Two memorials for local road racing legend to be erected

Two memorials for local road racing legend to be erected

1 May 2019

MOTORSPORT enthusiasts have agreed to erect two memorials in memory of road racer Brian Steenson in Killyleagh and Crossgar.

Agreement to press ahead with plans for a bronze plaque mounted on a granite stone in front of Killyleagh Castle and a wall mural in Crossgar was rubber-stamped at a meeting last weekend.

The Brian Steenson Memorial Group — which met last Friday evening — is driving the campaign to remember the popular road racer who lost his life at the Isle of Man TT in 1970.

The group is keen to see its hero, who sadly died aged just 23, formally remembered with a memorial in 2020 which marks the 50th anniversary of his death at the Nobles Hospital on the island following his crash.

Born on the Derryboy side of the Clea Lough outside Killyleagh, enthusiasts hope the tributes they are planning will reflect the esteem in which experienced rider Steenson, described as “one of life’s gentlemen”,  was held.

Crossgar’s Corner Inn was the venue for the first formal meeting of the Brian Steenson Memorial Group with organisers describing the attendance as “encouraging”.

Mr Alan Lyons, who is one of the driving forces behind the new group, said there is great enthusiasm for Steenson to be remembered.

He said the enthusiasts are determined to do whatever they can to erect something in Brian’s memory and are also committed to raising funds to help them realise their goal. With none of Steenson family longer alive, the memorial group wants to play its part in remembering the road racer.

Mr Lyons said everyone who attended last week’s meeting was 100% behind the idea to have Steenson remembered in Killyleagh, with most favouring a granite stone with a bronze plaque erected in front of the town’s castle on property owned by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

He continued: “There was a lot of discussion about where a memorial should be sited with the majority saying they believed it should be in Killyleagh. Other suggested locations included Killyleagh’s First Presbyterian Church in Plantation Street and the square in Crossgar.”

Mr Lyons explained a compromise was reached, with those in attendance agreeing to pursue both the Killyleagh memorial and erect a large wall mural dedicated to Steenson on a suitable location in Crossgar.

During last Friday’s event, Trevor Lindsay displayed Steenson’s 1968 350cc Aermacchi racing machine which he rode that season and in the following year, while Graham Ritchie displayed numerous photographs, paintings and memorabilia of Brian’s life and racing career, many of which those in attendance had never seen before.

Mr Lyons, who thanked everyone who attended, including Rowallane councillor Patrick Brown, said many people spoke fondly about the road racer and his family, including Gerry McGarrity who travelled from Irvinestown to Crossgar for last week’s meeting as his uncles, Michael and Patsy McGarrity, had raced against Steenson and were all great friends. 

Maurice Doherty, who worked with the local rider also described him as “true gentleman and “sporting legend” in a book he published, while Jim Lindsay, David Henderson and Frank Gibson said it was fitting that something was done to remember “their hero”.

Corner Inn proprietor Declan McGonagle said he was delighted with the idea of having a large wall mural in Crossgar and promised to do what ever he could to help with funding.

The next meeting of the Brian Steenson Memorial Group takes places on Tuesday, June 4, at 8pm at the Corner Inn, with refreshments provided. There will be another opportunity to see photographs and memorabilia associated with Steenson and his racing machine.

Further information about plans for the new memorials is available by contacting Alan Lyons on  07771 689871 or email alan-lyons@hotmail.co.uk.