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BACK TO BACK WINS FOR JACK

Liam and Mary Shanahan pictured with Jack Lyons

Sixteen year old Jack Lyons from Co. Meath has become the first driver to win the coveted Neil Shanahan Trophy - 'The Chequered Flag' for the second successive year. The new Junior Karting Champion for 2009 was accompanied by his parents at the prestigious event.
It seems the transition year student is becoming rather attached to 'The Chequered Flag' but has his sights set on Formula Ford in the future.

PALMER TAKES THE 2009 FESTIVAL

Chrissy Palmer receives The Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy from Neil's parents

On the weekend that Jenson Button became the first ex-Formula Ford Festival winner to become Formula I world champion, 19 year old Chrissy Palmer triumphed in the 38th running of the famous event at Brands Hatch.
Palmer having started from the front row kept a watching brief and seized his opportunity at half distance when he took the lead exiting Graham Hill bend, holding his nerve to the chequered flag.

JACK RAKES TOP AWARD

Jack pictured with Liam and Mary Shanahan

Fifteen year old Jack Lyons became the tenth recipient of 'The Neil Shanahan Trophy' - The Chequered Flag at The Irish Motorsport Award Ceremony held in Dublin on 9th December.
The Junior Karting Champion from Co. Meath attended the event with his parents Lynne and Ger. Jack also has a sister Kerri.
Jack who is a boarder at Clongowes Wood School, intends to continue karting in 2009 while studying for his Junior Cert. Jack who comes from a "horsey" background has chosen a different kind of horsepower.

BOYD BLITZ OF THE FESTIVAL

Wayne pictured on the podium with Liam and Mary Shanahan

Starting the race from pole position Wayne Boyd from Northern Ireland streaked away from the chasing pack to win the Duratec Final by four seconds. The blue ribboned event of The Formula Ford Festival delighted spectators with a safety car free final.
Wayne Boyd became the first driver to win both the Formula Ford Championship and Festival since Jenson Button in 1998, a fact not lost on him when he lifted 'The Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy' at the famous Brands Hatch Circuit

SHANE TAKES THE CHEQUERED FLAG

Shane with Neils' parents, Liam and Mary Shanahan

The Irish Junior Karting Champion for 2007, Shane Crosbie, took “The Chequered Flag” - the Neil Shanahan Trophy at the annual Motorsport Awards ceremorny, which took place on the 4th of December 2007.

The event, which was jointly hosted by Dunlop and Motorsport Ireland was a “who's who” in Irish Motorsport. Shane, who is sixteen and hails from Lucan was accompanied by his parents, Teresa and Ken. A Student in CBS in Lucan, Shane will be competing mainly in Europe in 2008.

TANDY TAKES HONOURS

Nick Tandy with the Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy

Nick Tandy finally received the Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy at the annual BRSCC dinner, which was held at Stratford-upon-Avon on the 17th of November 2007, following yet another controversial Formula Ford Duratec final at the festival held at Brands Hatch in October.

The blue ribboned race was red flagged at half distance following several incidents. Although British Formula Ford champion Callum Macleod led the way at that point the win was later awarded to Nick Tandy as a result of an incident between the leading pair.

The presentation was made by Dominic Ostrowsky on behalf of Liam and Mary Shananhan

DOUBLE TOP FOR RICHARD
RICHARD TANNAHILL WINS THE 2006 FORMULA FORD FESTIVAL

Richard with Liam and Mary

When Richard Tannahill raised the Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy, he became the first driver to have won both Neil Shanahan trophies in Ireland and the U.K.

Having won the Irish Junior Karting Championship in 2002, his efforts in Formula Ford were rewarded following his great drive in appalling conditions during the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch in October.

The BRSCC Gala evening took place at Stratford-upon-Avon, and Liam and Mary flew in from Dublin to make the presentation on this unique occaision. Richards parents, Jimmy and Valerie, accompanied him from Coleraine, continuing the wonderful support they have given him throughout his racing career.

In addition, Richards finances received a boost with a cheque for €2000 from the Shanahan Family.

RIKKI TAKES THE CHEQUERED FLAG AND THE
2006 IRISH JUNIOR KARTING TITLE

Rikki with the Chequered Flag.

Liam and Mary make the presentation.

Dublins Radisson SAS Hotel was the venue for the annual awards lunch hosted by Dunlop and Motorsport Ireland to honour the elite of Irish Motorsport. The event took place on the 5th of December with the media in attendance. Fourteen year old Rikki Gordon from Portglenone, Co. Antrim, was presented with the Neil Shanahan trophy, "The Chequered Flag".

Rikki is one of the youngest karters to have his name engraved on the prestigious trophy, and is the son of Philip and Collette Gordon. He attends Cambridge House Grammer School, and is set to move up a gear next season when he hopes to progress to the Super I Series, competing mostly in the UK. Rikkis' racing account was boosted with a cheque for €2000, which he received from the Shanahan Family.

ROBERT BUTLER, THE 2005 IRISH JUNIOR KARTING CHAMPION,
IS PRESENTED WITH THE NEIL SHANAHAN TROPHY

Robert Takes "The Chequered Flag"

Dublins Radisson Hotel was the venue for the cream of Irish Motorsport on Tuesday 24th January 2006. The top achievers for 2005 from the worlds of karting, racing and rallying were honoured at the lunch, which was co-hosted by Motorsport Ireland and Dunlop. With the media in attendance, the most coveted trophies in Irish Motorsport were presented.

The winner of the "Chequered Flag" - The Neil Shanahan Trophy for his wonderful 2005 season was young Robert Butler. Robert, who also received a cheque for €2000, is the son of Ellen and Gerry Butler. Just turned fourteen he is the youngest ever winner. Robert, who lives in Oldtown, Garlow Cross, Navan Co Meath, attended the local Lismullen National School and started karting at the tender age of ten. He is currently a second year pupil at Dunshaughlin Community College.

Well done Robert!

2005 FORMULA FORD FESTIVAL WINNER, DUNCAN TAPPY,
RECEIVES THE NEIL SHANAHAN MEMORIAL TROPHY

"Come to me baby!"

Duncan Tappy, from West Ewell, Surrey, showed great delight on winning the pretigious Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy at Brands Hatch. The hard fought final was held at the famous Kent venue on the 23rd October 2005.

The late Neil Shanahan's parents Liam and Mary, who watched the race from the commentary position, presented the beautifully crafted porcelain trophy to Duncan Tappy together with a cheque for €2000.

2004 IRISH JICA KARTING CHAMPION CRAIG BREEN
RECEIVES NEIL SHANAHAN TROPHY

Irish Motorsport has honoured its top performers of 2004 at a function held in Dublin’s Conrad hotel on Tuesday November 20th 2004. The Alfa Romeo awards of excellence in Irish Motorsport is overseen by the sports governing body Motorsport Ireland and brings together the main achievers from all the motorsport disciplines. With the media in attendance the most coveted trophies in Irish motorsport were handed out.

This year the winner of the Neil Shanahan Trophy is 14-year-old Craig Breen from Waterford in addition he receives a cheque for 2000 euro from Neil’s parents Liam and Mary. Craig is the son of Ray and Jackie Breen and is currently studying for his Junior Cert. His dad Ray is a rally driver, and it is Craig’s ambition to rise to the top in rallying himself. Craig began karting as a cadet at the tender age of 8 and his talent was carefully nurtured through the years by the late John Brennan of Kilkenny who gave so much to the sport but sadly died shortly before the awards. At 14 Craig is the youngest ever recipient of the Neil Shanahan Trophy, he had admired Neil greatly and had hoped to lift the trophy some day.

Congratulations Craig for doing just that.

DANIEL CLARKE WINS 2004 FORMULA FORD FESTIVAL AND RECEIVES NEIL SHANAHAN MEMORIAL TROPHY

Daniel Clarke has become the third British driver and the sixth recipient of the prestigious Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy at the formula ford festival held annually at the famous Brands Hatch venue in Kent, England. In addition he received a cheque for 1,500 euro from the Shanahan Family.

He is pictured here with Neil’s parents Liam and Mary who travel from Ireland each year to present the trophy which was commissioned by ford in memory of their late son Neil

2003 WINNER OF NEIL SHANAHAN TROPHY AND IRISH JICA KARTING CHAMPION TITLE NIALL QUINN

The 2003 Alfa Romeo awards for excellence in Irish Motorsport has taken place in Dublin at a high profile lunch attended by media and invited guests the top motorsport achievers were honoured.

The exquisite Neil Shanahan Trophy and a cheque for 1,500 euro were awarded to the national JICA Kart champion by Liam and Mary Shanahan. This year’s recipient is 15-year-old Niall Quinn from Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

2003 FORMULA FORD FESTIVAL WINNER JOEY FOSTER PICTURED WITH NEIL'S PARENTS

British diver Joey Foster has claimed the prestigious title of winner of the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, Kent, England. The world famous race was held in wet conditions and Joey showed superb car control to take the chequered flag.

His name will be inscribed on the much-coveted Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy, he also received a cheque for 1,500 euro from Liam and Mary Shanahan.

2002 IRISH JICA KART CHAMPION RICHARD TANNAHILL
RECEIVES NEIL SHANAHAN TROPHY

Irish Motorsport honoured its top performers of 2002 at a celebration lunch held in Dublin on Monday 2nd December 2002. The "Awards for Excellence in Irish Motorsport" event which brought together the leading performers from all disciplines of Irish Motorsport was created by the sport's governing body Motorsport Ireland and sponsored by Alfa Romeo.

Mary and Liam Shanahan attended the annual event to present the Neil Shanahan Trophy to 2002 Motorsport Ireland National JICA Kart Champion Richard Tannahill from Coleraine. The 16 year old was also presented with a cheque for EUR1,000 and becomes the fourth recipient of the Trophy.

JAN HEYLEN WINS 2002 FORMULA FORD FESTIVAL
& RECEIVES NEIL SHANAHAN MEMORIAL TROPHY

Belgium's Jan Heylen became the fourth receipent of the Neil Shanahan Memorial Trophy in November when he won the prestigious Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch in Kent, England.

Mary and Liam attended the world famous end of season event, as they do each year, to presented Jan with the trophy.