The Irish International Grand Prix 1929-1931

NOW AVAILABLE IN HARDBACK AND SOFTBACK EDITIONS
 
‘terrific racing… related in exciting detail, especially the rain-drenched final battle between Birkin and Campari… unlikely to be surpassed'. MOTOR SPORT magazine
 
‘shines a light on an event that was credited with establishing the newly formed Free State on the world stage.’ The Sunday Times
 
The Irish Free State at the end of the 1920s was still dominated by the events and repercussions of the War of Independence and the divisive Civil War that followed. Its international reputation was poor and the country was widely regarded as an economic backwater. Yet out of this came an event that was to demonstrate the emergence of an Ireland with a gift for organisation and an ability to stage events that drew worldwide acclaim. Organised by the Royal Irish Automobile Club, and with the enthusiastic support from as early as 1924, of the President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State, WT Cosgrave, the races of the Irish international Grand Prix between 1929 and 1931 drew an international press to Dublin who marvelled at the meticulous preparation and organisation and who declared the races 'as the greatest ever held anywhere'. Run over a four and a half mile circuit in Dublin's Phoenix Park, the races attracted the cream of Europe's great racing drivers and only came to an end because of bad weather in 1930 and 1931 and the failure of the De Valera government to support them after they came to power. This is an intriguing and little-known story that shines a light on an event that played a significant role in the shaping of modern Ireland.