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.

Follow your dreams. These are three words of encouragement Kay Randles gave everyone. S

he was right too because she saw her own dreams come true in 1965, when the Dromhall Hotel first opened its doors.

Embarking on her dream and her desire to work in and one day own a hotel.

Kay left her home place in Kilworth, Co Cork and went to work in the Victoria Hotel in Cork City.

She was the youngest of five children and came from a farming background but she always dreamed of having her own guesthouse.

During her time at the Victoria Hotel she worked her way up to the position of assistant manager.

One wonders if, on later taking up a position at the Muckross Hotel, Killarney, Kay Randles could ever have imagined that, a few years later, she would be married, be a mother and have opened her own hotel?

While working at the Muckross Hotel she met Neil Randles, who was from Kenmare and who came to Killarney looking to start his own garage as his father and uncle had done before him in Kenmare.

It was not long before there were wedding bells though Kay still harboured the idea of having her own guesthouse.

She spotted an old laundry shop – where Randles Garage and the Centra Shop is now situated on Muckross Road – was for sale and encouraged Neil to buy the site for the garage and their home.

Mrs O Connor, a neighbour next door, asked Kay to keep four guests one night as her guesthouse was full. Kay decided she would do so without telling Neil.

The next morning, the story goes, there was 10 shilling note on the table from the guests and Neil thought it was the handiest money ever made.

The four people and the 10 shilling note set Kay’s dream in motion.

In 1964 the sale of a bungalow by the Kenmare Estate, which was across the road from the garage – on the site of the now Dromhall Hotel – created the opportunity for Kay’s dream to become a reality.

She and Neil bought the bungalow and opened an 18-bedroom hotel on the site in 1965.

Little did Neil realise that, within one week, the 10 shillings would give rise to a 10,000 pound investment.

From there the hotel grew rapidly as did the other businesses that Kay and Neil created – Randles Car Hire; C&R Frozen Foods, CRL Oil, Randles Bros Killarney and Kenmare and later on Randles Hotel, Killarney and Randles Bros Tralee.

In 1969 the bedrooms increased to 35, more rooms were added in 1977 and a new reception, lounge and dining room were also built. The bar was another addition.

In 1987, Neil died and Kay was left to carry on the Dromhall Hotel and all the other businesses they owned, as well as rearing their six children, who ranged in ages from 24 to 13. Three of them, at that stage, were involved in the family business.

In 1992 The Rectory house next door to the Dromhall Hotel was purchased and the Randles Court Hotel was built. It continued to grow over the years and today is the four-star luxury Randles Hotel.

In 1999 it was decided by the family to level the Dromhall Hotel to the ground and build a completely new hotel.

In June 2000 the Dromhall was re-opened as the new 72-bedroom, conference and banqueting hotel that it is today, along with Kayne’s Bar and Bistro, which is attached to the hotel.

The name Kayne’s comes from the perfect partnership of Kay and Neil Randles.

In 2014/2015 the Dromhall Hotel celebrated 50 years since the purchase of the property on the Muckross Road.

Up until 2020, Kay Randles, who accumulated numerous hospitality awards and was considered one of the most hardworking and tenacious figures in the Irish hospitality sector, continued to have an active interest in the business.

In July, 2024, Kay Randles passed away leaving a legacy that will ensure her hospitality excellence will continue to be at the foundation of the family does.

In 2025, Dromhall Hotel celebrates 60 years in business and Kay’s legacy continues to endure.