George Edwards and James Joseph at the Richard Britton memorial on the Ballybunion Road Race Circuit a few years ago. Photo by Sean Moriarty
Plans for new Richard Britton memorial in North Kerry
Motorcycle racing fans in Kerry and beyond have launched a project to build a permanent monument to legendary road racer Richard Britton to mark the 21st anniversary of his passing.
The Enniskillen rider, widely known as ‘The People’s Champion’ lost his life in an accident during the 2005 Ballybunnion Road Race near Ballyduff.
The event was held as a one-off replacement for the Athea road races on that year’s racing calendar.
Britton was a giant of the sport, a four-time Regal 600 Champion and a winner at the North West 200. At the time of his passing, he held the record as the fastest Irishman to lap the Isle of Man TT circuit.
A memorial was originally erected at the site of the accident near Ahafona Cross shortly after the tragedy. While local volunteers have maintained the site for two decades, the structure has fallen into disrepair.
An organising committee has now formed to replace the existing tribute with a more lasting monument.
The group includes members Enniskillen and District Motor Cycle Club, Britton’s home club, who approached local motorcycle racing enthusiasts late last year.
Locals include Mike Dalton, the chairman of the Southwest Road Racing Club (Athea) and Ray Flavin, a Ballyduff resident and one of the driving forces of the Anthony O’Carroll Fundraiser in the village in September 2024.
Tralee man, James Joesph who created the original memorial and a friend of the Britton family is also involved in the project.
The committee intends to unveil the new monument in September 2026, coinciding with the 21st anniversary of the accident. The project aims to ensure that Britton’s contribution to Irish road racing and his connection to North Kerry are permanently honoured.
Further details regarding the design and upcoming fundraising efforts will be announced by the committee in due course.
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