A Lurgan town centre business has once again pledged its unwavering support for the Tandragee 100 annual event.
The calendar event for motorcycle racing enthusiasts had previously been canceled in 2024 due to surfacing issues.
Now it seems the much-loved motorsport is set to return. An announcement made by the North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club (Tarmac Section) Ltd comes following an intervention by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, who earlier this month announced his intention to proceed with resurfacing work on a stretch of the A51 to assist with plans for the Tandragee 100 Road Race next year.
Posting on social media, the event organizers said, “On behalf of the North Armagh Motorcycle & Car Club (Tarmac Section) Ltd, it is with great pleasure I confirm Around-A-Pound has been confirmed as the title sponsor for the 2025 Around-A-Pound Tandragee 100 National Motorcycle Road Races.”
The event last took place in 2022, but it had to be canceled in the last two seasons due to issues with surface conditions. In the past two years, the only road races that have occurred in Northern Ireland are the Cookstown 100 and the Armoy races, along with the North West 200.
Anne Forsythe, Club Secretary, confirmed that the Lurgan-based “Around-A-Pound” will continue as title sponsor.
“We are delighted that Around-A-Pound is confirmed as this year’s title sponsor. Gerard and Siobhan have been very supportive towards both the Club and the event for nearly 20 years, and we are thrilled to be continuing that relationship in 2025. The event just would not be the same without them; they have not only contributed significantly in a financial way since 2005 but have also been hands-on with course setup and, on occasion, offered advice and support when needed.”
The local company, established by Gerard and Siobhan Rice in 1999, has made significant contributions to the community.
“I’d also like to encourage the public to get behind our sponsors and support them, as well as the event. With our budget rising to over £150,000 and insurance increases over the past few years, everyone who gives a donation or buys a programme is also making an important contribution to our event, alongside the 500 volunteers who make the event possible,” said Anne Forsythe, Club Secretary.
“Around-A-Pound has become a leading community retailer in Northern Ireland as a result of its consistent dedication to quality products at the best value prices. Gerard and Siobhan launched their first store in May 1999, and today, Around-A-Pound employs over 85 staff and manages five successful retail outlets in Newry, Armagh, Lurgan, Warrenpoint, and Newcastle, as well as a thriving online business”.
Regarding the upcoming resurfacing works, Minister O’Dowd said: “Over many years my Department has been working with race organisers to facilitate the safe conditions for the Tandragee 100 to take place. This has involved carrying out road surface and drainage repairs in advance of the event and that essential work will continue with the resurfacing of a small stretch of the road in preparation for next year’s event.
“Our rural road network is at the heart of local communities and contributes to their connectivity and economy. The Tandragee 100 Road Race is part of a busy NI motorsport calendar and attracts many thousands of motorsport enthusiasts. It also generates opportunities for local businesses and tourism. I am committed to supporting and investing in our rural road network to enable local communities deliver local benefits.”
Concluding Anne stated; “as a Club we are thrilled to have Gerard and Siobhan as our title sponsor as they represent hard working local people who give back to their community, just as we as a Club wish to do”.
Details on when this work will commence will be publicised on TrafficwatchNI soon.