Vintage DKW cars visit Athlone

Deputy Mayor Cllr Frankie Keena stated that he was honoured to give an official welcome to an international group of DKW Auto Union car enthusiasts from six countries to Athlone last week.

Those visiting travelled from as far as Germany, Holland, Belgium, England, and Northern Ireland to join with their Irish colleagues for this spectacular event.

The deputy mayor added that it was a fabulous sight to see these rare cars dating from as far back as 1937 to 1963 meandering through the streets of Athlone and the surrounding countryside.

He said that the event brought a lot of joy and interest to curious onlookers with numerous people taking pictures when they were on display beside Athlone Castle.

Cllr Keena thanked local man Roy Lowe for all his work in organising an excellent itinerary for the week which helped make the car enthusiasts' visit a memorable experience.

Chairman Bill Ryan of the host club, DKW Club Ireland, thanked Cllr Keena for his kind words and warm welcome and said how great it was for the group to visit a town filled with such history and beauty.

He also paid special thanks to Audi Athlone for welcoming the group on Sunday, May 14 with refreshments and kind hospitality. Audi Athlone kindly sponsored memento bumper commemoration plaques for all the participants in the event.

Our group stayed at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel for five nights where Bill said that they were “given great service and a huge welcome from Paddy McCaul and his staff.”

In addition, the trip on the Viking Boat went down a great treat to all the visitors. Bill concluded that the group left Athlone with memories that will last a long time into the future and with promises to return again.