Way West Rally 2024 Report

We had a very successful 51st Way West Rally at the Inn at Dromoland Hotel.

Unfortunately we had a few late cancellations. 108 members and friends sat down to a wonderful meal served by very efficient, pleasant staff. It was nice to see some old familiar faces there.

When the club was formed in 1971 it was Dublin based but now we are proud to say it has grown into a nationwide club with members from the four provinces…..Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht. All were given a warm welcome.

For November the weather was mild and the run on Saturday was rain free, we even had some blue skies for some of it. 50 riders took part , from the back of the group it looked like a snake creeping over the County Clare tarmac. The drop off system was a lesson in teamwork, it worked to perfection thanks to all who marked the junctions.

Eric Morton stepped in at short notice and arranged the run. There were plenty of traffic free twisties to enjoy. We stopped at Kilkee for a short break before going on to the Armada hotel where we had some fine chowder and classy sandwiches.

During and after the meal Paul Dixon was showing old photos on the screen from the clubs early days and it brought many back down memory lane. The old photos are always a popular feature at the Way West Rallys.

After the meal we presented our awards…….

Chris Hill was awarded “Member of the Year” .

Louise Tannam was awarded “Pillion of the Year.”

Jane Cronin received the “Special Award” for services to the club with the Arts & Culture events.

Andrew Kennedy was awarded the “King of the Kilometers”. ….14,312 km. Jan to end Oct.

Gerry Christie then gave his “Comments” on all the photos submitted to the club Photo Event.

BEST ALBUM……Billy Redmond.

BEST PHOTO……Ian Shannon.

SPIRIT of the EVENT…..Tom McGinnis.

GENERATION GAME Award……Tony & Ann commeford.

A BRIDGE to far AWARD………..Peter Woods.

DRAGON by the TAIL AWARD……Tim Commeford.

SPOON fed AWARD……………….Stephen Whelan.

HORSE POWER Award……………Andy Deane.

Teddy Larkin, Conor Gill, Gerry Cobbe and John Kane are to be complimented for the way they have entertained us over many years at all our weekends away and Rallies. They have given us all lots of enjoyment. So a Big, Big thank you to them. They seem to get better as the years go by.

The Raffle this year amounted to €1,835. Many thanks to all who bought tickets.

A Big thanks to Nessa, Dee, Stephen, Nash, John & Paul who organized the prizes. There were lots of happy smiley faces on the winners.

A great Weekend was had by all.

​Jim.