Push for memorials in memory of road racer

Push for memorials in memory of road racer

29 May 2019

MOTORSPORT enthusiasts behind ambitious plans to erect two memorials in memory of road racer Brian Steenson in Killyleagh and Crossgar are to meet again next week.

A decision to advance plans for a bronze plaque or sculpture mounted on a granite stone in front of Killyleagh Castle and a wall mural in Crossgar were rubber-stamped several weeks ago.

The Brian Steenson Memorial Group, which is behind the project, meet next Tuesday evening at 8pm at Crossgar’s Corner Inn to progress the memorials, with members delighted that relatives of the former road racer — who lost his life at the Isle of Man TT in 1970 — have been informed about the plan.

Steenson’s cousins in New Zealand, Dublin and Canada have expressed an interest in the plans for the new memorials.

They were informed about the memorials by Mrs Linda Peak, a friend of Brian’s parents, Alex and Rita.

She forwarded recent Down Recorder articles to the road racer’s cousins, Patricia McDonald (New Zealand), Robert (Roy) Holmes in Dublin and Lynne Smith who lives in Calgary, Canada.

Alan Lyons, who is one of the key members of the memorial group keen to erect the tributes, believes the former road racer also has cousins on his father’s side of the family, but does not know how to contact them.

The group is keen to see Steenson, who sadly died aged just 23, formally remembered with a memorial in 2020 which marks the 50th anniversary of his death.

Steenson, described as “one of life’s gentlemen, was born on the Derryboy side of the Clea Lough outside Killyleagh and enthusiasts hope the tributes will reflect the esteem in which he was held.

Next Tuesday evening’s meeting will be chaired by Declan McGonagle, the proprietor of the Corner Inn, who has agreed to take on the role of group treasurer as the enthusiasts embark upon fundraising to finance the memorials. In addition to securing private finance, they hope Newry, Mourne and Down Council will weigh in with its support.

“At the group’s last meeting it was agreed to press ahead with plans for a bronze plaque or sculpture mounted on a granite stone in front of Killyleagh Castle and have a large wall mural dedicated to Steenson at a suitable location in Crossgar,” Mr Lyons said.

“Councillor Patrick Brown has written to the local council asking for this issue to be placed on the agenda for next Wednesday’s Rowallane DEA meeting. The other four other Rowallane councillors are supporting our plans with Cllr William Walker already involved with the Killyleagh plan.”

Mr Lyons said the group was grateful to Mrs Peak for making the road racer’s cousins aware of the plans to erect new memorials in his honour.

“All three cousins that she contacted are very interested that our group is planning a memorial to Brian and are looking forward to hearing how it all unfolds,” he continued.

Mr Lyons said the memorial group is also pleased that Mrs Irene Newton, who now resides in Cornwall and was Irene Kelly when she was Steenson’s girlfriend back in the 1960s, wants to be involved in the plans to remember the road racer.

He also revealed the group has discussed giving the road racer’s grave at First Killyleagh Presbyterian Church in Plantation Street a make over this summer.

Mr Lyons added: “Many thanks to all who attended our first meeting and got involved with this project. Their interest and support is very much appreciated and hopefully we will see everyone again next Tuesday evening for further discussion when there will also be another opportunity to see photographs and memorabilia associated with Brian and his racing career.”

For further information about plans for the new memorials contact Mr Lyons on  07771 689871 or email alan-lyons@hotmail.co.uk.