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Cronin Chooses Citroën for Tarmac title defence

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5 months ago

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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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Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

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23 hours ago

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18 June 2025

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Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

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Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

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2 days ago

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17 June 2025

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This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

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