.
THE GREAT MOTOR RACE.
THE DATE FIXED.
It is announced that the Automobile Club of France have agreed
to the date - July 9th - which was suggested by the Automobile
Club of Great Britain and Ireland for the race for the Gordon-Bennett
Cup. The American and German clubs have also signified their approval,
and accordingly the date mentioned may be regarded as definitely fixed.
No objection to the course which has been mapped out in Ireland
is anticipated from any of the competing clubs, and the only difficulty
that now remains is the passing of a short special Act of Parliament
legalising the race. The Irish members appear to be unanimously in favour
of such a measure, and no indication of opposition has yet been given
from any quarter. There is, indeed, no reason why the Bill should not
be treated as a non-controversial measure, and passed by consent after
midnight on an early day. An effort was made by the Kerry County Council
to secure the holding of the race in their Co. but the Secretary of the
Automobile Club has found the course suggested by them unsuitable for
a high speed motor race. It is highly probable, however, that some hill
climbing contests will be held in Kerry, whilst it is certain that a
large number of the motor tourists will visit that beautiful County.
The Automobile Club are well satisfied with the Naas course, and when
the improvements to the surface have been carried out by the aid of the
public fund which has been started by them, it should prove a most satisfactory
route for the big race.
It is further stated that the Automobile Club de France as
well as agreeing to the date, have also with some modifications
agreed to the Naas course. They do not like the loop from
Maryborough to Abbeyleix, and ask to have this portion omitted. By
this plan the cars, instead of entering Maryborough and running on
to Abbeyleix will avoid the former town by turning to the left some
distance outside Maryborough and bearing for Stradbally. This will
enable a control station to be dispensed with at Maryborough and Abbeyleix,
and should greatly facilitate the drivers. The winding portion from
Carlow to Athy will be altered if at all possible, and an endeavour
made to get a straighter route in this district. Several other minor
modifications may have to be cared out in order to get the course into
the best condition; but now that all the competitors are agreed to
the date and venue, and as the bill will doubtless be taken up as a
Government measure, the event may be practically regarded as a certainty.