Kells road races cancelled for second year

The Kells road races in Co Meath have been cancelled for the second year in succession due to a lack of finances.

The Irish national meeting was last held in 2011 and had been provisionally pencilled in for July 20-21 on the Crossakiel circuit.

However, there was scepticism that the event would go ahead this year given the financial difficulties facing the Kells Motorcycle Club and official have no confirmed the event has been called off.

There was shock when the event was initially called off in 2011, with Kells regarded at the time as one of the leading Irish road race meetings.

The event hosted some of the best names in the sport, including Michael and William Dunlop, Guy Martin, Cameron Donald, Keith Amor, Gary Johnson and Ryan Farquhar.

A spokesperson said: "The members of Kells MCRC want to ensure that Kells road races return in the future as strong as ever and intend to fundraise over the coming year to clear bills and get our club back on track.

"We want to thank all those who have supported us in the past and hope you will continue with the support for our club."

The Bush road races in Northern Ireland were also cancelled this year due to a lack of funding.

The Cookstown 100 in April is the first Irish national road race on the 2013 calendar and has been given the green light, with Tyco Suzuki's Guy Martin among the entries.