1. When did you start driving (what age) and what did you first drive (elaborate)?
Driving road cars: Really started at 23 years old. My first car was an ’88 BMW E30, just like my Dad used to have.
2. How did you get involved in Motorsport?
School mates Denis Hogan and Paul O’Connell were involved in Hillclimbing. I came to Limerick Hillclimb in 2002 to find out what it was all about. I then helped out with organising Hillclimb paddocks from 2004 to 2008, before starting to compete myself in 2010.
I first drove a Formula Vauxhall Junior, starting in pole position on a reverse order grid Libre Race as part of Classic Car Live in Mondello. There’s nothing quite like being over taken by nearly all of the Libre cars on your first time out on track.
3. What is your daily driver and what is your competition car for the weekend?
BMW 320d touring is the family car.
BMW E30 M3 Evo II is the Sunday car.
Reynard Opel Lotus is the Hillclimb car.
Birel Rotax Max is the practise car/kart.
I do not own a Cinquecento 🙂
4. What is your occupation?
I run a business, Memory Makers Ltd ( www.memorymakers.ie ). It is a production craft business with a team of 23, providing personalised craftwork through Mothercare, Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Hamleys and various other locations across Ireland, North and South.
5. What is your highest achievement to date in Motorsport?
Nothing of consequence yet! But 2013 was a good year and fingers crossed for 2014.
6. What is your favourite thing about Hillclimbing?
The community. It is like a big family who all help each other out
and have great craic together.
7. What car would you most like to drive on a hill?
The one that gets me my first FTD! (Honestly, my own car with new tires and just a little bit more ‘go’.)
8. Who is your Motorsport idol?
9. What are your hobbies outside of Hillclimbing?
Figure Skating, Ballet and Karting.
10. If you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you need to bring with you?
Towel, clean water and a blanket? As I write this, I’m due my first baby tomorrow. Congratulations to Dee and Simon who are now proud parents to a healthy baby boy!
Finally, is there anyone you want to thank (Marshals, Sponsors, etc.)?
Our sport would not exist without the organisers (motor clubs, marshalls and committees) who make our sport possible. The competitors also play a huge role in keeping our sport alive, most getting involved in one way or another, whether it be encouraging new competitors out, helping organise their local event or helping fellow competitors. I feel privileged to be involved in a sport like this and thank each and every person who puts time and effort into the organisation of our sport.
I am also grateful to my sponsor, www.memorymakers.ie