Connect with us

News

‘Bones’ presented with prestigious rally trophy

Published

3 years ago

on

0247630_IMG0711.JPG
AWARDS: Alan Ring who finished second in the County Rally Championship and Craig Breen at the Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship awards night in Keel last Friday. Photo: Ted O'Connell

Michael ‘Bones’ O’Connor was presented with one of the most prestigious trophies in Kerry rallying at the County Rally Championship awards night in Keel last Friday night.

MILLTOWN: Ray O’Neill and Ger Conway both from Milltown collected their Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship awards from World Rally start Craig Breen. Photo: Ted O'Connell

CHAMPION: Kingdom of Kerry Historic Rally champion Fergus O’Meara collected his award from world rally star Craig Breen. Photo: Ted O'Connell

REPRESENTING: Mike Buckley collected the championship awards on behalf of his son Aidan and nephew Shane Buckley from Craig Breen at the Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship awards night in Keel last Friday. Photos: Ted O'Connell

RECOGNITION: Michael ‘Bones’ O’Connor with the Paudie Casey Memorial Trophy. Photo: Ted O'Connell

The Caherdaniel-based Killarney and District Motor Club member was presented with the Paudie Casey Memorial Trophy which is awarded to the person who has made the biggest contribution to motorsport in the county over the last 12 months.

The winner, as judged by championship organisers after receiving nominations from Kerry Motor Club and Killarney and District Motor Club, is a closely guarded secret until the announcement is made.

‘Bones' as he is affectionately known, has been involved in motorsport for most of his life. He was the second-ever Clerk of the Course for the West Cork Rally over 40 years ago.

In 2022, he volunteered to marshal at over 25 events, often taking on jobs that are well out of the limelight like stage entrance or exit marshal and when the long day is over he is one of the last to leave as he stays on to help with a litter pick.

“This is the first awards ceremony I have attended this millennium,” said a clearly surprised ‘Bones’, “But it is an honour and a privilege to accept this trophy.”

World Rally Championship star driver Craig Breen was the guest of honour on the night. He presented many of the awards for both the 2022 championship and the delayed 2021 series.

Other guests included Muckross man Noel O'Sullivan who won the British Rally Championship last year and Aghadoe co-driver Mikie Galvin who was runner-up in the same competition.

Last year’s award winners were: Megan Costello, Kerry Motor Club (Ladies Champion); Jason Farrell Killarney and District Motor Club (KDMC), (Junior Champion); Fergus O’Meara KDMC (Historic Champion); Bob Moran KDMC / Kevin Doherty KMC (third overall); Alan Ring KDMC / Damian Fleming KDMC (second overall); and champions Darren Young Kerry Motor Club and Ger Conway KDMC.

Award winners for the 2021 series included Alan Ring, KDMC and Paul Nagle, KDMC, (Historic Champions); Ray O’Neill, KDMC / Ger Conway, KDMC (third overall); Aidan Buckley, KDMC / Denny Greany, Kerry Motor Club (second overall); and champions Mark Murphy, Kerry Motor Club and Shane Buckley, KDMC.

The Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship was first run in 2018 and is open to members of both Kerry and Killarney and District Motor Clubs. Since its inception, it has been sponsored by Moriarty’s Centra in Farranfore.

Former proprietor Mike Moriarty retired from the supermarket business in December but will continue to support the championship through his Moriarty’s Central Car Sales operation in the mid-Kerry village.

Related Topics:
Advertisement

News

Gleneagle Concert Band cast in major Hollywood Film

  Members of The Gleneagle Concert Band have been cast in a major Hollywood movie currently filming in West Cork. The WWII biopic is inspired by Hollywood legend James Stewart’s […]

Published

8 hours ago

on

14 October 2025

By

 

Members of The Gleneagle Concert Band have been cast in a major Hollywood movie currently filming in West Cork.

The WWII biopic is inspired by Hollywood legend James Stewart’s life, highlighting his time as a combat pilot after putting his entertainment career on hold to join the U.S. Army Air Corps.
It’s set to be the biggest film production filmed in Ireland this year, with a U.S. release scheduled for November 2026.

Band Musical Director Vincent Condon said the opportunity came about through a mix of curiosity and perfect timing.

“I read that a major film was being shot in West Cork and got in touch to see if they needed a band. Wartime movies often feature military bands, and they were delighted that I reached out. The film required an all-male band under 25, which is historically accurate. Filming took place at the start of October, and it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch described the experience as unforgettable.

“The band was excellent. We did everything asked of us with no fuss, and it was amazing to see how a major movie comes together. In a year or so, we’ll be able to sit in the cinema with our families and point to the screen saying, ‘We were part of that!’”

This latest experience follows the band’s highly successful summer tour to Seville and Gibraltar, where they performed alongside the Midleton Concert Band beneath Seville’s spectacular Las Setas structure. The trip marked the band’s eighth international tour, continuing a proud tradition of representing Killarney abroad.

With opportunities ranging from international tours to movie sets, the Gleneagle Concert Band continues to give its members unique and creative musical experiences both at home and overseas.

Anyone interested in joining the band or enrolling for instrumental lessons is encouraged to get in touch on 087 222 9513.

Continue Reading

News

Local schools launch initiative to promote healthy technology use for children

Published

8 hours ago

on

14 October 2025

By

Holy Family NS Rathmore, Raheen NS, Meentogues NS and Shrone NS have teamed up with three other schools on the Cork side of the border to launch an innovative project called Agree to Agree.


This is a community wide effort to help families navigate the challenge of children and technology.


The initiative encourages parents of primary school pupils to make a voluntary pledge around healthy technology use at home.


For younger pupils, this includes keeping children smartphone-free, following age-appropriate guidelines for games and apps, and staying off social media during primary school years.


For older pupils who may already own phones / devices, the project suggests practical steps such as reducing screen time, keeping phones out of bedrooms, avoiding age-inappropriate apps, and learning about digital citizenship and online safety.


In the coming weeks, children will bring home information packs and families will have the chance to sign the voluntary agreement. Two parent webinars are already scheduled for October 26 and February 26.


This Pilot was funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the then Minister of Education and Skills – Norma Foley TD. Schools were invited to participate through Tralee Education Support Centre Director, Terry O’Sullivan.


The other participating schools are Ballydesmond NS, Kiskeam NS, and Knocknagree NS.

Attachments

Continue Reading