The Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally has been launched.
The event on November 29th will feature eight stages, including two runs of Moll’s Gap in reverse for the evening leg.
The rally will move heavily into the Kenmare area, with stages such as Roughty River returning to competition after many years.
The rally gets underway on Friday night, November 28th, with a ceremonial start on College Square, Killarney.
The full entry list will be published later this week.
Full press release:
The 2025 Killarney Historic Rally was officially launched on Sunday at the Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa. The event will take place on November 28–29 and will again be based at the Killarney Towers Hotel, which continues as the main sponsor. BG Motors has come on board as an associate sponsor for the first time.
Clerk of the Course Anthony O’Connor confirmed that the rally will feature eight stages, including two runs of Moll’s Gap in reverse for the evening leg. The event will move heavily into the Kenmare area with stages such as Roughty River returning to competition after many years.
O’Connor said the 2025 edition marks a major change in the type of cars eligible for historic competition.
“With the change in the rules it has opened the event to a different category of historic car. You’ll see Alan Ring’s new Subaru outside the door, we’ve a Toyota Corolla World Rally Car entered, and we’ve two Ford Escort Cosworths as well. It has changed the whole dynamics of the event,” he told the audience.
He also stressed the work of club volunteers.
“Without the people who give their time every week, the event wouldn’t run. From PR work to stage set-up, they’ve put in huge hours,” he said.
Brian Lawlor, Group General Manager of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, highlighted the group’s continued support.
“On behalf of the O’Donoghue and Ring families, we are honoured to return as lead sponsor for a third year. This event is now in its 29th year and remains the only fully historic rally in Ireland. It draws huge numbers to the town and the businesses of Killarney are proud to welcome them,” he said.
He also referenced the move to honour the late Mike Gaine, whose passing earlier this year deeply affected the motorsport community.
“It is fitting that so much of this year’s route is centred around Kenmare. Mick was a huge part of the rallying scene in that area,” Lawlor added.
The rally will be run in memory of Mike Gaine, with much of the competitive mileage based around his home area of Kenmare. The final corner of Moll’s Gap passes the Gaine family farm.
Kenmare driver Shane McCarthy said:
“Mike was the backbone of Kenmare rallying. He helped so many people and his support meant everything. His loss is still hard to process.”
Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady spoke about the rally’s longstanding significance to the town.
“This is one of the most important sporting events in Killarney each year. It brings value to the community and to local business,” he said.
He also reminded spectators to follow instructions.
“I want to emphasise one final message: safety. I urge everyone to respect the marshal team and Gardaí. Their work keeps this rally safe.”
KDMC Chairman Thomas Randles thanked the club’s sponsors and reminded spectators of their responsibilities.
“Listen to the marshals. Be careful where you go. We want everyone safe,” he said.
Leading entries confirmed
A number of high-profile entries were confirmed at the launch.
Kris Meeke and Muckross-based co-driver Noel O’Sullivan will compete in a BMW M3. Belgian legend Patrick Snijers will also take part. The full entry list will be published later this week.
The Historic category will again be the main focus, with close to 80 genuine historic cars expected.
Defending champions Donagh Kelly and Rory Kennedy will lead the field in his BMW M3 E3 as he bids for two wins in a row.
Local driver Alan Ring will debut a new Group A Subaru Impreza. Former winners Mark Falvey (Escort Mk1) and newly crowned Tarmac Historic Champion John O’Donnell (BMW M3) are also confirmed.
As many as ten BMW M3 E30s are expected, including cars driven by local crews Paul Ahern/Kieran Murphy and Fergus O’Meara, who will be co-driven by Brian Duggan.
The rally gets underway on Friday night, November 28, with a ceremonial start on College Square, Killarney and will conclude with a finish celebration outside the Plaza Hotel on Saturday night just after the first of Killarney’s Christmas Parades.
Meanwhile, the organisers of Rally Masters Ireland handed over a total of €44,444.15 to two children’s charities following a presentation at Killarney Racecourse on Sunday, November 16.
The funds were divided between LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Both organisations support children with life-limiting and complex medical needs and provide vital assistance to families.
The handover followed the Rally Masters Ireland event held at Killarney Racecourse on September 27. The event drew a strong attendance of around 4,000 fans and received positive feedback from fans and competitors.
Siobhan Reen of Jack and Jill said: “Heartfelt thank you as these funds will help offset over 1200 hours of care, we only receive 20 percent funding from the government so you have no idea what this means.”
Elaine Bukley of the Laura Lynn Foundation added: “This money will go 100 percent to our Mallow Hub and will develop our Munster team of amazing nurses.”
Organiser, Killarney and District Motor Club along with event sponsor Eamon Long and Company along with a wide group of associated sponsors brought a wide range of historic and iconic cars to Killarney for the occasion.
“This event truly captured the heart of Irish rallying, not only through the iconic cars and talented drivers, but through the incredible sense of community that surrounds our sport. Seeing young fans meet the heroes they’ve only heard about in stories was something very special. I want to thank everyone who supported Rally Masters Ireland and helped us raise vital funds for two remarkable charities,” said Tim Clifford, Clerk of the Course, Rally Masters Ireland.
A group at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Towers Hotel on Sunday. Included in front are Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady, Anthony O’Connor ((Clerk of the Course), Brian Lawlor (Group General Manager O’Donoghue Ring Collection) and Alan Ring (O’Donoghue Ring Collection) with Diarmuid Lynch, Cllr Dan McCarthy, Liam Cronin, Thomas Randles (Killarney & District Motor Club Chairman) , Paul Ahern, Ian O’Connor (BG Motors), Deputy Danny Healy Rae TD, Cllr Maura Healy Rae and Mike Moriarty. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
A group at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza Hotel on Sunday. Front from left are Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady, Brian Glover (BG Motors, associate sponsor), Tomas O’Gorman (Killarney Plaza Hotel) and Thomas Randles (Killarney & District Motor Club Chairman). Back from left are Louise Bourke, Saoirse Redmond, Paul Nagle, Laura Healy, Sean Hayde, Marie O’Donoghue (Chief Marshal) Anthony O’Connor ((Clerk of the Course) and Colman Hegarty (Irish Tarmac Rally Championship). Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
Mayor of Killarney Martin Grady, Brian Glover (BG Motors, associate sponsor), Anthony O’Connor ((Clerk of the Course) and Paul Nagle at the launch of the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally at The Killarney Plaza on Sunday. Killarney and District Motor Club will host the event on Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
