Trial Hill 2026
Following a winter full of wet weekends many had given up hope that spring would come at all. The Terry Hill Trial round 5 of the Irish Motorcycle Trials Championship hosted by the Temple Motorcycle and Athletic Club at Slieve Croob, Dromara had been postponed earlier in the year due to monsoon like weather conditions and it was unknown when a new date was set what the weather would have in store. As it turned out for the first time in what seemed like a long time the sun appeared, rising high in the sky over the wet, rugged terrain. Early morning mist gathered in the hollows, as the well worn track that leads to Slieve Croob came to life with the sound of riders and their bikes arriving, eager to get on and get out into the bright blue yonder of the Dromara drumlins.
Four laps of 10 sections meant the challenge was on and the exceptionally low number of points picked up by both Stuart McClurg and Josh Hanlon in the Terry Hill trial on Slieve Croob only validated the undisputed calibre of rider to be expected at Northern Irish Trials Elite level. McClurg finished the day with only 6 points and Hanlon a close 9 securing 1st and 2nd place respectively in the Elite Class which saw Scott Callaghan come in 3rd place with 29 points.
In the expert class 1st place Neil Moore, 2nd Paul McLoughlin and 3rd position Alex Lennox all exhibited an impressive degree of skill bringing home very respectable scores in the mid twenties.
It was the first day of Spring and those taking part had a spring in their suspension as they sprung into action on the expertly set course with many riders picking up very few points throughout the day. It was clear that all involved were revelling in the cold bright morning, enjoying riding the crisp ground and rugged riverbeds.
In the semi-expert class it was John O’Mahoney who took the win with 77 points, Ben Johnston came in second with 87 and Gary Kernohan third with 93.
Terence Mckee scooped first place with a mighty score of 42 in Saturday’s Terry Hill Trial Clubman Class. No. 125 Alan Young took runner up with third position going to Andy Owens.
The scores in Saturday’s Sportsman Class were truly admirable with No.280 Robert White finishing up with a mere 28 points gathered, an equally respectable 33 points were picked up by David Lemon placing him in second with Gary Johnston on only 35 points for third position on the day.
It’s always great to see the youth riders take to the hill fearless and featherweight they bounce around on the bikes with a control and conviction that is boundless.
The future of Irish trials riders looks to be as bright as the day was itself with a high standard of young rider throughout the junior division.
No. 386 Ben Allen proved he is a youth rider not to be overlooked, finishing up at the top of the youth A category with 38 points. Harry Schmelter won the Youth B Class with Ollie Gilmour hot on his heels taking second and No.428 Ollie Smith taking 3rd place on Saturday. Leaving Arthur Hampshire to take the win in Youth C with well deserved scores by all involved.
Shaken and shattered from a day of balancing and braking, hopping and stopping with precision and pace the riders finished the Terry Hill Trial with sheer satisfaction and contentment at a great day of Irish trials at its best. The day would not have been an option without the hard work of everyone involved. The Temple Motorcycle Club and its members wish to extend their gratitude to the Landowner Desi Herron, to John Heenan for setting the course assisted by Craig Allen and Gareth Jones, and to the Observers Barry McMillen, Jimmy Dickey, Ken Clarke, Phil Allen, John Heenan, David Gault, Gareth Jones, Rodney Gilmour, Jonny Hagan, Craig Allen, MIke Crothers and Tim O Neill and of course all the competitors who took part from both adult and youth classes. The Temple Club wishes everyone a successful Irish Championship and Motorcycle Trials Season.
Scott Callaghan (elite class) amid the Dromara river rock on Saturday at the Terry Hill Trial. Photo by Earl Boyd.
Youth C winner Arthur Hampshire drums up a crowd as he meanders his way into the riverbed atop Slieve croob at the Terry hill trial. Photo by Earl Boyd.
