Fisher Foundation supports rally safety training ahead of Circuit of Ireland 2015

The Fisher Foundation has proven to yet again at the forefront of rally safety after providing safety training for marshals and volunteers prior to this year’s Circuit of Ireland. For a second year in succession, the 80 year old Circuit of Ireland rally will be part of the prestigious FIA European Rally Championship.

Europe's top rally drivers will be revving through the streets of Belfast and the Northern Ireland countryside over the Easter weekend. Running from Thursday 2nd April through to Saturday 4th April 2015, the Circuit of Ireland Rally will feature a ceremonial start at Belfast's City Hall, and stunning stages in around Strangford Lough and St Patrick’s Country - where last year almost 74,000 spectators lined the roads before a winner is crowned at Titanic Belfast

Safety in rallying was always of paramount importance to the three times Ulster Rally winner and during the 1980s he became increasingly aware of the need for improvement in safety standards at Irish rallies. To highlight the urgency in addressing the problem, Bertie, already one of the top Irish drivers withdrew from competitive rallying in 1986 to enable him to assist event organisers in the promotion and implementation of improved safety standards.

Ivan Fisher from the Fisher Foundation said “At the heart of the Fisher Foundation is the continued support of motor safety initiatives in recognition of Bertie’s long established interest in this particular aspect of rallying. This training weekend truly demonstrated the dedication and professionalism of all involved. It is great to see such important work being carried out and we wish all the drivers well for this superb rally spectacle which has truly become a hallmark event for Northern Ireland”.

Each year the Fisher Foundation supports a range of initiatives, each promoting the continued development of safety in motor sport. The Foundation seeks applications from Motor Clubs or other relevant organisations associated with rallying who want to improve safety standards. This may include the cost of relevant training for voluntary officials and marshals and support in the purchase of appropriate safety equipment.

The Fisher Foundation, administered by the Fermanagh Trust, was set up in 2003 by Fisher Engineering as a permanent memorial to the firm’s director, leading Northern Ireland rally driver Bertie Fisher and his children Mark and Emma.

For more information on the Foundation and details on the application process CLICK HERE