Karen Byrne and Jake Carter step out to launch this year's Retro Cannonball
The couple – who got engaged in March – are hoping to raise vital funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation at the annual car event.
Retro Cannonball will feature 100 classic cars and free family live entertainment as the convoy travels from Little Island, Cork and then coming up through Tipperary, Offaly, Westmeath, Tyrone and finishing at The Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth.
Speaking at the launch, Jake and Karen said: "Family is so important to us both and when we were approached by Jack and Jill to help announce its partnership with RETRO Cannonball, it was a no-brainer.
"RETRO Cannonball is such a brilliant event, and a true celebration of rare and classic cars that will thrill the whole family.
"We hope that people will be inspired to get out onto the high-roads and by-roads along the route to check out this incredible spectacle.
"And most importantly, if they have a few euro to spare, please donate it to Jack and Jill, because you'll be making a meaningful difference for families who so rely on Jack and Jill to keep the show on the road at home."
The event is hoping to raise money for the children's charity, to bring awareness to its vital in-home nursing and respite care service, which help over 400 families across Ireland.
Cannonball has already raised €1,946,432 for Irish children's charities.
The event features cars from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s from vintage Mustangs to sleek Corvettes, as well as Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 348 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SL Classics and Porsche 911 Carrera.
On Friday June 13, the classic convoy will depart from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island, Cork at 10.30am and then roll through the picturesque landscapes of Cork, Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath stopping for lunch along the way in Kilshane House in Tipperary followed by a coffee stop in Kinnitty Castle in Offaly and the first overnight stay and finish line at The Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.
On day two, the convoy travels through Westmeath and on to Tyrone.
Cannonballers will have lunch at Corick House in Tyrone before crossing on the ferry from Greencastle to Greenore.
The second overnight stay and overall finish line is coming to the Cooley Peninsula for the first time and takes place at Ballymascanlon House just 20 minutes from Carlingford.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Galway woman named Best Dressed Lady at 2025 Galway Races
Ballybrit has been once again lit up with dazzling outfits as racegoers descended on town today for one of the most glamorous dates in the Irish social calendar: the crowning of Best Dressed Lady at the Galway Races. Now in its 156th year, the Galway Races Summer Festival is a highlight of the year for fans of the racing as well as fashion, with plenty to thrill onlookers - not least Ladies Day, which takes place on the Thursday of the races. One of the biggest days in the Irish Racing calendar, this event always delivers showstopping looks as attendees dress to the nines in an effort to land the coveted title and cash prize. This year also marks the first in a three-year partnership between the Galway Races and multi-award-winning Irish skincare brand Ella & Jo, a powerhouse brand led by two female co-founders that is known for championing real skin, real women, and real confidence. The judging panel for ladies day this year is led by trusted voices in Irish fashion and beauty, with Galway Races icon Mandy Maher returning as Head Judge for the fourth year running, joined for the first time by Niamh Ryan, co-founder of Ella & Jo and Lisa McGowan, founder of Lisa & Co and Lisa's Lust List Best Dressed Lady Taking home the coveted €10,000 prize for Best Dressed Lady was Megan Cunniss from Newcastle Co Galway, whose look embodied the Ella & Jo ethos - bold, original, and completely her own. "I just can't believe it I am ecstatic. I'm from Galway so this means so much to me." Cuniss, who is a regular at Ladies Days throughout the year, wowed in a striking monochrome ensemble, stepping out in a sleeveless white dress white contrasting black trim and black buttons. She paired this with a black and white clutch bag hired from Mála Hire, sheer black gloves and black and white stiletto heels. She topped off her look with an elegant white wide-brimmed hat with a black trim, created by Millinery By Mairéad. Best Hat The prize for Best Hat went to Bride Butler from Thurles Co Tipperary, who was awarded the €3,000 prize for a standout piece by Michelle Kearns. The judges applauded the design for its originality, craftsmanship, and sheer presence. The Judges The stylish judges were just as impressively dressed, leading the charge for the Ladies. Head Judge Mandy Maher stepped out in a chic and summery ensemble, wearing a white jumpsuit paired with a woven belt to cinch the waist, a shimmering pale gold long jacket and gold pointed toed heels. She finished her look with a sculptural gold headpiece that swirled elegantly around her head. Niamh Ryan also opted for summer whites, wearing a stunning white dress with voluminous off-the-shoulder sleeves and floral embroidery at the hem in shades of pale pink and beige. She paired this with a wide-brimmed straw hat and gold heels. Guest guest Lisa McGowan, meanwhile, went bold and turned heads in a scarlet gown with a slashed high neck and an A-line skirt. She paired this with a red clutch bag, nude heeled sandals and a feathered red headpiece. Speaking about the winning look, McGowan said: "Ladies Day holds such a special place in my heart. The standard this year was phenomenal, not just in terms of fashion, but in the presence behind the outfits. Our winner had that rare magic. She didn't just wear the look, she owned it."
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Ireland AM star Siomha Ni Ruairc's relationship with hubby as they gear up to welcome first child together
IRELAND AM star Siomha Ni Ruairc and her husband, former UFC fighter Cathal Pendred, have been on quite the journey together since tying the knot just over a year ago. The couple said 3 Siomha and Cathal are expecting their first child together Credit: Instagram 3 The pair tied the knot in June last year Credit: Instagram 3 Fans have said they're 'the most wonderful parents to be' Credit: Instagram Siomha and Cathal were surrounded by their close family, friends and a few well-known faces on the special day. The Irish presenter looked sensational in an elegant strapless gown which hugged her figure and cinched at the waist. The wedding dress also had a flattering cowl neckline and a unqiue twisted detailing on the chest and a long princess train attached to the back. She styled her magnificent gown with a classy mesh veil which trailed down to the ground. READ MORE ON SIOMHA NI RUAIRC The veil had gorgeous pearl and diamante embroidery throughout making for a striking look. The Her husband also looked super dapper supporting a classic black tuxedo, black dress shows, and black braces to match. The newlyweds posed for a series of heartwarming snaps on the grounds of the lavish castle. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN TOP TRIP After their big day, the pair jetted over to South East Asia to The pair set off on an "extended Christmas break" to Ireland AM star reveals 'worse part' of TV experience Siomha shared some of the gorgeous snaps she captured from their travels with fans on Instagram. FIRST ANNIVERSARY Fast forward to June this year, the cute couple marked their Taking to The doting wife sweetly wrote in her caption: "Filleadh ar Loch Iascaigh. Celebrating our first wedding anniversary back where it happened. "Love it even more after this trip. @cathal_pendred I'd be lost without you." BABY JOY And the couples love story has now taken an exciting turn, with Siomha announcing earlier this week that they are Sharing the news on posted a stunning snap of herself and her husband snuggled up together while Cathal held up a baby scan photo. Siomha was glowing in the picture as she protectively placed a hand on her growing bump and beamed. The happy pair penned in their caption: "Leanbh nua ag teacht ar an saol mí Eanáir 2026.", which translates to "new baby coming into the world this January." The host returned on air after her announcement to host Ireland AM alongside and Kevin Twomey. Alan started off the show by congratulating her on the wonderful news. Siomha then revealed when she'll be heading on maternity leave saying: "Thanks honey. I'm due in January so I should be around here until Christmas time." 'SURPRISE' And when Alan asked whether she knows the gender of her baby, Siomha revealed: "I'm not finding out. "My way of looking at it is - I think I can Google anything in the world but I can't Google, 'What's in my womb', so I want it to be a surprise." Alan asked: "So you're not going to do one of these reveal parties?" Siomha said: "No, I'm going to keep it the old fashion way." After sharing the amazing news to Instagram, both fans and friends rushed to congratulate the pair. Six O'Clock Show host, RTE 2FM star, While fellow Ireland AM co-host, Sarah remarked: "I knew it! Comhghairdeas!! The most gorgeous wee bump ever." And Leona cried: "The most wonderful parents to be!"
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy to begin second leg of Secto Rally Finland in ninth place
The Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1) will begin Saturday's second leg of Secto Rally Finland in ninth place after a steady run through Friday's nine stages. Out in front in a tense battle and having taken the outright lead on SS3, Finland's Kalle Rovanpera (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1), who has never won his home event, leads the way - 4.9s seconds ahead of reigning World champion Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 Rally1) whose team mate Adrian Fourmaux is 2.8s seconds further behind in third. Pre-event championship leader Ott Tanak (Hyundai i20 Rally1) took a 1.3s lead on Thursday evening's opening Harju street stage but it was Japan's Takamoto Katsuta (with his Fintona co-driver Aaron Johnston) and Rovanpera that shared top spot after Friday's opener before Rovanpera won the next two stages that included the fast Saarikas stage - a reversal of previous years. He arrived at the service park with a 4.4s advantage over Fourmaux with Finland's Sami Pajari (Toyota) just a tenth of a second behind in third, the latter also winning two of the morning's stages. Katsuta in fourth was followed by Neuville, who like many others, was of the opinion that the stages were too fast. "It's just pure taking risks.' Eight time World champion and last year's event winner Sebastien Ogier, who was trying to find a rhythm, concurred. "The roads are almost too fast in places - they're just flat out everywhere, not the most enjoyable in places." Meanwhile, the M-Sport trio of Martiņs Sesks, Josh McErlean and Gregoire Munster were having their own battle with Sesks leading the way 6.8s ahead of McErlean. Munster had a major slide on SS3 and overshot on SS4 and was 21.4s behind McErlean, who commented, "Takes a bit to get your head around, it goes better than you expect because everything's flat out, bit more commitment needed. "It should be easier (through the second pass) - onboards to look at where you're losing (time)." Rain made the afternoon stages tricky and difficult - each of the four stages in the Finnish countryside had a different winner before Fourmaux won the short Harju street stage as a composed Rovanpera, who admitted he took a few risks, continued to lead. Championship leader Ott Tanak, who had the task of opening the roads, ended the day in tenth - his Hyundai snapped under braking some 2km into SS7 and the front right took a heavy impact after it hit a tree, however, he was quickly back up to speed. Meanwhile, Donegal's Eamonn Kelly/Conor Mohan (Ford Fiesta Rally3) are second in the Junior WRC category - 14.9s behind leaders Taylor Gill/Daniel Brkic, the Irish crew were quickest on SS3. There are eight stages today and two on Sunday - a double run over the 23.98km Ouninpohja stage. Secto Rally Finland (Round 8, World Rally Championship) Jyvaskyla 1. K. Rovanpera/J. Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) 56m. 31.6s 2. T. Neuville/M. Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+4.9s 3. A. Fourmaux/A. Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+7.7s 4. T. Katsuta/A. Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+8.1s 5. S. Pajari/M. Salminen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+15.7s 6. S. Ogier/V. Landais (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+17.6s 7. E. Evans/S. Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+26.0s 8. M. Sesks/R. Francis (Ford Puma Rally1)+40.5s 9. J. McErlean/O. Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1)+1m. 06.0s 10. O. Tanak/M. Jarveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+1m. 07.2s.
