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Ballyhar woman and daughter win Reeks District luxury adventure break

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A Ballyhar woman and her daughter will enjoy a post-lockdown luxury adventure in the Reeks District after their video won a Facebook competition organised by the tourism agency.

Annie Rose Vogels, supervised by mom Maureen Hegarty-Vogels and dad Thys Vogels, took on the challenge of creating a video of how they could complete the Reeks District Big Five Challenge during lockdown after a selection of Big Five Adventurers posted an appeal for people to try and better their own efforts from a video campaign launched in mid-April.

As soon as restrictions are lifted, the pair will get to enjoy their prize that includes the cream of Irish adventure activities, including climbing Carrauntoohil, kayaking on Caragh Lake, cycling the Ring of the Reeks, surfing on Inch Beach and taking part in an after-dark SUP adventure on Lough Cloon.

Throughout they will get stay in lakeside luxury at Carrig Country House and dine in some of the region’s best restaurants such as Ard Na Sidhe Country House on Caragh Lake and Killorglin’s Sol Y Sombra.

The Big Five Lockdown Edition competition was launched in mid-April when adventure tourism companies in the Reeks got together to create a fun video showcasing how they were keeping their adventure spirits up during the COVID-19 crisis.

Their video was seen by more than 30,000 people who were challenged to create their own version of the film – and two of the entries were chosen for the final reckoning in a battle to see which effort got the most Facebook ‘likes’.

After five days of keen voting as the finalists mobilised their friends and family to vote, Maureen and Annie’s version held a narrow 831-764 victory over the entry from fellow finalist Kilcummin-based Geraldine O’Halloran and her family. In total, the two videos were seen more than 10,500 times.

“We are all keen mountain climbers, love the outdoors, hillwalking, kayaking, cycling, so the prize is right down our alley,” Maureen said. “We love the idea of the Big Five initiative and it really will be a family adventure for us, while also an amazing challenge. It’s really something to look forward to once lockdown is over and we can make a weekend of it.”

Chair of the Reeks District Jens Bachem congratulated Maureen and Annie for their superb win.

"Commiserations to Geraldine and her family who produced such a strong effort themselves. We launched the Big Five Lockdown Edition competition to try and give people something fun to do, as well as remind people that the Reeks’ amazing outdoor adventures are here waiting for them as soon as restrictions are lifted. The Reeks District would like to offer a huge thanks to all who made this happen; our Adventurers who created their own videos with such great enthusiasm, all the businesses who have helped provide the prizes, the public who watched and voted in the Grand Final and, of course, our two finalists for their great videos.”

The Big Five Challenge Lockdown Edition entry mechanic and a full list of participating businesses can be seen at www.reeksdistrict.com.

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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