Patrick Snijers will be the main guest at a rally forum and meet-and-greet in Ahern’s BMW, Castleisland, on Friday, September 26, the day before Rally Masters Ireland.
The evening will include a BMW rally car display, classic BMW models and the latest 2025 BMW range.
The seven-time Belgian Rally Champion and 1994 FIA European Rally Champion will appear from 5 pm to 7 pm, alongside the Bastos/Castrol-liveried replica BMW M3 E30 he will drive in Killarney the following day.
The original car, registration GXI 9427, is now owned by Denis Cronin, and he will have the car on display at Ahern’s BWM showroom.
GXI 9427 was campaigned by a host of top drivers in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Billy Coleman drove this car on Irish events in 1987, his final year as a professional driver, the late, great Bertie Fisher took his first Rally of the Lakes win in 1990 in this car and Cronin has several Irish national wins to his name behind the wheel of this famous BMW.
Cronin and Fisher’s nephew, Alistair Fisher will all attend the open forum event alongside Snijers on September 26.
Several BMW M3 E30 rally cars will be on display in the showroom with classic BMWs also.
“All are welcome to attend this special event, it will be a fantastic way to kick start this historic weekend of motorsport in Kerry,” said dealer principal Paul Ahern.
“Ahern’s Garage have supported motorsport in Kerry for years, and it will be a very proud moment for us to have Patrick and some very famous BMW rally cars in our showroom.”
Kerry Motorsport News’ Sean Moriarty will host a live Q&A with Snijers and the other drivers with BMW history, followed by an autograph and photo session with refreshments also on offer.
Other rally guests will be confirmed for the evening in the coming weeks.
Rally Masters Ireland takes place the following day, Saturday, September 27, at Killarney Racecourse, featuring 50 iconic rally cars and 50 drivers.
The event is organised by Killarney and District Motor Club with Motorsport Ireland and Kingfisher Insurance, in aid of The Jack and Jill Foundation and Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice. Tickets for Rally Masters Ireland are available via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rally-masters-killarney-tickets-1561967971249
Kerry Motorsport News 