THE SUNFLOWER RACES

Born in the Pigeon Club Hall on Ballynahinch Street, Hillsborough, in 1947, on the site that is now home to the Health Centre, the Hillsborough Motorcycle Club began its journey.

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Money was not plentiful in those days, and motorcycles were the sport of a small group of enthusiasts. Among them were the local schoolteacher, the coalman, a number of farmers, and riders who would go on to become some of the finest grass-track racers of their era.

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At that time, the sport was centred on grass-track racing. Circuits were laid out in farmers’ fields using posts and rope, and competitors raced with the same courage, determination, and skill that can still be seen today at the Sunflower Trophy meeting. Trials events were also popular, taking riders across rough mountain terrain and through specially marked sections, where penalties were incurred for putting a foot on the ground. The rider with the fewest marks at the end of the day was declared the winner.

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In the mid-1960s, the club embarked on its next great adventure—short-circuit road racing. Events were held at the old Magheraberry airfield before moving on to St Angelo in Enniskillen, Aghadowey, Kirkistown, and, for many years now, Bishopscourt, thanks to the valued support and friendship of Jim O’Brien.