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Government needs to help voluntary sporting organisations

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The Government needs to step up and help all voluntary sporting organisations in their darkest hour by putting a substantial package together, a councillor has said this week.

 

Kerry County Councillor Michael Cahill has said the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt far and wide throughout the community, in businesses, domestically and basically in every facet of human life.

He said we must not forget all of the volunteer sporting bodies, from rowing to GAA, basketball to soccer, athletics, rugby, drama, dancing and many more, who cater for peoples’ health and entertainment every day of the year and who depend on the public donations and sponsorship to keep the show on the road.

"It would shock many people to know how much it costs to run a small sized sporting club in this day and age in order to provide facilities for our youth and entertainment for the not so young,” said the Fianna Fail Councillor.

"Insurance must be provided for participants, the public, buildings and contents etc. Lighting, heating and water must be on hand and paid for. Affiliation to county and national bodies must be paid in order to take part in competitions.”

He added that other costs include maintenance of grounds and buildings which constantly require updating.

"If your club is small but progressive, you can be sure that expenditure of €100,000 is a conservative estimate of what needs to be raised to keep it afloat," stated Councillor Cahill.

"All of these voluntary groups presently have their activities shut down which means there are no gate/door receipts. Because other businesses such as pubs, etc are closed there is no opportunity to sell club Lotto or collect sponsorship," he said.

"We have to ensure their survival in the same way as all of our family businesses and financial support is vital if we are to be successful. Our Government needs to help all our voluntary sporting organisations in their darkest hour and put a substantial package together. They simply do not have any cashflow or income at this time.”

 

 

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Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Noel O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

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O’Sullivan returns to European Rally Championship

Muckross co-driver Noel O’Sullivan is set for a busy season as he returns to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) while also preparing for a record-breaking attempt on home soil.

O’Sullivan and driver Callum Devine have signed with the Swedish team JC Raceteknik for a full campaign focused on asphalt events. Their season begins this week at the Andalusia Rally – Sierra Morena in Spain. O’Sullivan remains the only Killarney-based co-driver competing at this level for a full season.
He brings significant international experience to the team, having previously worked with WRC driver Jon Armstrong during his early European outings. O’Sullivan and Devine recently proved their pace against top European crews with a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Rali Ceredigion in Wales.
Devine said:
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the ERC. It’s always great for a driver to compete against Europe’s best on some iconic events. We’ve had great success back home in Ireland over the past few seasons, winning two Irish Tarmac Rally Championships, and we feel now is the right time to come back and take on some ERC events. Starting with Rally Sierra Morena, I’m delighted to be joining JC Raceteknik. I know they are a very professional team with a wealth of experience, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them.”
The European schedule will not interfere with O’Sullivan’s local plans. Following the rally in Spain, the pair will return to Kerry for the Rally of the Lakes over the May Bank Holiday weekend. They are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in Killarney as they look to move back into the lead of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The move to the European stage follows a successful week for O’Sullivan, who was recently named the International Motorsport winner at the Kerry Sports Star Awards.

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June

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Classic Tour set to celebrate heritage roads in June


A new heritage motoring event, the Killarney Classic Tour, has been confirmed for June 26–27, 2026. The two-day tour is designed to celebrate the iconic rally stages of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.


Headquartered at the Gleneagle Hotel, the event is non-competitive and open to a wide range of vintage and historic cars. Organisers are placing a particular focus on period-correct rally cars and recreations that reflect the history of the Circuit of Ireland, the Circuit of Munster, and the early years of the Rally of the Lakes.
The tour is the work of two well-known figures in Irish rallying, Mike Marshall and Micheal O’Mahoney. Marshall, a founding member of the Rally of the Lakes and Clerk of the Course for over 20 years, has designed a route that allows drivers to experience famous stages like Moll’s Gap at a relaxed pace. O’Mahoney, a long-term supporter of the sport through Rentokil and a historic car owner himself, joins Marshall in the venture.

Co-Founder O’Mahoney said:
“This event is about bringing people back together – the cars, the stories, and the friendships that have always been part of rallying. It’s a chance to step away from competition and simply enjoy these roads.”



The Saturday itinerary includes a lunch stop in Castletownbere before the field returns to Killarney for a gala dinner at the Gleneagle Hotel. The evening will feature guest speakers and a focus on the shared history of the sport.
“This event is about bringing people back together — the cars, the stories, and the friendships,” added Micheal O’Mahoney.
Registrations are now open at www.KillarneyClassicTour.ie.

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