For over one hundred years the sound of bikes racing on the roads in the Republic echoed across the countryside each Summer, however since we last run the Faugheen50 Road Races in 2022, the sport has faced probably its greatest challenge to date, which was securing insurance for the bikes to compete on the closed public roads. It has taken a monumental effort by so many people, clubs, riders and the various bodies to secure a return to the roads here in the South. Much water has passed under the bridge since that summer, and there have been so many dark days, however the Faugheen50 Club, as with all the other Road Race Clubs have kept working to see the sport we all love return, whether that was through small events or large to ensure that clubs survived in order to get back racing. In Faugheen we ran a motorsport show with the Carrick on Suir Motorclub in 2024 and 2025 to raise funds for various local charities but getting back to the roads was always our hope, and in 2026, we believe that those hopes will be realised fully. We are hopeful that with Faugheen Club committed to racing again in 26, the other fantastic road races will provide our sport with the showcase it deserves, the likes of Athea, Walderstown and the Fore Club, Kells and Skerries as well, who are working tirelessly to make it happen, and that the sport we all love so much makes a triumphant return. In addition to the road races, the West Cork Motorcycle Club is also committed to running a drag race in 2026, which is a spectacle to behold, so watch this space for updates from the West Cork Club, and all the other clubs in creating a summer of road racing. Thankfully the clubs in the Ulster Centre have carried the torch over the last three years running their road races, Cookstown, Armoy and with its sucessful return this year, Tandragee. 2026 looks like a feast of road racing in the Ulster Centre with the return of the Mid-Antrim on the Clough circuit as well as the jewel in the crown, The Northwest 200. A recent announcement from the NI Government, has revived the hopes for a return of the Ulster Grand Prix in 2027, an event which holds a very special place in road race fans hearts. On behalf of the Faugheen50 Club, we would like to thank the residents and landowners of Faugheen for their continued and unwavering support of the club and the Faugheen50 Road Races, as well as each and every club member, supporter and fan of the sport for their commitment to our sporting motorcycle heritage and we'll see you all in July of 2026..
