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.