Mini madness hits Inishowen

Inishowen is set to resemble a scene from the hit film “The Italian Job” this weekend when over 100 Mini cars will converge in the peninsula part of the 21st anniversary celebrations of the Irish Mini Owners Club. The convoy of cars, ranging from the classic Mini to the newer BMW Mini, are expected at Malin Head at 9.00pm on Saturday, bringing to an end a 20 mile drive from Mizen in Cork. The convoy is expected to pass through Buncrana at 8.00pm and Francis Callaghan, local event organiser, said he was “delighted” the event was be returning to the town after an absence of several years. Mr. Callaghan called on as many people as possible to turn out and give the convoy a “ “big Buncrana welcome” during a lap of the town. The convoy will set off from Mizen at 6.00am on Saturday and will take the “scenic route” north with several refreshment stops and control junctions along the way. Although there is no competition or races involved, prizes will be presented to participants for various achievements during the event. The awards ceremony will be held in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, after breakfast on Sunday morning, and everyone is welcome to go along and view the collection of Minis in the hotel car park. An Irish Mini Owners Club spokesperson said they were indebted to a number of local businesses and local people. The spokesperson said: “We would like to thank Donegal Tourism, Buncrana Chamber of Commerce, Buncrana Town Council, Mayor Lee Tedstone, Deputy Mayor Peter Mc Laughlin, and local businessman, Francis Callaghan for their assistance in staging the tour.”