This installation on the Temple Roundabout is a partnership between the Sam McBride Trust and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. The trust raised funding for it through charity events and its network of motorbike riders, sponsors, family and friends.
Alderman Amanda Grehan, Regeneration and Growth Chair said: “Brian Reid is a local man well-known for his racing triumphs. He held the title of World Champion in 1985 and 1986 and was an avid rider at the Temple 100. To depict such an iconic racer in the vicinity of the century old Temple Motorcycle and Athletic Club is fantastic. It is a fitting way for generations to remember all the fine men who once graced and raced our roads.
“My colleague Councillor Uel Mackin has been passionate about this project and I thank him for bringing it to our committee. Tourism is important to the Lisburn and Castlereagh area and we encourage visitors to enjoy what our city has to offer. Motorcycle racing is a sport enjoyed by thousands and the Temple 100 brought its share of spectators and competitors to the area.”
BBC Sports Journalist Stephen Watson has been following this project given its historic significance of an iconic road race that brought racing legends to the roads at Temple.
The granite monument also ultimately memorialises Mr Philip Conroy, a local rider who passed away at the last event in 1999. He was one of a roster of champions never to be forgotten with a fan base worldwide.
Mr Joe McBride, founder of the Sam McBride TMCC Charitable Trust added: “The Temple Club established in 1921 held the prestigious Temple 100, the longest running and original true road race in Ireland, and one of the oldest in the world. The area will be forever associated with the race and the sport. We wanted to ‘set this in granite’.
“Thanks to the support of the Temple community, local businesses and the wider motorcycle racing enthusiasts we have been able to secure this monument.
“A commemorating board will soon be installed in the car park adjacent to the roundabout showing the history of the Temple 100 and honouring Brian Reid, past world champion and massive supporter. It will also have the names of the eight riders who lost their lives while competing at The Temple 100.”