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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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Ballymac Vintage Club raises over €7k for local charities

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Ballymac Vintage Club raises over €7k for local charities


The Ballymac Vintage Club raised over €7,000 for two worthy causes following the 16th running of its annual Classic Car and Honda 50 Run over the bank holiday weekend.


Despite a wet start to Sunday morning, more than 100 registered vehicles turned out at Ó Riada’s Bar and Restaurant. Entrants brought a diverse selection of classic cars, vans, and campers, including several vehicles making their first appearance at a Kerry vintage event.
The day began with a Cars and Coffee gathering, allowing participants and spectators to catch up, inspect the vehicles, and enjoy light refreshments.
Proceeds from the event and Saturday’s street collection in Castleisland will support two local causes: St John of God Oileán Beo Castleisland, which provides services for adults with intellectual disabilities, and the Kerry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, which supports sick and infirm pilgrims alongside volunteers and medical staff.
A range of spot prizes were awarded throughout the morning, with organisers extending sincere thanks to local donors and main sponsors BG Motors Killarney, Brownes Agri Steel Castleisland, and Ó Riada’s Bar and Restaurant.
The run departed Ballymacelligott shortly after 11am, travelling back roads through Castleisland before making a short stop in Brosna. Drivers then completed the final leg to Knocknagoshel, where refreshments were served by the Knocknagoshel Meals on Wheels team.

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Dromhall team takes top spot at Crokes Golf Classic

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The annual Dr Crokes GAA Club Golf Classic proved to be another major success last weekend, drawing 64 teams to Killarney’s Mahony’s Point course over two days of competition.


The Dromhall Hotel team of John Brosnan, Mike Dwyer, Shane Kelly, and Ger O’Meara took first place. Second place went to the O’Carroll Engineering team of Anthony O’Mahony, John O’Driscoll, Derek McAllister, and Michael O’Sullivan.
Third place went to the Quills team (Vincent Casey, Colm O’Brien, Evy O’Brien, and Donie Buckley), while Diarmuid O’Carroll Electrical (Mark O’Carroll, Brian McCarthy, Ben Kelliher, and Luke O’Shea) finished fourth.
Rounding out the top positions were Fexco in fifth (Andrew McCarthy, Ivo O’Sullivan, Ross Brosnan, and Niall O’Shea), Money Maximising Advisors in sixth (John Lenihan, Michael Lenihan, Des McCarthy, and Peter Bellew), and The Gleneagle Hotel in seventh (Patrick O’Donoghue, Mike McAuliffe, Margaret Gill, and T Buckley).
Raffle prize winners on the night were David Cotter (1st), Eugene Browne (2nd), Donal Brosnan (3rd), and Colm Murphy (4th).
The prize presentation took place at Charlie Foley’s Bar on Friday night, with sponsor Colm Foley handing over the honours. Dr Crokes expressed thanks to all who entered teams, sponsored tee boxes, and donated prizes, as well as Colin Finlay and the team at Killarney Golf Club for the superb condition of the course.

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