Skerries 100 Road Races - A Look Back

The first weekend in July is one of my favourite weekends of the year and probably one which I look forward to most. There is only one place to be during that weekend and that is the Skerries 100 Road Races. Unfortunately due to this horrible Corona Virus this years races are not taking place.

Ever since my father took me to my first races when I was six i have been hooked on the event and I can still see a young Phillip McCallen in the paddock afterwards that year surrounded by his bikes and people wanting to get a look at the man who took a haul of wins that day. The paddock back then was in the cricket club which I still think it was the best place for one and miss it not being there even though it hasn't been used as the paddock for a long time. It meant the riders had to do an extra lap so the crowd got to see the winner celebrate a win. I even remember walking into the cricket club lounge where a rock band were playing a gig after the races. I didn't get to stay long as they weren't to dads taste!
Maybe his ears were still ringing from 'Bid D's ' days commentary!

I can still see the Adrian Archibald and the late Joey Dunlop walking together to the clubhouse after they had a belter of a race in the Grand Final in 1999 which Joey won after passing Archibald coming out of Sam's Tunnel another memory I still cherish to this day and one of the best races I have seen round the 2.92 mile triangled course. Sadly it was the last Joey would compete in. I still get the same excitement days coming up to the races as I did when I was kid. You have to make sure you pack the suncream with you too, as no matter if the rest of the island is under a downpour for some reason come raceday in Skerries, the sun shines down brightly. There are more red farmers tans got in that one day than a season in Benidorm and only a handful of times has it rained on race day.

Gillies leap is one of my favourite spots where I have spectated for many years and later photographed from as the riders get the front wheel in the air while trying not to hit the bank on the right. James Courtney was the best for wheelies there. Not much changes around that part of county Dublin, the fields still grow the same crops, some hedges have been cut down and a farmer's shed or two have been updated but that is about it. Its a track where spectators can get close to the action but still in a safe way. People give out about the admission price compared to other events but it is not a cheap event to put on and if you compare it to a round of drinks or takeaway it is small money for a days entertainment.

There have been great battles throughout all classes over the years and I have been lucky enough to see the likes of the Dunlop's, Phillip McCallen, James Courtney, Gary Dynes, Owen McNally, Jim Moodie, Johnny Rea, Keith Amor, Derek Shiels, Michael Sweeney, Derek McGee, Derek Young, Brian Reid, Fran Morrison, Ryan Farquhar, Adrian Archibald, Martin Finnegan, Cameron Donald and Darren Lindsay to name but a few race round the tight lanes in North County Dublin. Sadly there have been tragedies too but thankfully not that often with in recent years William Dunlop loosing his life two years ago and Dr, John Hinds five years ago. I have to admire the club and the people involved who keep the show on the road and lets hope the show continues for years to come. Here are a few images I have taken while at the races.

Maintaining the Standards

With not much happening in terms of sport these days, you could be forgiven in thinking that venues that hold such events have been locked up for the last numbers of weeks due to this current Covid-19 pandemic. Far from it, while the events have come to a stop and in some cases not even started, the work still goes on behind the closed doors. Grass still grows, weeds still have to be gotten rid of, walls need painting and all those jobs that have been put on the long finger have to be sorted in time for when things do get back to normal. What the norm will be when it does come back remains to be seen.

A member of the racecourse staff maintains the track during the lockdown. Photo: Barry Cregg.

County Kildare is rich in equine venues like the Curragh, Punchestown and Naas all holding race meetings throughout the year. I took a trip to Naas Racecourse and got to see firsthand how well the facility looked and how well the staff there headed by head groundsman Roy Butler have kept it that way during the lockdown.

A member of the racecourse staff maintains the track during the lockdown. Photo: Barry Cregg.

While the track does not hold the bigh festivals like its neighbouring Punchestown and Curragh it has started to attract Grade 1 races. It is also a track used by trainers to run out their horses on non race days ahead of Cheltenham. Long gone is the dreary old fashioned and run down racecourse it once was and this new look facility is going to grow bigger in the near future.

A view from the exit of the first bend. Photo: Barry Cregg

A view  from the back straight. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A member of the racecourse staff maintains the track during the lockdown. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A minimum of six inches height  of grass has to be kept at all times on the track for racing. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Av view of the 'Circle'  at  Naas racecourse. Photo: Barry Cregg.

With significant investment put into the racecourse in recent years which included new stables, track maintenance equipment, playground and feature building 'The Circle' it is vital to keep up the high standards that racegoers find when they attend a meeting at the course even during the lockdown.

Track fencing has to be dismantled along the entire course each time the grass has to be cut. Photo: Barry Cregg.

Naas racecourse has a water system piped along the outside of the track that can be connected into by staff with the watering treatment systems (of which they have three) in separate points along the course. This aids the growth of the grass during the year and helps provide a the best ground for meeting during the year especially during the summer months.

A view of the water systems aiding the growth on the course. Photo: Barry Cregg.

A  member  of course staff mows the main furlong and a view of the entrance  to the main furlong. Photos: Barry Cregg.

Stickers

I am trying out a new venture along with http://www.precisiontints.ie/s with plans to setup motorsport memorabilia in the next few weeks. 

With the season on hold for the time being, here is a chance to purchase a sticker for the toolbox, car, truck, van or the bedroom window like many a young racing fan had in years gone by. It is also a chance to help promote your class on trips to races or even in everyday traffic. 

This is the first phase of the venture, a 7 x 5 size sticker  with future plans of mugs, t-shirts and other items to choose from. They are €2.50 and if you would like any feel free to contact me