Heartlands Rally Launch Report

An air of anticipation and excitement accompanied the launch of the inaugural running of the Heartlands Rally held in O’Loughlin’s Hotel on Saturday Last.  A crowd in excess of 250 people attended.  With a display of Rally cars parked on the Main Street it was an ideal opportunity for sponsors and the public to get a taste of the excitement promised for the weekend of the 12^th of June.

Laois Rallysport chairman Tom Scott welcomed all to the Launch of the Heartlands Rally.    He introduced the speakers and thanked those who attended.

Caithaoirleach of the Town Council Mayor Jerry Lodge spoke at The Heartlands Rally launch he praised the club and the organiser of the launch night Emma Brennan Laois Rally sport P.R.O.   In his speech he emphasised the importance of events such as this rally to Co Laois and he acknowledged the support for The Heartlands Rally by the indigenous businesses of Laois.   He went on to thank the residents on the stages for their support.

Words of welcome and encouragement for the Heartlands Rally were also delivered by County Manager Peter Carey.  He emphasized the commercial importance of events such as the Heartlands Rally to the County Laois and acknowledged the mammoth work put into organising this event.  He went on to compliment Laois Rallysport Club on their efforts in procuring this prestige event for Portlaoise and pledged his support in building the Heartlands Rally into an annual motor sport event. 

Sargent Redmond Cody head of the Garda Traffic Corps also spoke in support of the Motorsport Ireland’s campaign to Keep The Race In Its Place and encouraged youths interested in cars and driving to join Laois Rallysport club and keep the race in its place.   He continued to say that all young lives are sacred and the efforts of Laois Rally Sport Club were to be encouraged.

A special message of thanks to the residents who live on the Heartlands Rally stages was delivered by the Heartlands Rally manager Pat O’Connor.  He said “the people of Laois had embraced the idea of being the Heartland of Ireland and this Heartlands rally.   He thanked every body involved in the Heartlands Rally and wished everyone a safe and successful Rally on June 12^th.  

Ivor O’Loughlin from O’Loughlin's Hotel and Helena Flynn Chairperson of Loughran Signs Midlands East Rally Championship also spoke in support of the Heartlands Rally.  The celebrations continued on into the early hours and a good night was had by all.