On Saturday night last 6th December the T.R.O.A (Tarmac Rallies Organisers Association) held their Gala Awards Dinner in the Clayton Hotel Galway. Amongst the special awards that were given out on the night, was the prestigious and coveted Armagh Bowl. This award is sponsored by long time Tarmac Rally Championship supporter Mr Kieran McAnallen, of the Armagh City Hotel and previously of Toughmac fame the famous sponsor of the great Bertie Fisher. The award is given to a person that has contributed greatly to the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and recognises the fact of their contribution to same.
This year the award went to one of the championship’s founding members Mr Alan G.Verso. Alan is a man whose rally credential’s can only be regarded as astonishing. A twice term international rally clerk of the course, Vice Chairman of T.R.O.A as well as serving over the last 4 years as the T.R.O.A representative on the Motorsport Ireland Rallies Committee. Indeed it was Alan who first approached the idea of the current Championship manager taking on his role. Combined with the Tarmac Championship Alan gives a lot of his time working on rally events all over the island of Ireland especially as Steward and spectator safety, an area he has worked diligently on to improve safety within Irish rallying. In the little spare time that Alan has he also acts as Peace Commissioner and is involved in local politics as well as running a student accommodation business.
Commenting on the prize winner this year Championship Manager Ger Seaman who read out the dissertation on the night commented; I am delighted for Alan to receive this award, the Management and Directors of T.R.O.A in conjunction with Kieran McAnallen decide who receives this and I hope it just pays back a little of the hard work put in By Alan. This man deserves this award and I know was really humbled on getting it.
Regards,
Gerard Seaman,
Championship Manager,
T.R.O.A.