4 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Daily Mirror
Karen Byrne and Jake Carter step out to launch this year's Retro Cannonball
Dancing with the Stars judge Karen Byrne has stepped out with her fiance Jake Carter to launch 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.
