About Tipperary Light Car & Motorcycle Club

The Beginings

The late Mick Burke, an ardent Motor Sport enthusiast, himself a regular competitor in the Phoenix Park and other venues, was the chief instigator and driving force in the formation of the Tipperary Motor Club. Meetings were held in the home of Paddy Dwyer and in 1950 the Tipperary Light Car and Motor Cycle Club was officially launched details of which were reported in the press and reproduced in this brochure. This year the club celebrates its 50th Birthday.

"The following report is taken from the Nationalist"

Light Car and Motor Cycle Club

Formed in Clonmel

• Chairman - Mr. M Burke
• Hon. Treasurer - Mr. T. P Henry
• Hon. Secretary - Mr.A. Gibbings
• Committee -
  • Senator F Loughman, Captain Shanahan, Dr. K. M McCann, Mr. DesmondFlynn,
  • Mr. JackPrendergast, Mr. William King, Mr. W P Kelleher, Mr. John Quinlan
  • and Mr. T. J. Meagher.

It is true to say that others, though not mentioned as committee members, were also very active in the fledging club, among those were Richard Dalton, Paddy Dwyer, Paddy Lyons, Noel Burke, Tommy Powell, Jack Q'Donoghue, Pat Barry, Gerry King and Jackie Kneeshaw.

It was appropriate that the club should be affectionally named "The Stonethrowers" a name often associated with Tipperary people. The logo/badge was designed by Jack Q'Donoghue, taking the idea from the wartime graffiti "Chad was here", depicting a oneeyed driver peering over the steering wheel of a car, but some bikers at the time may have felt aggrieved somewhat as their particular end of the sport was not incorporated in the design.

The club's first event in Powerstown Park was timed to coincide with the festival celebrating the tercentenary ofthe famous Siege of CIon me I and for several days before the meeting cars mounted with loud speakers travelled the roads of south Tipperary and further afield to advertise the spectacle, which on the day proved an outstanding success.