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Cronin Chooses Citroën for Tarmac title defence

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Keith Cronin will defend his NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title in a Citroën C3 Rally2. The West Cork driver, navigated by Killarney's Mikie Galvin, will make his debut in the French machine at the opening round of the Tarmac series, the Galway International Rally, on February 1 and 2.

Cronin returns to a marque with which he has enjoyed past success, including a British Rally Championship title in a Citroën DS3 R3T in 2012 and a WRC3 win at Rally Finland in 2013. In 2016, he and Galvin secured their first Irish Tarmac Championship title driving a Citroën DS3 R5.
"We evaluated various options, and the Citroën emerged as the best overall package," said Cronin. "The current Rally2 car achieved remarkable success in 2024, winning over 130 rallies globally and securing five WRC2 victories. C3 drivers dominated championships across Europe, Africa, North and South America. We hope to replicate this success in Ireland."
Tom Gahan Motorsport, the team that supported Cronin in his 2024 title-winning campaign with a Ford Fiesta and his previous victories with a Volkswagen Polo, will prepare and run the Citroën.
Continuing the Gallic theme, Cronin and Galvin will compete on Michelin tires in 2025.
In addition to their Tarmac Championship campaign, Cronin and Galvin have entered the opening round of the Probite Brakes British Rally Championship, the East Riding Stages, which follows Galway. However, they are currently on the reserve list for the Yorkshire event.
"We'll assess our participation in the BRC on a round-by-round basis," Cronin stated.
The 2025 NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship calendar kicks off with the Galway International Rally on February 1 and 2, followed by the West Cork International Rally in March. The series will conclude in October with the Cork ‘20’ International Rally.
Meanwhile, Keith's brother Daniel Cronin will also be competing in a Citroën C3 Rally2 this year, aiming to improve upon their third-place finish in the 2024 Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship. He will be co-driven by Donnchadh Burke and will begin their campaign with a run out in Galway prior to the Midland Rally in Longford in March.

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Caoimhe Murray set for lead role in Musical Society’s 40th anniversary show

Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead […]

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Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead cast members, including local performer Caoimhe Murray.

Caoimhe takes on the role of Lorraine, a fun-loving and spirited character who falls in love with the mayor’s son, Dean Hyde.
The production is a significant family milestone for Caoimhe, who has been a member of the society for nine years.
She is the daughter of Amanda Murray and the granddaughter of Phil Spillane, both of whom are also long-standing members and part of this year’s cast.
This production marks Caoimhe’s fifth show with the society. Her previous experience includes playing Brigitta Von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2018, as well as lead roles such as Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and Cosette in ‘Les Miserables’ with her stage school. She also recently played Sophie in her school production of ‘Mamma Mia’.
Caoimhe has built an extensive background in performing arts through years of training.
She has been a student of Fiona Crowley’s Stage School since the age of five and has attended the West End House School of Arts for acting.
Her musical training includes singing lessons with Sorcha O’Connor and piano with Catriona Cahillane, alongside completing the AIMS Youth Summer School Programme last year.
‘All Shook Up’ will run at the Gleneagle Arena on February 10, 11, and 12. The show features the music of Elvis Presley and tickets are currently available through the Gleneagle Box Office or via Ticketmaster.

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Beaufort man collects 18th car from Randles Bros

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Beaufort resident Paddy O’Sullivan has marked 40 years of loyalty to Randles Bros by collecting his 18th vehicle from the dealership.

Paddy recently met with David Randles at Randles Bros Tralee to take delivery of his latest car, a new Nissan Qashqai.


The O’Sullivan family’s relationship with the garage dates back four decades to when Randles Bros operated as an Austin Morris dealer.

Paddy’s first purchase was a Morris Marina, one of the top-selling models of the 1970s.
As the dealership evolved, so did Paddy’s choice of vehicles.

When the garage took on the Datsun franchise, he moved into a Datsun 140 J, also known as the Datsun Violet.

Following the brand’s transition to Nissan in the 1980s, he became a frequent owner of the Nissan Bluebird. This was followed by a stint owning five different Nissan Primeras throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.


In recent years, he has transitioned to the Nissan Qashqai, with this latest ‘261’ registration marking his 18th time driving a new car out of the Randles Bros showroom.


David Randles thanked the Beaufort man for his continued business over the generations. “We want to thank Paddy and his family for being such a great customer to Randles Bros for so long,” he said. “Congratulations on your purchase Paddy, and safe travels.”

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