Obituary: Martin Birrane
Businessman and racing driver who purchased former F1 racing car manufacturer Lola, writes Liam Collins
PASSION FOR SPEED: Martin Birrane in his Indy 500-winning Lola at Mondello Park
In his plush office in the Hop Exchange in central London, among the trophies and photographs of his family and mementos of his motor racing career, hung a framed copy of the old Irish blessing 'May the road rise with you' wishing travellers a safe journey.
Travelling was something Martin Birrane knew all about since leaving his home outside Ballina, Co Mayo, at the age of 17. His early wanderings took him to England, Switzerland, Turkey, Canada and finally back to London and Dublin. His exploits as a racing driver at the Le Mans 24-hour circuit and other race tracks brought travel of a different kind that took him around the world and lasted until he was well into his 70s.
