News
Killarney Historic Rally officially launched at the Killarney Plaza Hotel
Diarmuid Cronin, Liam Cronin and Paul Nagle at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza on Sunday. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady, Brian Glover (BG Motors, associate sponsor), Anthony O'Connor ((Clerk of the Course) and Paul Nagle at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza on Sunday. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Brian Glover (BG Motors, associate sponsor), Kian O'Connor and Ian O'Connor (BG Motors) at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza on Sunday. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Diarmuid Lynch, Saoirse Redmond, Shane McCarthy and Thomas Randles (Killarney & District Motor Club Chairman) at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza on Sunday. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Mikey P Kelleher, Sean Moriarty and Eoghan McCarthy at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza on Sunday. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Finbarr Hanratty, Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady, Diarmuid Cronin and Ted O'Gorman at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza on Sunday. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Louise Bourke, Saoirse Redmond, Paul Nagle and Laura Healy at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza on Sunday. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
The 2025 Killarney Historic Rally was officially launched on Sunday at the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The event will take place on November 28–29 and will again be based at the Killarney Towers Hotel, which continues as the main sponsor. BG Motors has come on board as an associate sponsor for the first time.
Clerk of the Course Anthony O’Connor confirmed that the rally will feature eight stages, including two runs of Moll’s Gap in reverse for the evening leg. The event will move heavily into the Kenmare area with stages such as Roughty River returning to competition after many years.
O’Connor said the 2025 edition marks a major change in the type of cars eligible for historic competition.
“With the change in the rules it has opened the event to a different category of historic car. You’ll see Alan Ring’s new Subaru outside the door, we’ve a Toyota Corolla World Rally Car entered, and we’ve two Ford Escort Cosworths as well. It has changed the whole dynamics of the event,” he told the audience.
He also stressed the work of club volunteers.
“Without the people who give their time every week, the event wouldn’t run. From PR work to stage set-up, they’ve put in huge hours,” he said.
Brian Lawlor, Group General Manager of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, highlighted the group’s continued support.
“On behalf of the O’Donoghue and Ring families, we are honoured to return as lead sponsor for a third year. This event is now in its 29th year and remains the only fully historic rally in Ireland. It draws huge numbers to the town and the businesses of Killarney are proud to welcome them,” he said.
He also referenced the move to honour the late Mike Gaine, whose passing earlier this year deeply affected the motorsport community.
“It is fitting that so much of this year’s route is centred around Kenmare. Mick was a huge part of the rallying scene in that area,” Lawlor added.
The rally will be run in memory of Mike Gaine, with much of the competitive mileage based around his home area of Kenmare. The final corner of Moll’s Gap passes the Gaine family farm.
Kenmare driver Shane McCarthy said:
“Mike was the backbone of Kenmare rallying. He helped so many people and his support meant everything. His loss is still hard to process.”
Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady spoke about the rally’s longstanding significance to the town.
“This is one of the most important sporting events in Killarney each year. It brings value to the community and to local business,” he said.
He also reminded spectators to follow instructions.
“I want to emphasise one final message: safety. I urge everyone to respect the marshal team and Gardaí. Their work keeps this rally safe.”
KDMC Chairman Thomas Randles thanked the club’s sponsors and reminded spectators of their responsibilities.
“Listen to the marshals. Be careful where you go. We want everyone safe,” he said.
Leading entries confirmed
A number of high-profile entries were confirmed at the launch.
Kris Meeke and Muckross-based co-driver Noel O’Sullivan will compete in a BMW M3. Belgian legend Patrick Snijers will also take part. The full entry list will be published later this week.
The Historic category will again be the main focus, with close to 80 genuine historic cars expected.
Defending champions Donagh Kelly and Rory Kennedy will lead the field in his BMW M3 E3 as he bids for two wins in a row.
Local driver Alan Ring will debut a new Group A Subaru Impreza. Former winners Mark Falvey (Escort Mk1) and newly crowned Tarmac Historic Champion John O’Donnell (BMW M3) are also confirmed.
As many as ten BMW M3 E30s are expected, including cars driven by local crews Paul Ahern/Kieran Murphy and Fergus O’Meara, who will be co-driven by Brian Duggan.
The rally gets underway on Friday night, November 28, with a ceremonial start on College Square, Killarney and will conclude with a finish celebration outside the Plaza Hotel on Saturday night just after the first of Killarney’s Christmas Parades.
Rally Masters organisers hand over €44k to two charities
The organisers of Rally Masters Ireland handed over a total of €44,444.15 to two children’s charities following a presentation at Killarney Racecourse on Sunday, November 16.
The funds were divided between LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Both organisations support children with life-limiting and complex medical needs and provide vital assistance to families.
The handover followed the Rally Masters Ireland event held at Killarney Racecourse on September 27. The event drew a strong attendance of around 4,000 fans and received positive feedback from fans and competitors.
Siobhan Reen of Jack and Jill said: “Heartfelt thank you as these funds will help offset over 1200 hours of care, we only receive 20 percent funding from the government so you have no idea what this means.”
Elaine Bukley of the Laura Lynn Foundation added: “This money will go 100 percent to our Mallow Hub and will develop our Munster team of amazing nurses.”
Organiser, Killarney and District Motor Club along with event sponsor Eamon Long and Company along with a wide group of associated sponsors brought a wide range of historic and iconic cars to Killarney for the occasion.
“This event truly captured the heart of Irish rallying, not only through the iconic cars and talented drivers, but through the incredible sense of community that surrounds our sport. Seeing young fans meet the heroes they’ve only heard about in stories was something very special. I want to thank everyone who supported Rally Masters Ireland and helped us raise vital funds for two remarkable charities,” said Tim Clifford, Clerk of the Course, Rally Masters Ireland.
Killarney Historic Rally officially launched at the Killarney Plaza Hotel
The 2025 Killarney Historic Rally was officially launched on Sunday at the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The event will take place on November 28–29 and will again be based at the Killarney Towers Hotel, which continues as the main sponsor. BG Motors has come on board as an associate sponsor for the first time.
Clerk of the Course Anthony O’Connor confirmed that the rally will feature eight stages, including two runs of Moll’s Gap in reverse for the evening leg. The event will move heavily into the Kenmare area with stages such as Roughty River returning to competition after many years.
O’Connor said the 2025 edition marks a major change in the type of cars eligible for historic competition.
“With the change in the rules it has opened the event to a different category of historic car. You’ll see Alan Ring’s new Subaru outside the door, we’ve a Toyota Corolla World Rally Car entered, and we’ve two Ford Escort Cosworths as well. It has changed the whole dynamics of the event,” he told the audience.
He also stressed the work of club volunteers.
“Without the people who give their time every week, the event wouldn’t run. From PR work to stage set-up, they’ve put in huge hours,” he said.
Brian Lawlor, Group General Manager of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, highlighted the group’s continued support.
“On behalf of the O’Donoghue and Ring families, we are honoured to return as lead sponsor for a third year. This event is now in its 29th year and remains the only fully historic rally in Ireland. It draws huge numbers to the town and the businesses of Killarney are proud to welcome them,” he said.
He also referenced the move to honour the late Mike Gaine, whose passing earlier this year deeply affected the motorsport community.
“It is fitting that so much of this year’s route is centred around Kenmare. Mick was a huge part of the rallying scene in that area,” Lawlor added.
The rally will be run in memory of Mike Gaine, with much of the competitive mileage based around his home area of Kenmare. The final corner of Moll’s Gap passes the Gaine family farm.
Kenmare driver Shane McCarthy said:
“Mike was the backbone of Kenmare rallying. He helped so many people and his support meant everything. His loss is still hard to process.”
Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady spoke about the rally’s longstanding significance to the town.
“This is one of the most important sporting events in Killarney each year. It brings value to the community and to local business,” he said.
He also reminded spectators to follow instructions.
“I want to emphasise one final message: safety. I urge everyone to respect the marshal team and Gardaí. Their work keeps this rally safe.”
KDMC Chairman Thomas Randles thanked the club’s sponsors and reminded spectators of their responsibilities.
“Listen to the marshals. Be careful where you go. We want everyone safe,” he said.
Leading entries confirmed
A number of high-profile entries were confirmed at the launch.
Kris Meeke and Muckross-based co-driver Noel O’Sullivan will compete in a BMW M3. Belgian legend Patrick Snijers will also take part. The full entry list will be published later this week.
The Historic category will again be the main focus, with close to 80 genuine historic cars expected.
Defending champions Donagh Kelly and Rory Kennedy will lead the field in his BMW M3 E3 as he bids for two wins in a row.
Local driver Alan Ring will debut a new Group A Subaru Impreza. Former winners Mark Falvey (Escort Mk1) and newly crowned Tarmac Historic Champion John O’Donnell (BMW M3) are also confirmed.
As many as ten BMW M3 E30s are expected, including cars driven by local crews Paul Ahern/Kieran Murphy and Fergus O’Meara, who will be co-driven by Brian Duggan.
The rally gets underway on Friday night, November 28, with a ceremonial start on College Square, Killarney and will conclude with a finish celebration outside the Plaza Hotel on Saturday night just after the first of Killarney’s Christmas Parades.
Rally Masters organisers hand over €44k to two charities
The organisers of Rally Masters Ireland handed over a total of €44,444.15 to two children’s charities following a presentation at Killarney Racecourse on Sunday, November 16.
The funds were divided between LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Both organisations support children with life-limiting and complex medical needs and provide vital assistance to families.
The handover followed the Rally Masters Ireland event held at Killarney Racecourse on September 27. The event drew a strong attendance of around 4,000 fans and received positive feedback from fans and competitors.
Siobhan Reen of Jack and Jill said: “Heartfelt thank you as these funds will help offset over 1200 hours of care, we only receive 20 percent funding from the government so you have no idea what this means.”
Elaine Bukley of the Laura Lynn Foundation added: “This money will go 100 percent to our Mallow Hub and will develop our Munster team of amazing nurses.”
Organiser, Killarney and District Motor Club along with event sponsor Eamon Long and Company along with a wide group of associated sponsors brought a wide range of historic and iconic cars to Killarney for the occasion.
“This event truly captured the heart of Irish rallying, not only through the iconic cars and talented drivers, but through the incredible sense of community that surrounds our sport. Seeing young fans meet the heroes they’ve only heard about in stories was something very special. I want to thank everyone who supported Rally Masters Ireland and helped us raise vital funds for two remarkable charities,” said Tim Clifford, Clerk of the Course, Rally Masters Ireland.
Lochanna Beo’s mapping highlights water quality concerns
Local environmental action group Lochanna Beo has released mapping data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to draw attention to deteriorating water quality across Killarney and the broader Laune Catchment.
The EPA map uses a colour-coded system to rate water quality status from 2019 to 2024: blue indicates high status, green indicates good, yellow represents moderate, brown denotes poor, and red signifies bad status.
The figures indicate significant ecological pressure on local lakes and rivers compared to neighbouring areas across County Kerry.
Formed during the summer of 2026, Lochanna Beo aims to bring together residents, business owners, agricultural operators, and public bodies to address the key factors affecting the regional aquatic ecosystem.
The community initiative is seeking direct engagement with relevant statutory authorities to implement practical restoration measures and protect the long-term health of Killarney’s water bodies.
Former Killarney Cycling Club rider Stefan Caulfield-Dreier has secured a professional contract with leading Dutch-based outfit Azerion-Villa Valkenburg.
The 23-year-old Beaufort native began his cycling career with Killarney Cycling Club in the under-12 age category. He demonstrated strong potential during his youth career, culminating in a victory at the Under-16 National Time-Trial Championship in 2019.
After progressing through the junior ranks, Caulfield-Dreier began racing on the Continent with a Dutch squad upon entering senior competition. He claimed Senior National Track titles in both the Points and Madison events in 2023 and 2024, and went on to represent Ireland at international track events in the Netherlands and Switzerland across 2024 and 2025.
Announcing the signing, team management at Azerion-Villa Valkenburg highlighted Caulfield-Dreier as a specialist in classics and time trials who excels in demanding race conditions.
Killarney Cycling Club Chairman Kevin Murphy welcomed the announcement, praising the former member’s dedication.
“Stefan has shown enormous persistence and resilience, and we are delighted that he has been recognized and rewarded with this big step-up in his career,” Murphy said.
Caulfield-Dreier’s father, Heiko, runs Killorglin-based firm Aqua Design and has been a long-standing supporter of Killarney Cycling Club.
Stefan Caulfield-Dreier signs professional cycling contract
Former Killarney Cycling Club rider Stefan Caulfield-Dreier has secured a professional contract with leading Dutch-based outfit Azerion-Villa Valkenburg.
The 23-year-old Beaufort native began his cycling career with Killarney Cycling Club in the under-12 age category. He demonstrated strong potential during his youth career, culminating in a victory at the Under-16 National Time-Trial Championship in 2019.
After progressing through the junior ranks, Caulfield-Dreier began racing on the Continent with a Dutch squad upon entering senior competition. He claimed Senior National Track titles in both the Points and Madison events in 2023 and 2024, and went on to represent Ireland at international track events in the Netherlands and Switzerland across 2024 and 2025.
Announcing the signing, team management at Azerion-Villa Valkenburg highlighted Caulfield-Dreier as a specialist in classics and time trials who excels in demanding race conditions.
Killarney Cycling Club Chairman Kevin Murphy welcomed the announcement, praising the former member’s dedication.
“Stefan has shown enormous persistence and resilience, and we are delighted that he has been recognized and rewarded with this big step-up in his career,” Murphy said.
Caulfield-Dreier’s father, Heiko, runs Killorglin-based firm Aqua Design and has been a long-standing supporter of Killarney Cycling Club.
Former Killarney Cycling Club rider Stefan Caulfield-Dreier has secured a professional contract with leading Dutch-based outfit Azerion-Villa Valkenburg.
The 23-year-old Beaufort native began his cycling career with Killarney Cycling Club in the under-12 age category. He demonstrated strong potential during his youth career, culminating in a victory at the Under-16 National Time-Trial Championship in 2019.
After progressing through the junior ranks, Caulfield-Dreier began racing on the Continent with a Dutch squad upon entering senior competition. He claimed Senior National Track titles in both the Points and Madison events in 2023 and 2024, and went on to represent Ireland at international track events in the Netherlands and Switzerland across 2024 and 2025.
Announcing the signing, team management at Azerion-Villa Valkenburg highlighted Caulfield-Dreier as a specialist in classics and time trials who excels in demanding race conditions.
Killarney Cycling Club Chairman Kevin Murphy welcomed the announcement, praising the former member’s dedication.
“Stefan has shown enormous persistence and resilience, and we are delighted that he has been recognized and rewarded with this big step-up in his career,” Murphy said.
Caulfield-Dreier’s father, Heiko, runs Killorglin-based firm Aqua Design and has been a long-standing supporter of Killarney Cycling Club.
Lochanna Beo’s mapping highlights water quality concerns
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