A new memorial seat was unveiled at Ballymacool Park in Letterkenny yesterday as a lasting tribute to members past, present, and future from the Donegal Motor Club.
The specially commissioned engraved granite seat was unveiled in a tranquil garden within the park, offering a place to quietly remember rallying greats while taking in the scenic view of the surrounding hills.
The memorial was a collaborative effort between the Donegal Motor Club, Donegal County Council, and Motor Sport Ireland. The garden’s creation stemmed from a motion brought forward by Mayor Cllr Kevin Bradley several years ago. Last night Cllr Bradley described the seat as a “fitting tribute to all our Rally members who we lost along the way.”
The ceremony held special significance for the Kelly and Lynch family, who attended in memory of the late Manus Kelly ahead of the fifth anniversary of his tragic death in the 2019 Donegal International Rally.
Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly issued thanks on behalf of the family to the Donegal Motor Club, Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Council and Letterkenny-Milford Mayor Kevin Bradley for bringing the initiative forward.
“We are coming into five years on the passing of my own late brother Manus, and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the Donegal Motor Club for the way they rallied around us at the time of the wake and the funeral, it was very much appreciated,” Cllr Kelly said, speaking after the ceremony.
“The area where the bench is placed is somewhere everyone throughout the community can visit while they are availing of the great facilities at Ballymacool.”
Photo courtesy of Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly
The close-knit nature of the motoring community was evident throughout the ceremony, with a strong presence from fellow drivers, friends, and family.
Speakers at the event, including Brian Brogan (Chair of the Donegal Motor Club), Aidan Harper (President of Motorsport Ireland), and Father John Joe Duffy, emphasised the importance of remembering those who have gone before us and looking ahead to what can be achieved in the future.
The words etched into the seat not only honour past drivers but also celebrate the future of rally racing.
The poignant words say:
“At this special stage we sit here to remember.
We think of all who completed the course,
finished the race and gave the full rev,
that those yet to begin and those still
rallying go flat out to the checkered flag
inspired by their passion.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
In hope we rally on.
