The official launch of the 2026 Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes will take place at Gleneagle Hotel on Saturday, April 11.

The organising team will reveal key details of the upcoming event, including an up-to-date entry list and several new innovations for this year’s rally.

Representatives from three major championships will be in attendance: the NAPA Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the GK Print Southern 4 Rally Championship, and the Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship.

Local councillors and politicians will also be present to offer their formal backing to the event, which remains a significant economic driver for the region.

The launch begins at 5:00pm with a display of rally cars outside the hotel. Several local rally drivers will be on hand to meet fans, and an open invitation has been extended to all members of the public and rally enthusiasts to attend

In the absence of a local flagship event this year, one Aghadoe woman is ensuring the Killarney flag flies high in the UK.

Tara Cronin, originally from Aghadoe and now living in Ruislip, North London, was a founding member of the first London Darkness Into Light (DIL) walk in 2012.

As the Head of Fundraising for icap (Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy), Tara has been a driving force behind the expansion of the event across the British capital.

Last week, volunteers and representatives gathered at the Crown London Hotel in Cricklewood to officially launch the 2026 London walks.

The event supports two vital charities: Pieta House in Ireland and icap in the UK. This year, icap celebrates its 30th anniversary as the only mental health charity providing culturally sensitive therapy to the Irish community in Britain, including survivors of institutional abuse.

The 2026 London walks will take place at 4.15am on Saturday May 9 in Cricklewood, Hazelwood, Clapham, and Luton.

“Each year, Darkness Into Light brings communities together in a powerful display of hope and compassion,” said Fionuala Bonnar, CEO of icap. “By walking together, we send a message that no one needs to face the darkness alone.”

Registration is now open at eventmaster.ie. Organisers are also seeking volunteer marshals for the four London routes. Those interested in helping can contact events@icap.org.uk.