New Dromara Destroyers Tribute Garden Unveiled

A new tribute garden has been unveiled in honour of the legendary Irish road racers Dromara Destroyers last night, 27 September.

The new tribute was built to commemorate the accomplishments of the quartet of Brian Reid, Ray McCullough, Trevor Steele and Ian McGregor.

The new garden designed by Tom Quinn of Quinn Architects includes four bronzed busts of the Destroyers created by artist John Sherlock, plus new seating and lighting.

The Destroyers Committee worked to bring the project to reality, working closely with the council to secure all the required funding to make it possible.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council also supported the development of the Tribute Garden, which was delivered with additional funding support from the NI Rural Development Programme through Lagan Rural Partnership along with a contribution from the successful fundraising carried out by the Dromara Destroyers Committee over the years.


Speaking on the tribute, Trevor Steele said: "I am humbled by the creation of this magnificent garden. Not many people can say they have lived to see themselves honoured in this way. We are all delighted with the finished project. I want to express my sincerest thanks to all those involved, particularly the Destroyers Committee that have campaigned over the years to make this happen. Motorbike racing is in our blood and we hope that our legacy will continue to inspire others from Dromara and further afield."

Alderman William Leathem, Chair of the Council's Development Committee, said: "I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition. The finished garden is fantastic and a wonderful recognition to the success of the Dromara Destroyers. Northern Ireland is full of racing enthusiasts and this new garden provides an ideal way to acknowledge the success of the wider motorbike fraternity from Dromara and the surrounding areas."

Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chair of Lagan Rural Partnership, added: "The completed garden looks tremendous and really will adds something special to the centre of Dromara village and the surrounding rural community. It is a true celebration of the area's support for these riders and the wider biking fraternity. It will also generate additional tourism footfall and creates a perfect way to tell the story of the Dromara Destroyers."

(CM)