The people, the fun, the history and the routes behind the Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run

The annual Gordon Bennett Classic Car run is an event steeped in history and brings a selection of overseas visitors to these parts. The brainchild of Tommy Treacy, proprietor of the legendary Treacy's Bar and Restaurant on The Heath, the memorial event has run (excuse the pun) every year since 2003. That year marked the centenary of the Gordon Bennett Cup in Ireland in 1903, a race that is often referred to as the race that saved motorsport. Classic car enthusiasts from across Ireland and the UK converge on Laois every June Bank Holiday to travel a version of that original route - that includes parts of Laois, Kildare and Carlow - and this year's event takes place from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1. It's a weekend that includes a reception in Laois County Council on Friday, a visit to a private collection of historic and classic cars at Grangecon Stud Farm, a Gala night in the Midlands Park Hotel and a visit to the new Shackleton Museum in Athy. There is also plenty of socialising around the event's HQ in Treacy's. Ahead of this year's event, we were joined by four members of the local organising committee - David Clegg, Cecil Lewis, Joyce Chambers and Neil Yearsley. They chat about the history of the original race, the idea of a commemorative run, the fun and friendships involved - and the importance of keeping it going.