16 July 2021
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
Speeding on an open public road is bad, but when the road is closed, and the authorities are onboard, it then becomes a legitimate record attempt!
Back in July 1981 a Corkman rode a Motorcycle at 180mph on the Carrigrohane Straight Road. This week marks the 40th anniversary of his setting the Irish land-speed record over the Flying Kilometre and the Flying Mile.
To mark the historic event the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy made a presentation to Mr Mel Nolan, “the Flying Corkman”.
Mel, with the assistance of his right hand man Denis Collins, set the record on his home-built, turbocharged motorcycle.
Later this August a recorded interview with Mel will be featured on the City Library website as part of the Heritage Week programme.
![](https://www.thecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/HU9A9499-450x300.jpg)
Pictured: Denis Collins with Mel Nolan receiving a framed memento of the original press photos by photographer Denis Minihane from Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy.
Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO
![](https://www.thecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/HU9A9187-450x300.jpg)
Pictured is the framed print of the original press photos by Denis Minihane which was presented to Mel Nolan by Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy.
Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO
![](https://www.thecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/HU9A9659-450x300.jpg)
Pictured: Denis Collins with Mel Nolan on the original bike at the scene of their historic achievement on Carrigrohane Rd, Cork.
Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO
![](https://www.thecork.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/HU9A9637-450x300.jpg)
Pictured: Mel Nolan and Denis Collins at the scene of their historic achievement.
Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO
Related video where Mr. Mel Nolan, “the Flying Corkman” explains the history of his Motorcycle Irish land-speed record, and mentions how he still enjoys driving, albeit cars, especially Porsches