Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally to honour the late Mike Gaine
The launch of this year’s Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will take place on Sunday at two of two ODR Collection Hotels in Killarney.
A photo shoot of competing rally car will take place outside the Killarney Towers Hotel at 230pm on Sunday. Afterward the welcome addresses and speeches will be held at the Killarney Plaza Hotel.
The full entry list will be revealed at the launch Kris Meeke and his Muckross-based co-driver Noel O’Sullivan have already been confirmed in a BMW M3, and more big names from Irish and international rallying are expected to join the line-up.
This year’s rally will be run in memory of the late Mike Gaine, a long-time Killarney and District Motor Club member and one of Kenmare’s best-known rally supporters.
The final corner of the famous Moll’s Gap stage passes the Gaine family farm, and both runs over the reverse stage on Saturday evening will begin close to the entrance to his yard. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose life revolved around rallying in South Kerry.
Most of this year’s competitive mileage will take place in the Kenmare area as organisers dedicate the 2025 event to his memory. Mike was tragically killed in March, and his death remains part of an ongoing Garda investigation.
Mike Gaine was central to the rally scene in Kenmare. He helped countless drivers, co-drivers and fans over the years and was always among the first to offer assistance when the club needed it. The 2025 route has been designed to acknowledge his contribution to motorsport in the region.
“Mike was the backbone of Kenmare rallying. His admiration and knowledge of the sport were second to none. Mike introduced me to the motorsport family many years ago and was my number one supporter. We travelled to many rallies together, including Monte Carlo and Spain. I’ll always be grateful for the memories we shared,” said Kenmare-based driver Shane McCarthy.
During the Rally of the Lakes in May, members of the motorsport community paid tribute to Mike at a time when the search for him was still active. His absence was deeply felt that weekend. Many competitors carried stickers featuring his photo and a message asking anyone with information to contact Gardaí.
Just as newspapers and magazines are paid for, digital editorial content will also have to be paid for.
Please subscribe and help us keep this machine running!
It’s only €50 per year – subscribe now
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
Kerry Motorsport News 