March 2005
MAGLink, March 2005
A monthly update from the Irish Motorcyclists Action Group.
MAG Ireland : Representing Riders
The progress reported below in promoting and protecting motorcycling has been
possible because of your support.
Index:
1. Campaign Updates
2. National Motorcycle Events Calendar,
3. MAG details and contact numbers
4. Disclaimer
To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank message to imag_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
**************************************************************
The following is a brief summary of some of the work undertaken within the Campaigns
portfolio during February 2005. Background to any of the topics mentioned can
be found by referring to previous issues of MAGlink and on the website www.magireland.org
. For further information or if you have any comments or questions you can contact
the MAG Office at office@magireland.org or telephone 01 4530797 (MAG Office).
NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE DEMONSTRATION
Tired of excessive, unjustified motorcycle insurance quotes? Then do something
about it! Take the afternoon of Friday the 15th of April next off work and come
join other motorcyclists at MAG's National Motorcycle Insurance Demonstration.
The Demo will assemble at Wilton Place on the Grand Canal, Dublin at 2.00pm
on the afternoon of Friday the 15th of April next and will call to the offices
of Hibernian, Carol Nash, Aon and the Ministry of Transport. We want to make
the voices (and exhausts!) of motorcyclists heard by the officals of these organisations
in one loud protest to show we are NOT happy with the current state of affairs.
There's a poster at http://www.magireland.org/MagDemo2005.pdf - please print
it and make sure your local bike shop etc has a copy on display. Farmers, road
hauliers and other special interest groups have shown that bringing members
out onto the street is somethines the only thing that gets action in this country
- we need YOU now.
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AGREES TO MEETING.
The Minister of Transport's office has replied to say the Minister is agreeable
to meet a delegation from MAG to discuss matters of concern to motorcyclists.
The Board of MAG will agree an agenda at it's next meeting and submit it to
the Minister's office with a suggested final date. This follows from the meeting
with the previous minister Seamus Brennan a couple of years ago. A precedent
has been set whereby incoming Ministers meet MAG as the representative organisation
for motorcyclists in Ireland. It's a great opportunity to present our cases
directly to those in power and hopefully will lead to advancement of some of
our causes.
GOOD NEWS FOR COUCH BIKERS - RTE ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF MOTO GP
RTE today (Wednesday 30th March 2005) announced details of the station's comprehensive
coverage of this season's Moto GP World Championship, which starts on
Sunday April 10th. RTE will cover all seventeen races live, plus highlights
of each Grand Prix, and coverage will begin with a preview of the season on
Saturday 2nd April at 2.10pm on RTE Two. Peter Collins will anchor the coverage
as commentator, with former Grand Prix rider and TT winner Eddie Laycock as
co-commentator. As well as the live coverage, each programme will feature rider
interviews and news as the season unfolds. The highlights programmes will also
cover both 125cc and 250cc races. RTE recently secured the rights for exclusive
live coverage of Moto GP for the next three seasons. Speaking about the coverage,
Glen Killane, RTE Head of Sport, said: "Moto GP has become extremely popular
in recent years and has one of the fastest-growing television audiences of any
sport world-wide. We're delighted to be expanding our coverage of this exciting
motorsport to include every single race live this season."
Bridgestone sponsors RTE's coverage, and over the course of the season viewers
will be given the chance to win a brand new Kawasaki 636 RR race replica bike,
plus a trip to the Valencia Grand Prix and the chance to do a lap of the circuit
on the bike with one of the Kawasaki riders.
The full list of races, all exclusively live on RTE Two, is:
April 10 Gran Premio de Espana - Jerez
April 17 Grande Premio de Portugal - Estoril
May 1 Grand Prix of China - Shanghai Circuit
May 15 Grand Prix de France - Le Mans
June 5 Gran Premio D'Italia - Mugello
June 12 Gran Premi de Catalunya - Circuit de Catalunya
June 25 TT Assen - Assen
July 10 U.S. Grand Prix - Laguna Seca
July 24 British Grand Prix - Donington Park
July 31 Motorrad Grand Prix Deutschland - Sachsenring
August 28 Grand Prix Ceske Republiky - Automotodrom Brno
September 18 Grand Prix of Japan - Motegi
September 25 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix - Sepang Circuit
October 1 Grand Prix of Qatar - Losail Circuit
October 16 Australian Grand Prix - Phillip Island
October 23 Grand Prix of Turkey - Istanbul Circuit
November 6 Gran Premio de la Comunitat Valenciana
*******************************************************************
2. NATIONAL MOTORCYCLING EVENTS CALENDAR, 2005
MAG Ireland encourages event organisers to support motorcycling by offering
a discount of one euro to holders of current MAG membership cards at their events
in 2004. If you know of any events or want to publicise your own forthcoming
event, send details to office@magireland.org or directly to maglink@magireland.org
and we'll put it on the website and also include it in next month's MAGLink.
Thanks to Aggie and the Bikers Bible we now have the following comprehensive
list of Rallys due to take place over the next 6 months - as dates and venues
can sometimes change, it is advisable to phone the relevant club a week or so
in advance to confirm date and venue.
April 2005
April 2/3 Desmond M.C.C. Rally - Anglers Rest, Doonass.
April 9/10 Dal Cals - (previously the Freelancers) Venue Ashford Tavern, Newcastle
West, Co.Limerick. Call Paul 087 6220539 or by email freelancerpaul@eircom.net
April 9 Riverside Crew M.C.C. - The Halfway House, Dunmore, Tuam, Co. Galway.
15th April 2005 - MAG is co-ordinating a National Insurance Demo on the afternoon
of Friday the 15th April 2005 leaving from Wilton Place on the Grand Canal at
2.00pm.
April 16/17 Heatseizers M.C.C. -The Glenview, Aughnacliffe, Co. Longford.
April 23/24 Orion M.C.C. - Lenehans Pub, Newtown, Kilmac, Co. Waterford.
April 30/ May 1 Ducks C.B.C. - Custom Show, Nad, Co. Cork.
Lawbreakers M.C.C. Rally, .....087 2375535 / 086 6015539
An Ri Dubh R.C. - Bike run and rock night - Clarr and Mountbolus
MAY 2005
May 1 Revs M.C.C. - B.B.Q & Rocknite, Annagh, Miltown-Malbay, Co. Clare.
May 7/8 Renegades M.C.C. -Deadmans Inn, Ballyfin, Co. Laois.
May 14/15 Dogleap M.C.C. Rally, -Limavady Rugby and Cricket Club, Co. Derry.
Rebel Riders M.C.C. - The Plough, Curaglas.
May 21/ 22 Jesters M.C.C. - Majestic Rally, Eglington Equestrian Centre, Eglington,
Co. Derry.
Slievenamon Riders M.C.C. - Ikes & Mikes, 052 33017 -087 2558091.
Devils Disciples M.C. "The Gathering" , Gap Bar, Gorey, Co. Wexford.
May 28/29 Tribes M.C.C. - Heart in Hand, - Finnerty's Pub, Tuber, Co. Galway.
Waterford Freewheelers M.C. - Tramore Racecourse, Co. Waterford.
MAY 29th MAG Dublin Annual Puppy Run - more details closer to event.
JUNE 2005
June 3/4/5 Chieftains M.C.C. Rally, - Portneal Lodge, Kilrea, Co. Derry.
June 4/5 Pilgrims M.C.C. - Venue to be confirmed.
RWA Cork Vintage, Custom and Classic Show, Barretts Pub, Ballinhassig, Cork.
June 11/12 Emerald M.C.C. - Seafield Hotel, Easkey, Co. Sligo.
Chopper Club Ireland, - Custom Show, Castlelyons.
June 18/19 Ironhorseman M.C.C. Rally ...094 9651920.
June 25/26 Dal Riada M.C.C. - Plan of Attack Rally, 086 1516197 - 087 6349597
JULY 2005
July 2/3 South West M.C.C. - Missin Link Rally, - 087 2977992 - 087 9087344
Harley Davidson Club Ireland Ireland - Stradbally, Co. Waterford.
North West Riders M.C.C. - Hilltop, Culleens, Co. Sligo.
July 1/2/3/ Devils Disciples M.C. Custom Show, Manowar Pub, Dublin.
July 9/10 Rogues M.C.C. Rally - 086 8462745 - 879 2841.
Klousters Rally - 086 3590994
July16/17 Slippy Clutch M.C.C. Rally Whiskey Shop, Crettyard, Co. Kildare.
July 23/24 Druids M.C.C.Farmyard Bash, O'Briens, Nurney.
July 30/31 Viking M.C Ireland. 19th Irish Custom and classic, Foleys Bar, Garryhill,
Co. Carlow.
Resurrected M.C.C. Trainers, Lisnageer.
July 29/1 Aug. Dublin Motorcycling touring Club, ...?
AUGUST 2005
Aug 6/7 Moy Riders Rally - 087 4178754
Aug 13/14 Illeagles M.C.C. Milltown, co. Donegal.
Olde Thumpers M.C.C. Rally, Rugby Club, Kilkenny.
Aug 20/21 Midlands Alliance M.C.C. Rehugh, Tullamore, co Offaly.
Coyotes M.C.C. Rally, Co. Antrim. - 0044 7802331696.
Aug 27/28 Free Spirit M.C.C. Mill House, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
Ramrods M.C.C. Rally, 087 9764682 - 086 164 9053.
Regulators M.C.C. Ringfort Inn, Co. Donegal.
SEPTEMBER 2005
Sept 3/4 Clondalkin M.C.C. Harp Rally, Cush Inn, Kildangan.
Nighthawks M.C.C. - Castleroe, Coleraine.
Sept 10/11 Highciders M.C.C. Rally, - 049 9526229 - 087 943 6710
17/18 Clonmore Cruisers M.C.C. Hacketstown, Co. Carlow.
Marauders M.C.C. Rally, - 087 7686180.
Banner M.C.C. Ahearnes, Newport.
MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website www.mag-uk.org - BMF
events www.bmf.co.uk
****************************************************************
3. MAG Calendar 2005
Board meetings
1st Tuesday every month, 7:30pm MAG Office, Dublin.
MAG Local Group meetings:-
MAG Donegal: 1st Tuesday of each month at 8pm, Road House Bar, Ballybofey
MAG Dublin: 1st Tuesday of each month 8.30pm Strawberry Hall, Lucan,
(contact Jimmy Kenny, 01 4502330)
MAG Limerick: Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in Gus O'Driscolls
Pub, Corbally. http://maglimerick.pitas.com/
MAG Tipperary North/South Offaly. Every last Thursday of the month at 'The Mill
House', Birr Road, Roscrea. Contact Keith Leaver at kleaver@gofree.indigo.ie
for further details.
MAG Cork: Tuesday nights in an Cruiscin Lan, on Douglas Street at 8.30pm. We
are usually in the snug!
MAG Wexford - last Tuesday of every month at Ballycarney Inn, Ballycarney, Co,
Wexford, Co. Wexford from 8.30pm. A second meeting also takes place on the 2nd
Tuesday of each month, at a venue announced at the previous Ballycarney meeting.
E&OE. Changes should be advised to the MAG office office@magireland.org
or Groad O'Byrne maglink@magireland.org
Publication Deadlines - RoadRunner: February 15th, May 15th. August 15th, November
15th,
Letters and articles welcome, articles with pictures very welcome.
Send submissions roadrunner@magireland.org or to RoadRunner c/o MAG Office.
MAG Member Benefits
* A nationwide organisation representing your interests as a rider
* RoadRunner Magazine
* BikeShop Discounts, Full list in RoadRunner or on website www.magireland.org
* Motorcycle Insurance
* Local Groups - Social Activity and Local Representation
* Information Service, (Info sheets, MAGLink and advice)
* MAG Products
* Training discounts
* Discounts on the entry fee to participating motorcyclist events
* Route Planning Service
* Discounts on VHI Health Insurance, Ferries, Accident Insurance and Breakdown
Cover.* MAG Credit Card. Competitive credit facility which also makes a small
donation to MAG with each transaction.
The discounts alone will save you much more than the membership fee every year.
Membership costs € 30 per annum, with reductions for young riders, partners
and for payment by standing order. To join now ring the MAG Office on (01) 4530797.
Credit cards accepted.
* Events Advertising
As an additional benefit to affiliated clubs only, MAG are offering substantial
discounts to advertise their rally in Roadrunner. Roadrunner is Ireland's largest
circulation motorcycle magazine and goes out to over 4000 Irish motorcyclists
every quarter. See below for details
Club affiliation costs €30 per annum.
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit MAG currently has information sheets
on:
Accidents a Legal Perspective, Anti Theft, Member Benefits, Bike Promotion,
Bike Rental, Discount Shops, Drink Driving, Driving Test, Events Insurance,
FEMA, Group Riding, Importing a Bike, Irish Touring, Licence Regulations, Long
Distance Riding, MAG History, New Member, Ride Safely, Local Groups, European
Lobbying. Training, Motorcycle Awareness, Type Approval, MAG Structure, What
is MAG, Perception of Motorcycles as Unsafe, Consumer Rights for Motorcyclists
MAG's Information Sheets can be found at the MAG website.
MAG also issues a computer CD which contains the reps handbooks, info sheets,
local group report template and useful forms such as road hazard reporting and
membership. There's also a very wide selection of research and motorcycle promotion
material useful when lobbying and for background information. Copy one from
your local group or contact the MAG Office.
MAG Products
Premium T- shirts = € 12.70 each (Black with MAG logo)
Nectectors = € 12.70 each (Red or Black tubular neckwarmers)
Baseball Caps = € 12.70 each (Black cloth, with MAG logo)MAG EIRE, RIDE
FREE Patches = € 3.80 each
Flourescent "Do Not Remove This Helmet" sticker = €1.00
RIDE FREE Adhesive stickers = € 1.80 each
Previous years Members' Metal Badges = € 2.56 each
2005 MAG Enamel badge = € 3.80 each
MAG Fleecies - €35 - heavy gauge, navy, with "MAG Ireland" embroidered
on front.
BOOKS - "Motorcycle Roadcraft" = € 17.00 each
MAG Ireland Hi Viz vests €10.00
All items are including postage by ordinary post. These exclusive products are
available from your local Group, direct from the MAG Office, or from our MAG
Products Outlet Shop, Kilkenny Camping & Water-sports Centre, U24 The Arcade,
High Street, Kilkenny. Save postage by shopping locally.
Profits from the sale of MAG Products goes directly to campaigning for Riders
Rights.
MAG Advertising
Roadrunner is Ireland's largest circulation motorcycle magazine and is mailed
directly to over 4000 Irish motorcyclists every quarter. If you want the Irish
motorcycling world to know about something (your shop, your sale, your club,
your product, your event.....) then advertising in RoadRunner is the way to
tell them.
Contact the MAG Office for details of our advertising rates.
MAG Contacts
MAG Board (Composed of elected and co-opted officers and responsible for the
day to day running of MAG)
Eoin Kirwan: Chairman, IT & Transport: 087 6166207 Mailto: chair@magireland.org
Linda O'Loideoin: Treasurer, Roadrunner Editor mailto:roadrunner@magireland.org
Gearóid O Byrne: Local Groups Liaison & MAGlink mailto:maglink@magireland.org
David French: European Liaison, Safety Officer mailto:davidfrench@magireland.org
Peter Bartlett:
National Council and Local MAG Group Contact Details
The National Council (NC) is composed of elected county representatives and
responsible for the overall running of MAG. Unless a county position of "NC
representative" is elected, the county chairperson is on the NC.
MAG County Groups
MAG Donegal
Chair: Marty Boyle 087 - 6557414 martyboyle@unison.ie
or magdonegal@yahoo.com
Or Michael McNulty mnulty@mcmenaminsteel.com
MAG Dublin
Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01 - 4502330
MAG Limerick
Secretary - Alec Quinn. ajquinn@eircom.net
Treasurer - Mark Hackett. haket@hotmail.com
NC Rep - Vinny White. vwhite@eircom.net
PRO - Sharon Curtin. yamxv250@hotmail.com
Clubs liason officer - Karl Murphy. crashtestdummy@oceanfree.net
Local Authority liason officer - John Mullin.
MAG North Tipperary and South Offaly
Paul O'Dwyer 086-2686091 froggieod@yahoo.com
Keith Lever kleaver@gofree.indigo.ie
MAG Cork
Chair - Ger Donnolly
Treasurer - Martin O'Driscoll martdris@gofree.indigo.ie
MAG Wexford
Chair - Martin Sills 087 - 6628595
Treasurer - Mick Rice sago@oceanfree.net
Unelected local representatives invited to National Council meetings by MAG
Board - Leitrim - Christine Cann christinecann@eircom.net
The remaining counties are currently not represented on the National Council.
If you are interested in assisting, either as volunteering as a local representative
or in relation to founding a MAG Group in your area, please contact the MAG
Office or the Local Group Liaison Gearóid O'Byrne at maglink@magireland.org
MAG Office
1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01 453 0797
Fax: 01 453 3643
Liz Keane Office Assistant office@magireland.org
Before ringing the MAG office please consider if it wouldn't be better ringing
your MAG representative, the DOE Driver Testing Section, your local motorcycle
dealer or the Yellow Pages first. The MAG Office will help with your queries
where possible but doing so reduces the time available to administer MAG for
everyone's benefit.
Website: www.magireland.org
Webmaster: Joe Lennon webmaster@magireland.org
4. Disclaimer
MAGLink is provided free of charge as a service to motorcycling in Ireland.
MAG Ireland cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or
omissions
MAGLink March 2005, compiled by Groad O Byrne maglink@magireland.org
(c) Copyright : MAG Ireland