Oileán: TT, Isle of Man

Mention the Isle of Man to anybody and the first thing that pops into their head is the name of the most famous motorbike racing festival in the world - the TT Races.

For 2 weeks each year, this picturesque island laced with austere moorlands, wooded glens, sandy beaches, lonely castles and time-warp towns becomes awash with motorbikes and bikers from the 4 corners of the world, as the Isle of Man hosts the oldest and most historic competitive motor sport event in the world, and this year was extra special as it was the centenary.

Over 100,000 people travelled to the island for the 2007 TT with 20,000 bringing motorcycles on the ferries with them.  20,000 people also stayed in tents! The TT is about more than just races, it's a fortnight of fun, stunt displays, testosterone, leathers and Harleys.

The event has always held a special part in the hearts of Irish motorcycle enthusiasts, and of course the man who was the greatest and most successful rider in TT history was Ballymoney man Joey Dunlop who scored a record-breaking 26 victories.

The Isle of Man and it's residents embrace the TT, and although there has been opposition to the races, the festival seems stronger than ever.

However, fatal accidents are inevitable and the TT has had it's fair share of tragedies over the years, and this year a rider and 2 spectators were killed during the last day of racing.

Among the contributors in this week's programme are:

Freddie Gallagher from Rannafest in Donegal is part of John Burrows' team and we experience the buzz before and after a race with Freddie as the engines start to rev.

This was a poignant return to the TT Races for Freddie as his good friend Seamus Mac Grianna from Donegal, a participant in 2006, was involved in a terrible accident during last years practice week. Seamus is on the long road to recovery and Freddie feels that he would have wanted him to go back this year.

John Burrows from Dugannon was one of the competitors during this year's event and he talks about the support you need from the back-up team during a race, and we also hear about what goes through his mind before he races at speeds of up to 170mph.

Mark Kermode and Brian Stowell are both Manx born and bred and they give us an insight into what the islanders make of the TT Races, and how much the festival means to most people who live on the island.

Philip Kelly also lives on the island but he is opposed to the TT as his house is situated on the course. He would prefer if the TT Races didn't happen.

We also speak to Kay Dowling and Hazel Casey who are 2 motorcycle enthusiasts from Ireland and who have been going to the Isle of Man for the TT since 1978. They love the festival and enjoy the friendly atmosphere throughout the whole event.

Sean Francis who lives in Clare and Andy Crowe from Dublin were making their second trip to the Isle of Man and they brought their bikes with them to ride on the Mountain Course.

We also speak with Richard 'Milky' Quayle, who is from the Isle of Man and has won a TT race in the past. He is retired from racing but is now the Riders Liaison Officer. He loves the TT and thinks that his is just the beginning of the next 100 years of TT!

Oileán TT gives a real flavour of what happens on the Isle of Man during the TT Races. Lots of fun, lots of colour and lots of powerful motorcycles.

Producer / Director       Denise Dunne

Presenter / Reporter     Garry Mac Donncha