The Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club is putting the finishing touches on its latest project, a full-scale recreation of the iconic “Mystery Machine” from the Scooby-Doo franchise.

The van is set to make its highly anticipated public debut at the Killarney St. Patrick’s Day parade this Tuesday.

The project involved a complete restoration of a Toyota LiteAce van, which was transformed into the world-famous cartoon vehicle.

The club received significant support from Kellihers Toyota, who assisted in sourcing the necessary parts to get the vintage Japanese van back on the road.

The Mystery Machine first appeared on television in 1969 in the animated series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! and quickly became one of the most recognisable vehicles in pop culture. Known for its distinct psychedelic bright blue and green paintwork with orange flower decals, the original design was inspired by 1960s panel vans.

Members of the Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club have spent months ensuring the replica is as faithful to the Hanna-Barbera original as possible.

The club is well known for its creative restoration projects, and this latest build is expected to be a major highlight for children and families lining the parade route.

Seán Kelly MEP (Ireland South) has praised “the courage and determination shown by Jackie Fox”, a mother from Ireland who addressed MEPs in the European Parliament, Strasbourg on Tuesday, urging the EU to do more to prevent and criminalise cyberbullying.

Jackie Fox successfully campaigned for a law against online bullying in Ireland which was enacted in 2021 and is known as ‘Coco’s Law’ after Jackie’s young daughter, Nicole, who tragically died from suicide in 2018 after experiencing horrific bullying.

Tuesday, MEPs from 27 countries and different political groups listened intently to Jackie as she told Nicole’s story.

Jackie gave an incredible, emotional speech urging the EU to act to prevent more damage to young people and particularly warned of the dangers that AI can pose in this context”, MEP Kelly said.

“The EPP Group of which Fine Gael is a member of has long called for online bullying to be criminalised across the EU. It was an honour to have Jackie address the EPP Group meeting on Tuesday as well. Given that in Ireland, there have been over 240 prosecutions already under Coco’s Law, the courage and determination shown by Jackie Fox is saving and protecting the lives of other young people. She deserves full credit for her campaign and we in Fine Gael and the EPP Group will continue to support her at EU level”, Mr Kelly said.