Eugene has spent the week up on the Gold coast of Australia before travelling down to Phillip Island where he caught up with some family who emigrated from Ireland to Australia in the 1950s.

Brother and sister Mick Laverty and Vera Toohey are cousins of Eugene who originally came from the small village of Toomebridge. After living in Australia for over 50 years they haven’t lost their Irish roots as they regularly keep in touch with the Laverty family. Mick especially follows the three Laverty brothers’ (Michael, John and Eugene) racing and is always up to date with the boys’ progress. Vera, Mick and his wife Sandra will make the trip down to Phillip Island to watch and support Eugene this weekend at the first round of the World Supersport Championship.

Eugene stayed at Mick’s place in Yatala for a couple of days and enjoyed lunch in the world famous Yatala Pie Shop. Just before coming down to the Island Eugene made the trip further inland to see Vera at her home a short distance from Beaudesert.

Eugene: “It was really nice to catch up with my relatives during my stay on the Gold Coast. My cousin Mick has really gotten into his racing over the past few years after he visited the Snetterton BSB meeting in 2005 during a holiday to Ireland with his son Michael. It was quite funny that weekend as there were four Michael Lavertys with my dad, my brother, Mick and his son! Vera is older than Mick and attended school in Ireland before moving to Australia so she still has a fair Irish accent. They’re very proud of the achievements of me and my brothers Michael and John so it’s great to have them here supporting me at Phillip Island this weekend.”

Eugene is now down in Phillip Island making his final preparations for the race. To see his race diary entries day by day go to www.bikesportnews.com.