It is now almost 6 months since our AGM so we felt it would be an opportune time to update everyone on where we are currently. Let me say at the outset we are where we are because of the hard work and dedication and loyalty of our affiliated clubs and members and the competitors who have stuck with us through very challenging times. Without this support we would be nowhere. I must also mention the dedication of our Board members who manage the administration of the sport in a demonstration of what can be achieved when the correct level of commitment is made on a daily basis. Thank you all.
I am pleased to report that our finances are getting back on track (no pun intended) and our 2026 insurance premium has been paid for on time and on budget. We are now in the renewal phase where we must prepare our finances to support what lies ahead, and in particular 2027. I am confident that with your ongoing support we will achieve this.
Insurance claims are a major headache for our sport and to this end I am relieved to see that the law was amended in 2023 such that there has been a rebalancing of the “Duty of Care” placed on organisers. Any claims arising after 31st July 2023 will have to take this into account. However, there has yet to be a Decision by the Courts based on this principle so that as yet no case law exists. When that happens – and assuming it is positive from our perspective – then we would expect insurers to take this into account when assessing levels of premium
In the meantime, and thanks here to an idea put forward by our friends on The Motorcycle Hour Podcast, we have created a Motorcycle Racing Supporters group. This is intended for those who don’t wish to join a club but may still wish to demonstrate their support for our sport in a positive way. Details are available on our website www.motorcyclingireland.ie. Our website also offers much guidance for newcomers entering the sport and “old hands” who may wish to refresh their knowledge of current rules and regulations.
Other areas on our website worth looking at include Personal Accident Insurance available to licence holders and Start Permission information for those wishing to compete in events outside of the island of Ireland.
In other news, our Coaching coordinator, Thomas O’Grady and his willing team have been busy organising courses for level 1 coaching grades. This is now expanding to include First Responder training that will then allow coaches to organise their own coaching sessions.
So, have we achieved everything we set out to achieve in the first 6 months? Certainly not. What we have done is renewed the foundations, that with your continued support and guidance, will help your sport to prosper in the future.
Alex Sinclair
President