Don't put cemetery near Ulster Grand Prix circuit

Following another memorable Ulster Grand Prix, I wish to voice my support from the perspective of a frequent English visitor, as the importance of this great event cannot be overstated.
The Ulster Grand Prix. Photo by Rod Neill PacemakerThe Ulster Grand Prix. Photo by Rod Neill Pacemaker
The Ulster Grand Prix. Photo by Rod Neill Pacemaker

Firstly, well done to the hardworking Noel Johnston and team for ensuring that the UGP remains the world’s greatest, in addition to fastest, pure road race, also to Leslie Moore and Road Racing Ireland team for their publicity, which also extends to Olivers Mount in my native Yorkshire.

There is, quite simply, no sport on earth to equal road racing. The bravest, most skilful competitors, best behaved supporters and friendliest atmosphere – a healthy antidote to the narcissistic prima-donnas and poisonous,aggressive “fans” often to be found in greed-driven Premier League football.

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A quite bizarre inverse relationship between risk and reward exists in sport these days. Sport aside, the UGP also boosts the local economy considerably, for which all should be thankful.

I therefore read with dismay of the frankly ridiculous proposal to site a cemetery beside the race circuit, of all places. Is Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) really so short of space that no other viable options exist?

From my plane home, it did not appear that the area was almost entirely covered in concrete. I do wonder about the twin perils of what exactly goes on behind closed council doors and the ever-present wailings of what I call the “Ban crossing the road” brigade, whose sole pleasure in life seems to be denying others theirs.

One can see, from a country mile off (given Sod’s Law) the potential conflict should a death occur in the days preceding the UGP and an intransigent family insisting on a burial being held at the same time as the races.

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As Glenn Irwin wisely noted, why risk such a situation arising in the first place?

Do not be distracted by the “sweetener” that this would be a fitting burial ground for road race supporters either, as our interests are clearly not of paramount concern here. (As it happens, having opted for cremation once the transplant and research departments have whipped out my useful bits, my remains are already destined for not only Dundrod but Portstewart and Scarborough as well – a handy solution to my dilemma.)

Seriously, this is not an over-reaction. The UGP is of such sacred importance that any threat must be vociferously opposed, so I call on all like-minded supporters to express themselves through the usual peaceful channels of the media and their elected representatives. We must always be on our guard as there are always lunatics waiting to take over the asylum. Whilst nominally within the remit of LCCC, be in no doubt that this issue is of significant national importance and nothing less.

Howard G Ligg, Lincolnshire