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Checkout the report featured in Porsche Club News May/June here. (Members only)

There were no April fools when Porsche Club Ireland members gathered in Galway for the Annual Dinner on 1 st April 2011.

This Club while numerically small ( 220 members ) is very active in matters Porsche. Galway is known as the city of the tribes in Ireland and is situated on the west coast. It is also the gateway to Connemara, an area of deserted and unspoilt roads of mountains, lakes and sea. In fact one of our members, Whippy Phelan came across some Porsche Technicians testing in secret the new Boxter on his way home. The roads are unique and challenging, with little traffic , and for this reason we did a drive each day of 200kms.

Working with Porsche Club Co-ordination PCI President Dave Whelan and VP Neil Lane put together a plan that would ensure success. The Galway Bay Hotel was chosen for it's location on the seafront, it's hospitality and good value. A special rate for dinner bed and breakfast was negotiated and the hotel was visited for a recce. Local Club members Connie Shiels and Emer , tested the driving routes and made the changes needed. The event was promoted by email, on our forum and in written notice to members. This all resulted in a large turnout by members for the event. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail.

Each day we had 30 Porsches in our convoy. Models spanned the whole Porsche Spectrum, 997 Turbo, 996 turbo,996 C4, 997 GT3 RS,993 C 2 and C 4, 911 SC, 911 Early S, T and Targa and Boxters. Being Irish, we stopped for frequent tea breaks and of course to appreciate the stunning scenery. One thing other clubs might learn from having high profile events like this in remote areas is that it brings the cars to areas where there might not be that many members. We joined up five new members over the weekend as a result of this.

Night time was spent in the bar to traditional Irish Music and craic. After dinner Angela and Alan Weadick gave us a qiuz to test our motoring knowledge. We were all sad when the weekend was over but happy to look forward with what should be our busiest year to come. We Irish welcome all Porsche Owners Worldwide to any of our events.

David Whelan

President Porsche Club Ireland


02/04/2011