Commemorative event a tribute to “brave drivers of a bygone age”
The sound of revving engines will once again dominate the city streets this Sunday when Limerick Classic and Vintage Car Club host a one day event to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Limerick Grand Prix.
Thousands of people came out on August 5th, 1935 to see the first Grand Prix race, known as ‘Round the Houses’ event, roar down city streets. The Mayor of Limerick waved the starting flag for the premiere event which attracted teams from all over Europe to participate.
The commemorative event Sunday will take the form of a number of parade laps of the original 2.67 miles of circuit which incorporates O’Connell Street, William Street, Roxborough Road, Carey’s Road, Rossbrien Road, Punch’s Cross, O’Connell Avenue and O’Connell Street.
“The first race was eventually won by Luis Fontes in his Alfa-Romeo. It was presumably followed by one of Fontes infamous after race parties which on one occasion involved balancing on a ledge four stories up with a girl on his shoulders.”
“The race was held again in 1936 with participants such as renowned and accomplished race driver Prince Bira of Thailand in his ERA and Stanley Woods, famous motorcyclist taking part,” Martin Burke of Limerick Classic and Vintage Car Club explained this week.
Organisers say three of the original cars that took part in the 1935 race, along with over twenty era cars will take part in Sunday’s commemorative event.
The takes place between 9:30 and 10:30am starting from Pery Square.
Then from 3pm the Limerick Classic and Vintage Car club will host a display of Prestige and Performance cars in Pery Square. There will also be a display of memorabilia, photographs and reports from the original race on display.
More Details
Photos from the 1935 race.
Actual newsreel video coverage of the 1935 race.
Went to Perry Square today. Really great variety of cars on show. Was well worth the visit and it was FREE
Congratulations to all concerned on organising a wonderful event last Sunday. Can anyone tell me the names of the 3 or 4 cars which competed in the original races?