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By Sean Moriarty 
Photos by Dylan Clifford 

For those of us that love it, the event is our Christmas and St Patrick’s Day all rolled into one.

It brings a massive early-season tourist boost, not just to the town, but to the smaller towns and villages that the event passes through too.

There is no doubt that Rathmore and Gneevequilla were busier than usual last Sunday and the small village of Ardgroom, on the Beara Peninsula was particularly busy last Saturday.

This year’s event was particularly poignant. It was the first Irish rally since the passing of Craig Breen, he would have wanted the show to go on and while it was a difficult milestone for competitors, organisers and fans, it was one that needed to be crossed with dignity and compassion.

His long-time co-driver Paul Nagle, the same man who guided him to success on the 2019 Rally of the Lakes and the 2021 Killarney Historic spoke of his fallen rally brother at the event’s opening ceremony on Friday.

Despite an estimated crowd of about 2,000 people, the respectful silence offered to Paul as he spoke was a testament to how much Craig Breen was loved and admired in Killarney.

The Saturday action centred on the Beara Peninsula. The area is equally loved and feared by drivers.

The breath-taking scenery,for once, took second place to equally draw dropping action and pace.

The crowds were out in force on Sunday, the famous Gortnagne stage was lined from start to finish with people. The farming area was more akin to Croke Park as the glorious sunshine brought both fans and curious locals out in their droves.

A massive crowd turned out for the finish ramp at the Gleneagle Hotel too. They were there to welcome hometown hero Noel O’Sullivan who won the rally for the second time.

Some people love the rally, some don’t but each and every person, from marshalls, to fans, service mechanics to competitors each left a lot of money in the town.

Long life the rally, its value is not to be underestimated, and without a traditional Munster final football match this weekend, the rally’s financial boost will have to stretch across two weekends at least.