On 2 July 1903, the Gordon Bennett Cup race routed through Athy.
It was the first international motor race to be held in Britain or Ireland.
The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland wanted the race to be hosted in the British Isles, and Ireland was suggested as the venue because racing was illegal on British public roads.
After some lobbying and changes to local laws, County Kildare was chosen, partly because the straightness of the roads would be a safety benefit.
As a compliment to Ireland the British team chose to race in Shamrock green which thus became known as British racing green.
The route consisted of several loops of a circuit that passed-through Kilcullen, The Curragh, Kildare, Monasterevin, Stradbally and Athy, followed by another loop through Castledermot, Carlow and Athy again.
The 328 miles (528 km) race was won by the Belgian racer Camille Jenatzy, driving a Mercedes.
On 2 July 1903, the Gordon Bennett Cup race routed through Athy. It was the first international motor race to be held in Britain or Ireland. The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland wanted the race to be hosted in the British Isles, and Ireland was suggested as the venue because racing was illegal on British public roads. After some lobbying and changes to local laws, County Kildare was chosen, partly because the straightness of the roads would be a safety benefit. As a compliment to Ireland the British team chose to race in Shamrock green which thus became known as British racing green. The route consisted of several loops of a circuit that passed-through Kilcullen, The Curragh, Kildare, Monasterevin, Stradbally and Athy, followed by another loop through Castledermot, Carlow and Athy again. The 328 miles (528 km) race was won by the Belgian racer Camille Jenatzy, driving a Mercedes.
Athy