Malcolm Love wins The 2024 Emerald Trophy
Malcolm Love racing to another victory around Bishopscourt Race Circuit 2024
Congratulations to Malcolm Love on winning one of our clubs most sought after awards this season, "The Emerald Trophy". This perpetual cup is awarded to the rider who achieves the most points at both short circuits and road races. The winner must be riding in the same class at both disciplines. Malcolm picked up numerous wins at Shorts Circuits, these wins coupled win strong results on the roads gave him a total of 410 points. He also set a new record fastest lap for a classic 250cc at Kirkistown Race Track on June 1st when he ran at over 76mph to record a best of 1.11.437. He is the second lightweight rider to claim the cup since its inception in 2022. The first winner in 2022 was Andy Kildea in the Unlimited Class, while last year Brian Mateer took it home with his 250cc Suzuki. The Emerald Trophy itself is dedicated to the memory of one of Irish Road Racing's greatest ambassadors, Mr Tony Carton. Tony was involved in our sport his entire life right up to the time he passed in April 2021. He was a very early member of the Loughshinny Club and helped organise the first Killalane Races in 1984. He was involved with Blackchurch Racing Association from early on and helped them run Faugheen back in the day. A keen rider he took to the grids on everything from 2 stroke Yamaha's to Manx Nortons. But it was a generous sponsor that most people will remember him for. His company Round Tower Plant Hire was heavily involved with helping riders such as Geoff Cronin, Eric Galbraith and Francis Everard. He helped many local riders too, like Andy Farrell, Thomas O Grady, Micko Sweeney and Ed Manly. But it was Martin Finnegan who was the apple of his eye and Martins death really hit him hard. He was involved with Martin from day one, he was on the grid with Martin on his very first road race at Killalane. Himself and his lifelong employee Lorcan McGuinness were ever present from there on in. Tony had built a G50 for Martin to race at the Classic TT. Such was his generosity, he allowed Ed Manly to race it. Ed had many great races on that 500. Another top pilot he allowed race it, at Killalane was Guy Martin. Tony is very sadly missed by all who knew him and our club are extremely honoured to have had him as a past President.
Tony Carton