Two Historic Photographs - Separated by a Century!

An historic centenary was celebrated in the RIAC Clubhouse in Dawson Street, Dublin on the last day of November 2009.

The Birth of Irish Aviation

Not many people are aware of the Irish Automobile Club’s role in the birth of Irish Aviation just over a century ago. On November 5th 1909 the Club Chairman, WGD Goff, called a meeting of members and other interested parties to see if there was sufficient interest to found an aviation club.

As things turned out there was huge interest and it was decided to go ahead and establish the Irish Aero Club.  Amongst those present at that inaugural meeting were all of the officials of the Irish Automobile Club, pneumatic tyre pioneer John Boyd Dunlop and his son, Johnny, young Harry Ferguson who on the last day of 1909 would become the first to fly in Ireland.  The new club’s officials were the same officials as those of the Irish Automobile Club, signifying the close links between motoring and aviation in the early days of aviation.

The governing body of sports aviation in Ireland today, the National Aero Club of Ireland came together with the RIAC to unveil a plaque which is now erected on the exterior of the RIAC Clubhouse.  It reads:  “Irish Aviation began in this building on November 5th 1909 when the members of the Irish Automobile Club founded the Irish Aero Club.  Erected by the National Aero Club of Ireland November 2009.”

A small reception was held in the RIAC Clubhouse and the opportunity was taken to re-create the historic photo taken at the inaugural meeting in 1909 on the very same spot in the Clubhouse Garage.  Among those present was John Boyd Dunlop, great grandson of the pneumatic tyre pioneer.

David Orr, Chairman of the Royal Irish Automobile Club, John Boyd Dunlop and Tom McCormack, President of the National Aero Club with the plaque commemorating the birth of Irish Aviation.

1909 Irish Aero Club photo and text provided by Bob Montgomery of the RIAC