Killarney Historic Rally officially launched at the Killarney Plaza Hotel

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’s new Subaru outside the door, we’ve a WRC Corolla entered, and we’ve two 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.

ODR Group commitment

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.

Tribute to Mike Gaine

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 spoke at the launch:
“Mike was the backbone of Kenmare rallying. He helped so many people and his support meant everything. His loss is still hard to process.”

Mike’s wife Janice has introduced a new perpetual award, The Carrig Cup, which will be presented to a Kenmare competitor at both the Historic Rally and the Rally of the Lakes.

Mayor calls for safety and respect

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 reinforces safety message

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.
He also paid tribute to Gaine.
“Mike lived under the stages and he lived for the stages. His memory is central to this year’s rally,” Randles added.

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 this week.

The Historic category will again be the main focus, with close to 80 genuine historic cars expected — the largest in the rally’s history.

Defending winner Donagh Kekky will lead the field in his BMW M3 as he bids for a second win 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 Paul Ahern, Michael Cullen, and Fergus O’Meara, who will be co-driven by Brian Dugan.

Killarney Historic Rally officially launched at the Killarney Plaza Hotel

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’s new Subaru outside the door, we’ve a WRC Corolla entered, and we’ve two 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.

ODR Group commitment

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.

Tribute to Mike Gaine

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 spoke at the launch:
“Mike was the backbone of Kenmare rallying. He helped so many people and his support meant everything. His loss is still hard to process.”

Mike’s wife Janice has introduced a new perpetual award, The Carrig Cup, which will be presented to a Kenmare competitor at both the Historic Rally and the Rally of the Lakes.

Mayor calls for safety and respect

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 reinforces safety message

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.
He also paid tribute to Gaine.
“Mike lived under the stages and he lived for the stages. His memory is central to this year’s rally,” Randles added.

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 this week.

The Historic category will again be the main focus, with close to 80 genuine historic cars expected — the largest in the rally’s history.

Defending winner Jonny Greer will lead the field in his Ford Sierra Cosworth as he bids for three 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 Paul Ahern, Michael Cullen, and Fergus O’Meara, who will be co-driven by Brian Dugan.

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