Connect with us

News

Rare pre-World War 2 cars tour Kerry

Published

4 years ago

on

0228890_Unknown-10.jpeg
RARE CARS: Driver Luke Roberts with the oldest car on the run a 1906 Bianchi with joint Clerk of the Course Shane Houlihan. Photo: Sean Moriarty

A total of 54 pre-1940 cars were on a tour of Kerry this week and the drivers overnighted at the Dunloe Hotel and Gardens just outside Killarney.

The drivers were taking part in the Shamrock Vintage Challenge – a navigational and driving test competition for cars that were manufactured before World War 2.

It began on Sunday in Kilkenny and the drivers arrived in Killarney on Monday night after undergoing four driving tests on the farm of Billy Coleman. The rally legend was guest of honour at the event’s gala dinner that evening.

They spent Tuesday driving local challenging roads like the Gap of Dunloe, Ballaghbeama and Ballaghasheen.

On Wednesday the drivers spent the day touring West Kerry, taking in Slea Head and Conor Pass.

The group of cars included Aston Martins, Bentleys, Talbots and MGs.

Drivers came from all over Ireland, Britain, Germany and Switzerland.

“All the drivers were blown away by the stunning scenery on the route," said joint Clerk of the Course Shane Houlihan.

The oldest car in the event was a 1906 Bianchi which was driven by its owner Luke Roberts from his home in Oxfordshire, England.

Related Topics:
Advertisement

News

Two Mary Immaculate College students win awards

Two Killarney students were honoured at the Mary Immaculate College Awards Ceremony in Limerick this week, with Dr Crokes footballer Leah McMahon and MIC Thurles student Setanta O’Callaghan both receiving […]

Published

4 hours ago

on

7 December 2025

By

Two Killarney students were honoured at the Mary Immaculate College Awards Ceremony in Limerick this week, with Dr Crokes footballer Leah McMahon and MIC Thurles student Setanta O’Callaghan both receiving prestigious college awards.

Leah McMahon, who is in her first year studying primary teaching, was presented with an MIC GAA Bursary Award. The bursary acknowledges her performances with Dr Crokes and Kerry Ladies Football, recognising her as one of the standout young players in the college.
Setanta O’Callaghan, received the Saint Bonaventure Trust Prize Year 1, awarded for academic excellence in Theology and Religious Studies on the Bachelor of Arts in Education programme in MIC Thurles. The award is presented to students who achieve top results in Years 1–3 of the course.
Both students were among 94 award recipients across MIC’s Limerick and Thurles campuses.
Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, said the awards recognise the work and commitment shown by students across all areas of college life.

Continue Reading

News

Book on handball legend to be launched at The Sem

A new book by a Killarney priest will be officially launched at St Brendan’s College on Monday, December 9. Unbeatable – Fr Tom Jones, Handball Supremo will be launched at […]

Published

15 hours ago

on

7 December 2025

By

A new book by a Killarney priest will be officially launched at St Brendan’s College on Monday, December 9.

Unbeatable – Fr Tom Jones, Handball Supremo will be launched at 6pm in the college chapel.
The book, written by Fr Tom Looney charts the life of Fr Tom Jones, a past pupil of St Brendan’s who entered the school as both a World and National Handball Champion.
Jones later served as a priest in Ulster, Yorkshire, Australia and Kerry over a 54-year ministry. The biography describes his sporting achievements and his contribution to parish life at home and abroad.
Fr Kieran O’Brien, President of the Kerry Handball Association, will host the launch
Copies of the book, priced at €15, are available in the Cathedral Office, O’Connor’s on Beech Road and the Friary Bookshop.

Attachments

Continue Reading