South West Road Racing Athea

We send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of James Walsh, who has sadly passed away following an incident in Tandragee.

Our thoughts are with James’s partner, his mum, and all his family and friends at this heartbreaking time.

The road racing community has lost one of its own. James will be remembered with respect and affection.

Rest in peace, James.

Some amazing memories sent into us from Tim Loughnane

These photos are lovely to have and view ..

Tim and his family used to sponsor the Man of the Meeting with the Andrea Loughnane Memorial Trophy and a few quid.

€20,000 up for grabs tomorrow night in the 2 Wheel Lotto
Match the 4 numbers and you could win the jackpot.

For just €5 per week, you're not only giving yourself a chance to win, you're also helping to support road racing clubs and events. Funds raised have helped pay for essential items such as travelling marshals' helmets, breathalysers and other vital equipment needed to keep our sport running safely.

You can play weekly or purchase a seasonal pass and have your numbers entered automatically every week.

Please support the 2 Wheel Lotto and help support the future of road racing. We'd also appreciate it if you could share this post with your friends and family.

https://hub.klubfunder.com/2wheelslotto/lotto/home

South West Road Racing Athea 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We've put together the answers to some of the questions we've been receiving. We hope this helps clear up any confusion and gives everyone a better understanding of what we're planning.

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Will the road races still take place in 2026?

Yes, absolutely.
The road races will go ahead in 2026.
We are not sure why anyone would think otherwise. The introduction of additional entertainment does not replace or alter the road racing in any way. The racing remains the main sporting event and continues exactly as planned.

The music festival is simply an additional attraction designed to bring more visitors to Athea and the surrounding area, benefiting local businesses, tourism, and the club.
In essence, these are two separate events organised in support of the one club.

We would kindly ask supporters to rely on official information released by the club and not on speculation or rumours from elsewhere. If there are any important updates, they will always come directly from us.

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Are you trying to turn road racing into a circus?

Absolutely not.
Road racing remains exactly that, road racing. Nothing about the racing itself is changing.

Our aim is to create additional attractions that bring more visitors to Athea and the surrounding areas, generating extra revenue for local businesses, accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants, shops, and the organising club. The tourism impact is expected to be exceptional while preserving the tradition and integrity of the road races.

If you're coming for the racing, you'll enjoy the racing as always.
If you're coming for the entertainment and music, you'll enjoy that too.
Nobody is required to attend both events. The choice is entirely yours.
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Are children admitted free?

Yes.
Children under the age of 16 receive free admission to the road races but must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
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Can children attend the music event?

Yes.
Children under the age of 18 may attend the music event only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

As alcohol will be served from a licensed bar, anyone under the age of 18 must remain under the supervision of their parent or legal guardian at all times.

We ask all parents and guardians to ensure children are supervised throughout the event so that everyone can enjoy a safe, respectful, and family-friendly atmosphere.

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Does my road race spectator ticket include entry to the music event?

No.

The road racing and the music festival are two separate events, each requiring its own admission ticket.

A General Admission ticket allows entry to the road races only. It does not include access to the music event unless you have purchased a package that specifically includes both.

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Does a camping ticket include admission to the road races?

No.

A camping ticket does not include General Admission to the racing unless you have purchased the Camping & Racing Package.

If you buy a camping ticket on its own, you must also purchase a General Admission ticket if you wish to spectate at the races.

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Is the campsite open to everyone?

Yes.

The campsite is available for everyone attending the weekend, whether you're there for the road races, the music and entertainment, or both events.

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Will there be a camping area for volunteers and crew?

Yes.

A designated camping area will be provided specifically for event volunteers, officials, marshals, and crew members, ensuring they have suitable accommodation close to their duties.

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Can I bring my own alcohol to the music event?

No.

Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. Attendees are not permitted to bring their own beer, spirits, wine, or any other alcoholic beverages onto the festival site.

A fully licensed bar will be operating throughout the event, and any alcohol consumed on site must be purchased from the licensed bar.
This policy is in place to comply with licensing requirements, support the operation of the event, and help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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Will the music be on all night?

No.

All live music and entertainment will finish at 10:30 pm.

After 11:00 pm, there will be strict noise restrictions in place. This applies not only to the entertainment area but also to the general paddock and camping areas.
These measures are in place to respect local residents, competitors, teams, campers, and everyone staying on site.

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Will there be security?

Yes.

There will be extensive professional security throughout the event.
Their role is to help ensure the safety of everyone attending while protecting the property of residents, competitors, teams, campers, and visitors.

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Why are ticket sales non refundable?

As with most major sporting events and festivals, all ticket sales are final and non refundable.
Organising an event of this scale requires substantial financial commitments well in advance, including safety measures, insurance, infrastructure, entertainment, staffing, and event facilities. These costs are incurred regardless of attendance.
For this reason, we ask everyone to ensure they are able to attend before purchasing tickets.

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Is the festival properly insured?

Yes.

The festival and entertainment element of the weekend has its own dedicated insurance policy.
This insurance is completely separate from the MCI insurance policy that covers the road races.
In essence, these are two separate events organised in support of the one club, each with its own insurance arrangements and operational requirements.

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Do riders, marshals, officials and volunteers have to pay to attend the music event?

No.

All competing riders, marshals, officials, and event volunteers will receive complimentary tickets for the music event should they wish to attend.

The riders are at the heart of the racing, while our marshals, officials, and volunteers give their time and dedication to make the event possible. Without their commitment, the weekend simply could not happen.

Road racing is one of the very few sports where the athletes themselves spend significant amounts of money to provide the entertainment, while the event also relies on an incredible team of volunteers working behind the scenes.

Providing complimentary access to the music event is a small gesture of appreciation for everyone who helps make the weekend a success.

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We hope this answers the most common questions we've received so far.

Our objective is to protect the future of road racing in Athea, generate additional income for the club and local community, increase tourism, support local businesses, and deliver a fantastic weekend while keeping road racing exactly what it has always been.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Athea for what promises to be a fantastic weekend both on and off the course.

This FAQ will be updated as further questions are received.

South West Road Races Launch 27-6-2026

Brown Joe’s Bar in Athea was full for the launch night and charity fundraiser for Anthony O’Carroll. The event brought the biking community together and set the tone for the races returning to Athea.

Anthony was present on the night and had a go in the sidecar,. Anthony’s smiles said it all. The bike run raised €1,200 total, with €600 going to the club and €600 directly to Anthony.

Approx 40 bikes arrived for the bikes run and Brown Joe’s was packed with members and followers. Thanks to everyone who attended and made it a great night. A big shout out to the live music too, it brought loads to the atmosphere.

Vice President Moses ran the bike run and organised the sidecar. Robert from Munster Bikers brought the sidecar for Anthony. President Michael Dalton said a few words to open the night. Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, spoke excitedly about the races coming back to Athea. Councillor John Sheehan, Limerick County Councillor, addressed the crowd. Councillor Liam Galvin, another local politician, said a few words. Robbie, Clerk of the Course, spoke on the racing preparations.We also had a reporter from the Observer press in attendance.Rodge from FBOS is also critical to our team as he's chief marshall.

Brown Joe’s put out food after we arrived. Your Man’s Bar in Ballyduff had free tea, coffee and biscuits available for check-in. Huge thanks to the local businesses who donated spot prizes to support the fundraiser.

A brilliant night all round. Thanks again to everyone who came out, donated, and supported the club and Anthony.

The Mayor and County Councillors’ presence meant a lot. Here’s to the South West Road Races Athea 2026.

We look forward to welcoming you all to the South west road races launch tonight,

Brown Joe's bar from 8pm ..
Mayor John Moran will be in attendance.
Young lady Dalton is already enjoying a sit on the bikes.

Live Music by Paddy Quilligan from 9pm

🚨🏁 ATHEA TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE! 🏁🚨

The moment road racing fans have been waiting for - online ticket sales for the South West Road Racing Athea at Athea are now open! 🏍️💨

Secure your spot here:
👉 https://swroadracesathea.com/tickets/

Here's what's available:

🔹 Spectator Tickets - valid for both Practice Day and Race Day. Same price whether you go one day or both. Programmes and wristbands issued when your QR code is scanned on entry. (No refunds.)

🔹 Camping Tickets - for tents, caravans and campervans. Valid Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September 2026.

🔹 Family Package - includes camping plus 2 adult spectator entries. Children under 16 go free but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

🔹 DJ Night - Friday 11th September 2026. ⚡ Limited availability - once they're gone, they're gone!

🔹 BIG GENERATOR Band Night - Saturday 12th September 2026. 🎸 Limited availability - once they're gone, they're gone!

⚠️ Riders take note: you do NOT need to buy DJ or Band tickets - these come complimentary with your race entries.

Don't miss out - secure your tickets today! 👇

📅 Friday 11th - Sunday 13th September 2026

🎟️ https://swroadracesathea.com/tickets/

⚠️ Please note: all ticket sales are final and non-refundable.