THE Rally of the Lakes, which returns to Killarney on the May bank holiday weekend, is worth a cool €10 million to the town, local business leaders have revealed.
The Killarney and District Motor Club event, now in its 37th year, attracts thousands of rally enthusiasts, driving crews, back-up teams, sponsors, promoters and media to the area for three days and nights and traders say it is a superb early season boost.
The Acting President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Anne Marie Kennelly, told the gathering at the official launch in Scott’s Hotel that the Rally of the Lakes is very important to the town and its businesses.
She estimated the three-day event brings in €10 million to the local economy while Mayor of Killarney, Bobby O’Connell, praised the commitment and dedication of the voluntary club members involved and their ability to host an event of this magnitude every year.
Television coverage of last year’s rally, displaying the various stages and showcasing the wonderful local scenery, reached 38 countries in Europe with an estimated 30 million household subscribers, through the global network of a number of channels.
“This exposure is fantastic and it hugely increases our attraction as an international event for both competitors and spectators,” said rally PRO Johnny Hickey.
This year’s Cartell.ie International Rally of the Lakes has already attracted over 60 crews and the stage is already set for a great battle in all classes and categories.
Heading the international entry list is last year’s winner, Donagh Kelly, who is likely to start the event in the top slot. Behind him comes a host of WRC machinery with two times Lakes winner Daragh O’Riordan and former winners Derek McGarrity, Gary Jennings and Tim McNulty also in contention.
Donegal man Declan Boyle also returns to Killarney and local star Alan Ring, who has been on the podium over the past years, has recently acquired the ultimate Ford Fiesta from M-Sport and he will be anxious to make his mark.
Championship leaders and club members Keith Cronin and Mikey Galvin hope to contest the Lakes but it will all depend on their Circuit of Ireland result and BRC championship commitments. The Moffett brothers Sam and Josh, Alaistair Fisher – nephew of the great Bertie Fisher – Stephen Wright, Joseph McGonigle, Aaron McHale, Brendan Cumiskey and Joe Connolly will also be in Killarney.
In the National Rally all the big Escort brigade come out to play but perhaps the person who will cause them most bother is Donegal’s Brian Brogan, who put in such an incredible drive in the West Cork Rally.
Local driver Fergus O’Meara was second overall last year and will be incredibly quick over the familiar route of stages while past winner Wesley Patterson, the legendary Phil Collins, Jack Newman, Enda O’Brien, Eugene Megan and Ross Marshall will also be in action.
The battle for the John Mullane Cup for the highest placed driver from Kerry will be closely contested with father and son combination Charlie and Johnny Hickey, whose experience of these stages is vast, in contention as will John Hickey, Ed Murphy, Kenny O’Neill and Vincent O’Shea.
The return of Kevin O’Donoghue to the stages should be a massive attraction as he launches his new BMW M3.
A strong Historic and Junior entry has already been received.
* Pictures: Eamonn Keogh. Click on individual images to enlarge and for information
