January 31ST is a very special day in the history of Kerry Motor Club.
It was on this day, 49 years ago, that the club was established.
A special meeting in Arthur Caball’s house in Oakpark, Tralee, resulted in the foundation of the club.
Also present that Monday night were, were bothers Rae and Maurice Kelliher, Tommy Leahy, Ted Keane, Liam Nolan, Tom O’Brien, Jimmy Nolan and Felim Gleeson.
It was the second attempt at a motor club in the county, the previous Kingdom of Kerry Motor Club operated from the late 1950s to the mid 1960s, but thankfully Kerry Motor Club has survived the test of time.
The club, famous for organising the Circuit of Kerry Rally, is already preparing to celebrate its half-century and hopes to run a series of special events and exhibitions this time next year to mark the occasion.
The current club committee is calling on former members and motorsport fans in the county and beyond to loan the club any memorabilia that maybe available to help trace the history of the club’s first 50 years.
As well as an exhibition the club is investigating the possibility of publishing a historical book too but that will depend on many things including the availability of material.
“During the first lockdown, last March and April, many people were clearing out attics and sheds and found a treasure trove of material related to the club,” said Kerry Motor Club chair PJ O’Dowd. “If anyone has anything that they think might be useful, photographs, old programmes, let us know you have them. If we start now. we should have a great collection of material this time next year.
PJ O’Dowd can be contacted at: chairman@kerrymotorclub.com
Kerry Motorsport News 