Support for Alex Dunne from official sporting bodies “non-existent”- Offaly TD
As he prepares to take the biggest step of his sporting career this weekend, the lack of financial backing provided to Clonbullogue motorsport sensation, Alex Dunne, from official sporting bodies has been heavily criticised by Offaly Fine Gael TD, John Clendennen.
The 19-year old has had a meteoric rise to the top of the hugely-competitive world of motoracing this year, and is the first Irish driver in 22 years to feature in a Formula 1 event, when he will replace Lando Norris in first practice at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend in McLaren's MCL39.
Describing Alex Dunne as “a generational talent” Deputy John Clendennen said the support so far for the young Offaly man from both Sport Ireland and Motorsport Ireland has been “non-existent.”
Pointing out that racing at the level of Formula 1 and 2 comes with “significant costs” the Offaly Fine Gael Deputy said he has raised the issue of funding with the Minister for Sport, Patrick Donovan. “I believe we should have the structures in place to support generational talent like Alex, regardless of the sporting code” he said.
Deputy Clendennen said Alex Dunne's rise presents “a unique opportunity for Offaly and Ireland” given that the global audience for Formula 1 is of the order of 800 million, and added that he is lookjing forward to following the success of the young Clonbullogue man as he progresses towards “the pinnacle of his career.”
Midlands North-West Fianna Fail MEP and Clara native, Barry Cowen, has also congratulated Alex Dunne on his impending debut at F1 level this weekend. “While it was inevitable he'd make the step up following such dominant performances in F2, it’s no less of an achievement for one of Offaly’s own to be the first Irish driver flying the tricolour with pride in F1 in over two decades” tweeted MEP Cowen, who added that Offaly is “the best little county in Ireland for sport.”
Also tweeting support for Alex Dunne was Offaly GAA, who extended their “massive congratulations” to the young motorsport sensation, and said his step up to Formula 1 is“thoroughly deserved.”
Condron Concrete Works also tweeted their support stating that they were “beyond proud” to support Alex Dunne as he prepares to make his F1 debut this weekend. “Let's go Alex, the journey continues” they added.