Kathleen Hartin receives Honorary Membership

THE Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club this week paid tribute to a founding member of the Club, Kathleen Hartin, by awarding her an Honorary Membership at the launch of the 2015 Armoy Road Races.
The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club this week paid tribute to a founding member of the Club, Kathleen Hartin, by awarding her an Honorary Membership at the launch of the 2015 Armoy Road Races. Kathleen Hartin, receiver of the Honorary Membership Award at the Armoy Road Races Launch 2015, pictured with William Munnis, Chairman of the Armoy Road Racing Motorcycle Club.The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club this week paid tribute to a founding member of the Club, Kathleen Hartin, by awarding her an Honorary Membership at the launch of the 2015 Armoy Road Races. Kathleen Hartin, receiver of the Honorary Membership Award at the Armoy Road Races Launch 2015, pictured with William Munnis, Chairman of the Armoy Road Racing Motorcycle Club.
The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club this week paid tribute to a founding member of the Club, Kathleen Hartin, by awarding her an Honorary Membership at the launch of the 2015 Armoy Road Races. Kathleen Hartin, receiver of the Honorary Membership Award at the Armoy Road Races Launch 2015, pictured with William Munnis, Chairman of the Armoy Road Racing Motorcycle Club.

Kathleen, who formed the Club tells the story; “The Armoy Road Races came about one night in an Armoy pub where after some friendly banter and plenty of craic a £20 bet was placed to see whether I could get a race running. Well the rest is history – I obviously won the bet!

“You see motorbikes and I have known each other since I was little, my dad used to take me to the North West 200. I’ve always been a great fan of Joey Dunlop and I wanted to do something to honour the memory of the Armoy Armada. I asked Meryvn White, Clerk of the Course for the North West 200, initially for his advice and I have to say that he came to Armoy numerous times to discuss the important aspects of running a road race. Without his assistance and encouragement in those early weeks and months the Club wouldn’t have been formed. So thank you Mervyn.

“I’m proud to see the Club launching the Armoy Road Races for the seventh year. It’s been great to see some of our local riders and sponsors and particularly those that supported the Club over the last number of years. It’s also fantastic to see so many new sponsors too, some of which are local business men and women – it’s a great reflection of how the Armoy Road Races are part and parcel of the community.”

William Munnis, Chairman said, “It’s a privilege to present this honorary membership to Kathleen as a key figure in starting up the Club. There is no doubt in my mind that the Club would not be where it is today without Kathleen. She took a £20 bet very seriously indeed, and thank goodness she did!”

Kathleen Hartin concluded; “I’m extremely delighted to receive this honour. I’m a little bit speechless, some might say that’s a new thing – but I know that this is heartfelt and in recognition of my initial contribution to the Club and the Races. I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to my wonderful husband William. He fully supported me at all times and I really couldn’t have done it without him. Armoy Road Races are unquestionably the best national road race in Ireland – or does anyone want a bet?”