Leinster Motor Club’s Historic Keegan & Molloy Cup Trial Triumphs in Co. Wicklow

25 Aug

KILMACANOGUE, Co. Wicklow — The Leinster Motor Club successfully hosted the highly anticipated 2nd Keegan and Molloy Cup Trial on Saturday, 8th August 2026, bringing a historic chapter of Irish motorcycle trials back to the forefront.

Based out of the Kilmacanogue GAA Club, the trial delivered a spectacular showcase of off-road skill across the Wicklow landscape. Beautiful weather greeted riders many of whom had travelled from Northern Ireland.

The 2026 event marked a milestone with the reintroduction of the historic Independent Challenge Shield. Unawarded since 1987, the 3-person club team competition was successfully revived, as teams competed across different lines to etch their names alongside Irish motorsport legends.

A 40KM Challenge

The trial challenged a field of 130 riders to a demanding 40-kilometre single-lap loop consisting of 36 observed sections. Competitors navigated a variety of natural hazards pushing both machinery and rider endurance to the absolute limit.

The course took riders on an expansive loop through terrain situated between the Great Sugar Loaf and Djouce mountains, requiring a coordinated Garda road crossing to safely manage the transit and then on to Ballyreagh Woods, where riders faced world-class sections.

Official Grade Winners and Standings

After a fiercely contested day, the Leinster Motor Club has confirmed the official grade winners for the 2026 trial:

Keegan Cup: Josh Hanlon and Bray man, Seán Doyle of O’Kelly’s Jewellers
Molloy Cup: Stephen Murphy
Independent Shield Winners: Leinster Motor Club (Paul McLoughlin, Seán Doyle, and Cillian Doyle)
Expert Grade Over 50: Paul McLoughlin
Clubman Grade Over 50: Keith Annette
Clubman Grade Pre 95: Stuart Martin
Clubman Grade Pre 65: Dave Coughlan
Ladies Winner: Michelle Hanlon

A Community-Driven Success

"An event of this scale—spanning a 40KM lap across Wicklow—simply cannot happen without the dedication of our community," said Brian McLoughlin, President of Leinster Motor Club. "We owe a massive debt of gratitude to the dozens of observers who stood out in the sections all day, our event sponsors Crown, SJ Trials and Sign On Time, An Garda Siochana, local landowners, Coillte and the Kilmacanogue GAA Club for providing the hospitality."

A sport steeped in Heritage

Observed motorcycle trials is a non-speed off-road sport where riders test their balance, control, and precision by navigating specialised, seatless motorcycles through difficult natural sections without putting a foot on the ground. Motorcycle Trials in Ireland traces its heritage back to the early 1900s. The sport is once again growing in popularity with an active youth development programme in place that has over 40 riders under the age of 18 participating. The sport is built around safety, fairness and developing the skills of participants.

###

Media Contact:

· Christian Schmelter, PRO MCI Trials, 086 606 9617

· Brian McLoughlin, President, Leinster Motor Club, 087 629 2552