Two-thousand-and-four was a year to remember for both Toyota Ireland and for Westmeath GAA. It goes without saying that Pat Lynch of Joe Lynch & Sons, main Toyota dealer in Athlone, is hoping for more of the same in '05. While Paidi's men made the long-overdue breakthrough in Leinster, Toyota also left its rivals floundering in a frenzied slipstream in 2004. It was a momentous year for both parties, and one Pat Lynch remembers fondly. Pat is the public face of Joe Lynch & Sons Ltd., the popular main Toyota dealership located at Lakeview, Athlone, County Westmeath. Established in 1971 and main Toyota dealer since 1975, Joe Lynch & Sons Ltd. is the leading distributor of Toyota vehicles in the midlands. The business offers a one-stop for all motoring requirements including new and pre-used vehicle sales, service and maintenance, spare parts and accessories, and a Maxol forecourt, as well as operating the only Toyota-approved crash repair centre in the midlands. A total of 22 people are employed at the Athlone place of excellence, and Pat is pleased to report that the business continues to perform extremely well. Toyota has just enjoyed another outstanding twelve months and Joe Lynch & Sons forms a winning combination with Ireland's most popular marque. Joe Lynch & Sons stocks the complete range of Toyota (passenger and sports) cars, 4x4s and light commercial vehicles, as well as a huge stock of quality used cars, all of which are sold under the comprehensive 'Toyota Dealer Cover', which provides a 12-month, unlimited-mileage guarantee as well as 12-month roadside assistance cover. The ever-popular Toyota Corolla was the top-selling car in Ireland last year, dominating the passenger car segment with 6,857 units sold. Sales of the Corolla were up by 3.9%, as a 13.5% share of its market segment was captured. Toyota also took second place in the overall list of top-selling models for 2004, with the Avensis (which now has 25.2% of its market segment) hot on the heels of the Corolla with an impressive 6,364 registrations. Meanwhile, the Toyota Yaris' share of its market segment was up from 9.4% in 2003 to 11.9% in '04. On the international stage, Toyota is also continuing to lead the way. The new Toyota Prius has been voted 2005 European Car of the Year. The Prius is the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, propelled by the combination of an electric motor and a petrol engine. This unique system (called Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive) spearheads the development of environmentally-friendly vehicles and is part of Toyota's quest to create the ultimate eco car. The Prius will be launched in Ireland this year and Toyota has set a target of 15,000 European sales in 2005. Toyota has also unveiled its new small car, the 1-litre Aygo, which is designed for urban living. An exciting and dynamic addition to the range, the Aygo offers an engaging driving experience and will appeal greatly to younger people as it combines the joy of driving with Toyota's trademark superior quality and reliability. All models can be investigated fully at Joe Lynch & Sons Ltd. in Athlone, where a strong back-up service is also provided, with a service department staffed and equipped to meet all maintenance requirements. Joe Lynch & Sons is an approved repairer for all leading motor insurance companies and operates the only Toyota-approved body repair facility in the midlands. The newly-developed facility incorporates the latest in spray-painting technology and repair techniques. The company has developed its own website, www.jlynchsons.ie, where the full range of new and used models available can be viewed and a Fixed Price Service Menu can be perused. Regular servicing is an important component of safety, performance and re-sale value. In recent times, Toyota has become synonymous with gaelic games, developing into a major GAA sponsor. Toyota became the 'official car to the GAA' in 2003 and has always been a strong supporter of the Association down through the years. The manufacturer was a founder sponsor of the GAA Museum at Croke Park, sponsors the GAA's Players Sponsorship & Endorsement Programme, and also sponsors the clock at Croke Park(!). Under the terms of a novel agreement, Toyota also provides new Corollas to the winning teams in the All-Ireland football and hurling championships. The national leagues and All-Ireland club championships are also included in this deal. The presentations assist the relevant County Boards in fundraising initiatives for their players' funds. All current All Stars - in football and hurling - can purchase a new Corolla at a greatly discounted price ... Toyota's recognition of their achievements in the sporting arena. Of course, we can't talk about the GAA without mentioning Westmeath's journey to the promised land in 2004. Reflecting on the midlanders' heroics, which are covered in great detail throughout this landmark publication, Pat Lynch notes: "It was fabulous. It was their first time to win Leinster and Paidi made a huge difference. "I would be confident enough this year, although it's a whole new challenge to stay up there once you've reach the pinnacle. They were a bit disappointing in the league but hopefully Paidi can lift them again for the championship." Another interesting summer beckons... Tweet

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