07/06/2026
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the renowned Down Rally for their generosity again this year. Following on from previous years fundraising events for our charity, a staggering £693.60 was raised again this year at a coffee morning. On behalf of everyone in our community who may avail of our services, many thanks to everyone involved in the rally and to everyone who contributed to the collection on the day. Particular thanks to the committee members of Rathfriland Motor Club who organise this fundraising event during what is no doubt a very busy time for them planning for the rally ensuring it continues to be a great success year on year.
Below is the statement from the organisers of the Down Rally 👇
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The inaugural Down Rally Cars & Coffee event proved to be a fantastic success as hundreds of motorsport enthusiasts, car owners, families and spectators gathered at The Boulevard, Banbridge for a morning celebrating all things automotive.
A key part of the event was raising funds for Slieve Croob Community First Responders, and organisers were delighted to announce that an impressive £693.60 was raised within just a few hours on the day. The amount raised exceeded expectations and demonstrated the generosity of those who attended and supported the cause.
Organised by Rathfriland Motor Club, the event brought together an impressive display of rally cars, performance vehicles, classic machinery and modern supercars, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Enthusiasts travelled from across Northern Ireland and beyond to showcase their vehicles and connect with fellow car enthusiasts over coffee and conversation.
Throughout the morning, attendees had the opportunity to view a diverse range of vehicles, from iconic rally cars and historic competition machines to some of the latest high-performance road cars. The event highlighted the passion and enthusiasm that exists within the local motoring community while providing a welcoming environment for families and visitors.
Members of Rathfriland Motor Club expressed their sincere thanks to everyone who donated, attended, displayed vehicles and helped make the gathering such a memorable occasion. Special thanks were also extended to The Boulevard Banbridge for hosting the event and supporting the local automotive community.
Malcolm Johnston, Chairman of Rathfriland Motor Club, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of the event and the fantastic sum of £693.60 raised for Slieve Croob Community First Responders.
The support from exhibitors, visitors and volunteers was incredible, and it was great to see so many people come together to enjoy a shared passion for motorsport and cars while supporting a very worthwhile local cause.
“The atmosphere throughout the morning was superb, and it was particularly encouraging to see so many families and enthusiasts attending. On behalf of Rathfriland Motor Club, I would like to thank everyone who played a part in making the event such a success.”
The cars and coffee meeting generated significant interest in future Cars & Coffee gatherings, with organisers already looking ahead to building on the momentum and bringing even more exciting automotive events to the area.
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Pictured below are members of Rathfriland Motor Club including Chairperson Malcolm Johnston and Co-Chairperson Barry Savage along with race promoter Andrew McCracken of Motorsport Hub presenting the cheque to Neal Singer, SCCFR Secretary and Reza Shahmohammadi, SCCFR CFR/Procurement Officer
