Jack Kennedy, a young Wexford driver with strong family roots in Annascaul (his grandmother’s villagen), has been crowned the 2025 Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series (MIJRS) Class 2A Champion.
The title was decided during a dramatic final round at the Donegal Forest Rally, the eighth event of the calendar.
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The thrilling conclusion to the 2025 MIJRS season saw the final podium spots secured, with the series bringing substantial drama to the Donegal Town-based event, where significant funding for the 2026 season was on offer.
The Class 2A title fight was a winner-takes-all battle between Kennedy and Ross Ryan. Early stages saw Ryan strike first, setting the fastest time on the opener. However, the punishing Loughfad stage delivered a decisive blow to the championship aspirations of Ryan.
A heavy landing on the second running of the Loughfad stage caused a driveshaft failure on Ryan’s Ford Fiesta R2T. The retirement left a disappointed Ryan on the side of the road, immediately shifting the advantage to Kennedy.
Tommy Furlong drove to his first career MIJRS victory, overcoming an issue with a rear damper reported in service, to claim a fine second place in the overall standings.
With Ross Ryan out on Stage 3, Jack Kennedy was able to manage the final stages, confirming the 2025 MIJRS Class 2A title. Kennedy’s consistent season put him in a position to capitalize on the final round drama. The Wexford driver now secures a Shortlist nomination for the Billy Coleman Award, offering a major opportunity to progress his rally career.
Kerry Motorsport News 