Italian 100 & Targa Sligo
Most of the visiting entrants assembled in the Yeats Country Hotel on the Friday evening. The car park was adorned with Italian cars for all makes and models. Spirits where high and the weather was set to hold for the following day and the Targa Sligo Run.
Saturday 29th August – Targa Sligo;
The run left the hotel car park at 10:30am, and was led out by a local Ferrari 599 Fiorano, followed by 29 cars. The first stop was Drumcliff church and cemetery, the final resting place of the poet W.B Yeats. From there the route traveled via Lissadell Estate, the family home of Countess Markievicz, onto the Gleniff Horseshoe loop. This provided spectacular views of Mullaghmore and the adjoining coast line, south to Sligo and north to Donegal. The cars then heading down into Mullaghmore for a quick stop off at the pier. The sun made an appearance, which sparked the consumption of many “99’s”.
The route followed the coast road around Mullaghmore head, which coincidentally was the last special stage of the 2007 WRC Rally Ireland event.
On to the lunch stop at Henry’s. (very enjoyable)
After lunch the group moved into Co. Leitrim, and visited Glencar waterfall. Apart for the wonderful natural scenery, we managed to pick up a bit more Italian beauty, as we were joined by the members of the Northern Ireland Italian Motor Club. The tour then travelled in the N16, which provided beautiful views of Benbulben Mountain sweeping down into Drumcliff & Sligo Bay. Next stop was Parkes Castle on the Sligo / Leitrim border. The Castle sits on the shore of Lough Gill. This lake is world renowned due to its association with WB Yeats famous poem, “The lake isle of Innisfree”. The group moved from road to water, taking a pleasure cruise abroad the “Rose of Innisfree” with George and Tina.
A very enjoyable end to a good day touring.
The group returned to Rosses Point for the evening meal. Cyril McMullen of the NIIMC, graciously gave an after dinner address, in which he thanked CFI for their hospitality and the hosting of this year’s Italian 100.
Sunday 30th August – Italian 100 Show
With most of the preparation work carried out on Friday (thank you to members who helped), our show venue, Sligo Airport, looked great. The club was sporting its new club banner and FIAT “blue and white” bunting. Show cars started to arrive from 10:30 onwards. Many, including event originator, Fintan Kemple, commented on the vast spectrum of cars of all different makes and models on display. There was 89 cars in total over the day, with more than one or two making their first public appearance since restoration. Even though the main show was held on the car park, one CFI member was so worried about his “pride and joy” he managed to “garage it” within the terminal building! This proved to be a great bit of marketing genius (credit the Chairman), as the Dante Giacosa’s little masterpiece drew more than a passing glance to our main sponsor’s, Henderson Garage Doors, operational display.
Everybody who attended was looked after with complementary gifts and meal vouchers. Our catering needs were kindly met by the great volunteers from our nominated charity for the day, Sligo Branch of the Irish Kidney Association (thanks to Michael, Eileen, Lorraine, Sinead, Marie and the other members of the IKA).
We’re delighted to inform all, that a total of €1230 was raised for the IKA on the day, through kind donations and the raffle proceeds.
The other big occasion on the day was the awarding of the various prizes. Our congratulations again to all the prize winners
Car of Show – Gerry Campbell; Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider.
Best original Irish registered Car – Enda Carney; Fiat 132
Best Classic Car – Frank O’Dwyer; Fiat 124 CC Coupe
Most unique vehicle – Paul & Andy Perich; Fiat 900T Amigo
Furtherest Travelled – Phil & Lorraine Morris: Preston, UK; Fiat X 1/9