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Killarney motorcycle racer gets advice from world’s best

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MEETING A HERO: Road racing legend Michael Dunlop offers advice to Killarney motorcycle racer Kevin Coyne at a test in Spain last week.

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By Sean Moriarty

A young Killarney motorcycle racer has been getting tips from some of the best riders in the world ahead of the start of the 2020 Irish season.

Kevin Coyne is preparing for the Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship which gets underway in Mondello Park in County Kildare in two weeks’ time.

Last week the 17-year-old took part in a three-day test at El Circuito de Velocidad de Cartagena in Spain.

It was his first time riding the new Kawasaki he will use in Ireland and selected rounds of the British Superbike Championship this year.

Professional motorcycle racers like Ryan Farquhar and Michael Dunlop were there too as part of a bigger test and when they spotted the young Killarney rider were able of offer help and advice.

Kevin’s aim was to complete a lap of the famous Spanish track in under two minutes.

On the opening day of the test he set a best time of 2 mins 07 seconds in windy conditions.

In the early part of day-two he was still unable to break the two-minute barrier, despite an improvement in weather conditions until Farquhar, a multiple Irish Road Racing champion and former factory BMW and Kawasaki rider offered to help - and the times came tumbling down.

“With the help of Ryan Farquhar and his knowledge of Kawasaki he set the bike for Kevin and by the end of the day he was going around in 1.58min consistently,” his father Mark told the Killarney Advertiser. “Kevin started to feel really confident and felt he could get down to 1 min 56 seconds.”

On the third day Kevin was lapping consistently in 1 min 55 seconds, but the best was yet to come.

With just half a day left, road racing royalty Michael Dunlop spotted the Killarney youngster and came over for a chat. The advice worked as Kevin managed a week-long best of 1 min 54 seconds after speaking to the Isle of Man TT legend who was in Spain for his first run on the PBM Ducati he will race this year.

Coyne’s season gets underway this weekend with the official Irish test in Mondello Park ahead of the season-opener at the same venue at the end of March.

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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