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Cool running for Nagle this weekend in the Arctic Circle

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Rallying in the Arctic Circle will be a different experience for Paul Nagle this weekend. The Aghadoe man, and his driver Craig Breen, are taking part in the second round of the World Rally Championship driving for the Hyundai Motorsport World Rally Team.

 

With temperatures set to drop to -20°C, preparation for the Arctic Rally Finland is much different to other rallies.

Aside from standard in-car equipment such as a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a reflective warning triangle, every competing car must contain a pack of winter clothing for the driver and co-driver in case they become stranded mid-stage in the frozen forests.

“The idea is that if you retire somewhere in the middle of nowhere you might have to stay there for quite a bit of time before we run the stage so it’s important that you can stay outside the car and still keep yourself warm,” explained clerk of the course Kai Tarkiainen.

“Therefore you need to carry warm hats and mittens and an overall or something warm, a coat, trousers and proper boots. I think the boots are the most important bit really because if you can keep your feet warm then the rest of the body stays warm.”

Another aspect of the rally that has to be taken into consideration is the fact that spectators are not allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions in Finland.

Drivers use the high snowbanks to lean their cars through the corners but sometimes the banks give way, sending the car off the road.

Usually a band of willing spectators are on hand to lift the car back onto the track.

In the absence of fans, drivers will carry two snow shovels in the rally car so they can dig their own way out of the deep snow.

The rally gots underway at 1pm Irish time on Friday. It is based in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and Santa’s home town. Indeed, the rally headquarters is one of Santa’s famous workshops.

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Kilcummin GAA announces return of annual Pink Night

The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3. Now in […]

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The Ladies’ Committee of Kilcummin GAA Club has announced the return of its annual Pink Night, set to take place in The Klub Bar on Saturday, January 3.

Now in its 12th year, the event will support Comfort for Chemo for the fifth year running. The evening promises both fun and fundraising for the charity.

Guests will be greeted with a Prosecco reception and chocolate-dipped strawberries to start the post-Christmas celebration.
While attendees are encouraged to wear pink, dressing up is optional, with the focus on community and support for the cause. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male.

The event begins at 8:00pm. Entertainment will be provided by Derry and Rosie Healy followed by Barry McGrath playing late into the night.

A raffle and door prizes, kindly provided by local sponsors, will take place on the night. Committee member Kathleen Ryan said the continued support of the local sponsors is deeply appreciated.

Admission to the event is free, and all are welcome to attend the celebration.

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A winter ascent of the MacGillycuddy Reeks is always special

Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter. […]

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Killarney resident and experienced mountaineer Melissa Trant recently shared incredible photographs and her account of climbing the snow-capped MacGillycuddy Reeks, highlighting the unique experience of the mountain range during winter.

The MacGillycuddy Reeks at Christmas time offer a cure for whatever the heart needs, whether it is peace, relaxation, or reflection. Melissa described spending time there as magical at any point of the year, but particularly during the winter months when the mountains are covered in snow.
Climbing one of the winter routes on Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, requires essential safety gear, including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet, making the experience “incredibly exciting and fun.”
Melissa said that she enjoys visiting the stunning peaks of the MacGillycuddy Reeks often because it is a place she can never get enough of. She finds that mountains make her feel alive, giving her joy, thrill, satisfaction, and peace. She added that the feeling of tranquility and calm on the mountains encompasses every ounce of her.
With Ireland’s finest and highest mountain range on our doorstep in Killarney, Melissa said she feels blessed to be able to head up whenever the mountains are calling

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