Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy in Action in the Todds Leap Ulster Rally 2013
Picture: Emmet McNamee
A FERMANAGH woman was the architect in bringing one of the North’s top rally events to our roads attracting world class competitors from across Ireland and the UK.
Lisbellaw woman Anne Loughran played a key role in establishing the new home for Todds Leap Ulster Rally which took place during the August bank holiday weekend.
After joining Todds Leap outdoor activity centre near Ballygawley in the summer of last year Anne said she had no idea that one of her duties would be to help bring the Todds Leap Ulster Rally to her native county for the first time ever.
The former Mount Lourdes pupil was hired to manage specialist projects including the Todds Leap Ulster Rally, the design and build of new, innovative activities for the award-winning outdoor adventure centre and the management of the 4×4 vehicle hire programme.
With a BEng in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University, Belfast and an MSc in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Ulster, Anne’s education and experience across the technical and creative disciplines attracted her to the Ballgawley-based activity, conference and training centre.
Speaking of the role she played in bringing the Ulster Rally to Fermanagh, Anne said: “I just added my voice to the debate in the same way that others did. Some colleagues were keen that the rally was brought to Tyrone, however, with Fermanagh’s beautiful scenery, mix of suitable venues and versatile accommodation, I was able to make a good case for supporting Fermanagh.
“I’m especially glad that the event attracted so many people to the county and that the local businesses, council and others supported the event. Apart from that, on a personal level, I really enjoyed the excitement and glamour of the rally and I’m really pleased Ben and all at Todds Leap got behind it one hundred per cent.”
Having started out as an off-road centre, Todds Leap has diversified into other areas, including training in health and safety, and trailer and 4×4 handling for farmers, government departments and the private sector.
Another expanding area, which Anne manages, includes vehicle hire of the Todds Leap 4×4 fleet and the specialist 4×4 vehicle build programme for the mining and exploration industries.
Speaking of the skills Anne has brought to the business, managing director of Todds Leap, Ben O’Hanlon said:
“Anne’s background crosses a number of disciplines and her knowledge of engineering and marketing has helped position us a training centre and as a 4×4 hire centre.
“Bringing the Ulster Rally to Fermanagh was a natural progression, as the county is our next door neighbour and has the facilities to accommodate an event of this size.
When bringing the rally west was discussed in-house, you won’t be surprised to know that the biggest fan and advocate was Anne Loughran and she pitched for Fermanagh from the outset.
Anne hopes that the Fermanagh will continue to play host to the world renowned event.
For more information on Todds Leap’s training courses or 4×4 hire, contact the company at toddsleap.com or telephone 028 8556 6175.
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