Latest news with #RallyoftheLakes
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Kerry co-driver Noel O'Sullivan and driver Callum Devine aiming for Donegal hat-trick
Callum Devine and Noel O'Sullivan after their unprecedented fourth consecutive victory at the Rally of the Lakes, are now focused on a third straight win at the upcoming Donegal International Rally.
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Motorsport: No fear of the unknown for championship leader Eddie Doherty
It doesn't really bother Kilkenny's Eddie Doherty (Skoda Fabia R5) that he will be in somewhat unfamiliar places and situations this weekend. As he continues his quest to win the Triton Showers National Rally Championship, the former county minor hurler has never competed in the Cavan Rally, this Sunday's third round of the campaign. Following an impressive victory in the previous round - the Circuit of Kerry - he has grabbed a nine-point lead in the series - the first time he has ever led by more than a handful of points. Agreeing that a good reconnaissance of the stages is key, he said, "We don't treat these things any different to what we do any other rally weekend. The Circuit of Kerry was our first time doing it and we were able to win the rally. I don't think any more into it, that process could wreck your head. It's great to have a competitive entry and there are four of five (drivers) doing the Maiden City Rally on Saturday and they will have plenty of seat time. The national series is our primary concern for this year." He concluded: "Last year I made the mistake thinking about points and at the end of the year it didn't work out. You have to win rallies to get a good championship result." What will be familiar though is his championship opposition that includes Josh and Sam Moffett in Hyundai's, Robert Barrable (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2), Cathan McCourt (Hyundai i20 Rally2, Desi Henry (Citroen C3 Rally2), Donegal trio David Kelly (VW Polo GTi R5) and the Skoda Fabia Rally2 cars of Michael and Declan Boyle, local ace Gary Kiernan (Ford Fiesta Rally2) and Cork's Daniel Cronin (Citroen C3 Rally2). Garry Jennings (Ford Fiesta Rally2) is also in the top ten. Meanwhile and in the absence of series leader William Creighton from this weekend's Jim Clark Rally in Scotland, the third round of the Probite British Rally Championship is likely to have a new frontrunner with M-Sport's Romet Jurgenson, the FIA Rally Star and reigning Junior WR champion favourite to capitalise. A family wedding has ruled Creighton out on this occasion while top seed and last year's rally winner Keith Cronin withdrew his entry following his accident of the Rally of the Lakes and is pausing his rallying for the immediate future to concentrate on business interests. Estonian Jurgenson (25) is aiming to secure back-to-back wins but Welsh aces James Williams (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) and Meirion Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2), local hero Garry Pearson (Ford Fiesta Rally2) and Max McRae (Citroen C3 Rally2) will aim to deny him the spoils. Evans is targeting a strong result. 'We certainly go to the event with confidence, having had a strong run on the Rally of the Lakes. Although the Scottish stages are a lot different in character to the ones in Killarney, the plan is to carry that form into this weekend and put in another good performance." Clonakilty's Cal McCarthy (Citroen C3 Rally2) is a late entry. In the Junior BRC, Irish drivers Kyle McBride, Joe Kelly and Kalum Graffin, all in Peugeot 208 Rally4 cars, will be chasing maximum points. Beginning with the Langton Mill stage and its iconic water splash, there are six stages this evening and eight more tomorrow. Elsewhere, the Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship reaches midpoint with tomorrow's Derry based Maiden City Rally. Local ace Desi Henry (Citroen C3 Rally) heads a competitive entry that includes series leader, Donegal's Aaron McLaughlin (VW Polo GTi R5), who is seeded at nine. Like many others Kesh driver Garry Jennings (Ford Fiesta Rally2) is utilising the rally as a shakedown for the Donegal International. That grouping also includes Omagh's Cathan McCourt (Hyundai i20 Rally2), Donegal's David Kelly (VW Polo GTi R5) and recent winner of the Tipperary Forest Rally, Jason Mitchell (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2). Glengormley's Derek McGarrity (VW Polo GTi R5) returns to the series as Warrenpoint's Peadar Hurson and Strabane's Aidan Wray in VW Polo GTi R5's along with Joe McGonigle (Citroen C3 Rally2) round out the top ten. The first of the day's seven stages starts at 9.53am.
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Kerry Championship turned on its head after Rally of the Lakes
The Moriarty's Central Car Sales Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship was turned on its head following the recent Rally of the Lakes.
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Irish Independent
‘Cloud' over Rally at absence of Kerry farmer Mike Gaine
The 56-year old Kerry farmer has been missing since March 20 and last week the case into his disappearance was upgraded to homicide. Despite one of the most extensive searches ever carried out in Kerry the whereabouts of Mr Gaine remains unknown. Clerk of the course, Dermot Healy, said Mike is 'personification' of rallying in Killarney and that his absence was keenly felt. 'Despite the fantastic weather over the weekend the event was held under a cloud. Kenmare man Mike Gaine has been missing for a number of weeks and despite best efforts of the various agencies and his community he has yet to be found,' he said. 'Mike is well known to us all having competed in the Rally of the Lakes in the past. He is the personification of rallying in Killarney with his beloved farm located close to the end of the Molls Gap Stage. It was very poignant to see many of his friends coordinate, compete and marshal on the Molls Gap stage on Sunday.' Mr Gaine was also honoured at the Rally by stickers on competitors cars which were also hoped would help in the search for the farmer. The stickers read: 'Mike Gaine - Help bring him back - One of our own – Rally of the Lakes 2025'. Friend and rally driver Thomas Randles said it was a gesture to help Mike and his family. The Molls Gap stage of the Rally passed Mike's farm which has been the centre of the investigation for the past six weeks and many of those standing watching the event were friends of the farmer. A round of applause also took place at the closing ceremony of the event in honour of Mike but also those who have helped in the search for the Kerry farmer. Gardaí have identified a person of interest in the homicide investigation but have stated this person is not a suspect at this time. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Gaine's disappearance is now being treated as a crime and a new criminal investigation has been launched. Garda sources have said the reclassification of the case effectively gives An Garda Siochána more investigative powers, including sealing off potential crime scenes, obtaining warrants if necessary, and questioning people of interest. In an appeal last week gardaí also said that a person or persons know what happened on March 20 – the day Mr Gaine was last seen. He was officially reported missing on Friday, March 21 almost six weeks ago. His family also issued an appeal for information through his wife Janice and sister Noreen who said they are 'devastated' at what has happened and just want Mike home. 'If you have not been in a position to speak to An Garda Síochána about the information you have, or have already spoken to An Garda Síochána but have more information that you can provide - An Garda Síochána is appealing to you to come forward with that information. 'Information received will be treated in the strictest confidence,' gardaí added. The garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney garda station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána at any garda station nationwide.
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Irish Independent
‘Cloud' over Rally at absent of Kerry farmer Mike Gaine
The 56-year old Kerry farmer has been missing since March 20 and last week the case into his disappearance was upgraded to homicide. Despite one of the most extensive searches ever carried out in Kerry the whereabouts of Mr Gaine remains unknown. Clerk of the course, Dermot Healy, said Mike is 'personification' of rallying in Killarney and that his absence was keenly felt. 'Despite the fantastic weather over the weekend the event was held under a cloud. Kenmare man Mike Gaine has been missing for a number of weeks and despite best efforts of the various agencies and his community he has yet to be found,' he said. 'Mike is well known to us all having competed in the Rally of the Lakes in the past. He is the personification of rallying in Killarney with his beloved farm located close to the end of the Molls Gap Stage. It was very poignant to see many of his friends coordinate, compete and marshal on the Molls Gap stage on Sunday.' Mr Gaine was also honoured at the Rally by stickers on competitors cars which were also hoped would help in the search for the farmer. The stickers read: 'Mike Gaine - Help bring him back - One of our own – Rally of the Lakes 2025'. Friend and rally driver Thomas Randles said it was a gesture to help Mike and his family. The Molls Gap stage of the Rally passed Mike's farm which has been the centre of the investigation for the past six weeks and many of those standing watching the event were friends of the farmer. A round of applause also took place at the closing ceremony of the event in honour of Mike but also those who have helped in the search for the Kerry farmer. Gardaí have identified a person of interest in the homicide investigation but have stated this person is not a suspect at this time. Mr Gaine's disappearance is now being treated as a crime and a new criminal investigation has been launched. Garda sources have said the reclassification of the case effectively gives An Garda Siochána more investigative powers, including sealing off potential crime scenes, obtaining warrants if necessary, and questioning people of interest. In an appeal last week gardaí also said that a person or persons know what happened on March 20 – the day Mr Gaine was last seen. He was officially reported missing on Friday, March 21 almost six weeks ago. His family also issued an appeal for information through his wife Janice and sister Noreen who said they are 'devastated' at what has happened and just want Mike home. 'If you have not been in a position to speak to An Garda Síochána about the information you have, or have already spoken to An Garda Síochána but have more information that you can provide - An Garda Síochána is appealing to you to come forward with that information. 'Information received will be treated in the strictest confidence,' gardaí added. The garda investigation team can be contacted at Killarney garda station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána at any garda station nationwide.
