Kerry competitors to the fore of Rally of the Lakes
Local co-drivers occupy three of the top four seeds in the event's premier Rally2 category
Kerryman
Killarney and District Motor Club members are set to dominate this weekend's Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes, with local co-drivers occupying three of the top four seeds in the event's premier Rally2 category.
Topping the entry list is Callum Devine, guided by Muckross native Noel O'Sullivan. The Skoda Fabia RS pairing comes into O'Sullivan's after a thrilling last-minute win at the Circuit of Ireland over the Easter weekend. They are chasing a remarkable fourth consecutive Rally of the Lakes victory.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Alan Reynolds: 'I was happy the fans vented at me rather than them'
Fifty league games into his spell as Bohemians manager and Alan Reynolds couldn't be happier. Second in the Premier Division table, technically they could join leaders Shamrock Rovers at the summit by beating the Hoops next Monday and winning their two games in hand. Delivering a first league title to Dalymount Park since 2008 is a vision Reynolds refuses to countenance. He's not lacking in ambition, merely couched in the reality of the game's fickleness. Bohemians travel to his hometown club Waterford on Friday as the Premier Division's in-form team. They're riding high from winning five of their last six yet it's not long since the manager was facing the boo-boys. Losing six of the opening nine games conflated with a whimpering eight-placed finish last term. The outlook was bleak when on Easter Monday his own fans chimed with the Rovers chorus of 'you're getting sacked in the morning'. Bohs were trailing the best team in the country 2-0 in Tallaght until a seasonal resurrection of three late goals engineered a comeback win. It served to reignite their campaign, easing the pressure on a manager the Gypsies faithful have been slow in warming to. The temperature has changed from ice-cold to moderate and will likely require a trophy to emit heat but that's not his craving. At times, the stick was deeply personal. On occasions, it stretched beyond the confines of league grounds, with the authorities getting involved. Reynolds has been in management since Waterford appointed him as player-coach at 29. Most of his career was spent as No 2 to the likes of Stephen Kenny, Ruaidhrí Higgins, Keith Long, Jim Crawford, Liam Buckley and John Caulfield. Being in the frontline is a different animal. He's ultimately responsible and, as cutting as the flak was, he was prepared to be the punchbag instead of players. And yet never did he entertain the thought of quitting. Read More FAI to be hauled before State's Oireachtas Sport Committee 'Without a doubt, it was the most difficult stage of my managerial career,' he reflects on the barrage of abuse. 'It was tough at times for the players in Dalymount but I was happy the fans vented at me rather than them. 'It wasn't nice but I was glad to be the one taking it. That wasn't something that was said in the dressing room but it was clear. 'I'm glad I got the stick at this stage where I was able to dust myself down, saying 'right, let's crack on with this'. 'Not for a minute did I consider walking away. If the people above wanted to make that decision, so be it. 'Dalymount is known as a tough place to come but it became a tough place for us to play. That's now swung around.' He's just over 14 months in the job. The one plea made during last year's underwhelming opening campaign was for the patience of three transfer windows. Two of those are completed and he doesn't foresee much business required in the upcoming one, such is the contentment with his personnel. Crystal Palace have recalled his centre-back Seán Grehan from a loan deal but into his squad place will come Cian Byrne returning from a temporary stint at Galway United. 'We were impressed with our signings, and despite it being hard going early, I always believed in what we were doing,' he reasoned about moulding his team. 'Results have been good and so have the displays. 'People say things about the summer break but we worked really hard when we came back last week. 'We needed a break from seeing each other. They're young lads, have families and enjoyed the break, even if they had fitness programme results to submit. 'I felt the first-half performance at Cork City last Friday was the best since I've come in. We were 2-0 up but should have been out of sight. 'Nobody gave us a chance after the early results and it's hard to say we're eying the title. Still, we're within touching distance.' Their tilt will be strengthened by the returns from injury of former English Premier League striker Lys Mousset and Connor Parsons. Options will be expanded if the right contender arises after July 1. 'I always said three windows were required but after the first series of matches I thought I'd need more,' Rennie said, jokingly. 'I feel you need to improve in all windows. We'll see if something pops up but you'd want to be a good player to get into our squad. 'We like our group. All they lacked was a bit of confidence.' Read More Kylian Mbappe admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- RTÉ News
Donegal International Rally set to attract 70,000 spectators
The Donegal International Rally, a cornerstone of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is set to attract more than 70,000 spectators this weekend. The three-day tarmac rally covering 270km, the only one of its kind in Ireland and the UK, will see more than 200 crews compete over 20 stages. Derry driver Callum Devine and his co-driver Kerryman Noel O'Sullivan will be hoping to win the major prize for a third year in a row in a field that includes current European Champion Hayden Paddon and former World Junior Champion William Creighton. Since its inception in 1972, the event has grown into one of the most respected rallies in Europe backed by a tight knit Irish rally community. Two time winner of the two-wheel drive category Kevin Gallagher of KGP Motorsport in Rathmullan, Co Donegal says it's the busiest time of the year for his company. It has provided engines for many competitors. "There's huge variation and such good quality in the stages around the Inishowen Peninsula through to Malin Head, Mamore Gap and then around into the Fanad Peninsula; Fanad Head, Knockalla and then on round to Atlantic Drive and Glen. They're all iconic stages," he said. Mr Gallagher will compete in the two-wheel drive, class 14 category. This year marks 20 years since he first entered as a competitor in the junior ranks. "We first competed in 2005, but we haven't competed every year. t's a three-day event - there's a lot more preparation involved than a normal rally to keep your concentration right. "We live near Knockalla. You learn the stages over the year. The crowds come when there's a good quality entry. It's always very busy. It's very good for the county and it's growing every year," he added. Those attending the weekend rally are advised to watch from designated safe viewing areas. Details of road closures across the county can be found at As anticipation builds for the motorsport event, key stakeholders have launched a joint 'Keep the Race in its Place' road safety message. The campaign supported by Donegal County Council, An Garda Siochana, Donegal Motor Club and local agencies urges all road users to drive with care and responsibility over the rally weekend. Donegal Motor Club said it is imperative that the road safety message is followed and all road users to drive with care and responsibility over the rally weekend. Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin urged everyone travelling in the area to plan journeys, drive with caution and be mindful of their own and others' safety. Garda Inspector Sean McDaid said gardai's priority will be public safety as they have set-in place a major operation for the motorsport event. "All those attending the rally and visiting Donegal over the weekend are asked to comply with Garda directions and to behave with respect and care to other road users. "Gardai will be out in force throughout the weekend with a robust operation. Dangerous driving or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated," Inspector McDaid said.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Ally McCoist sets off on gruelling charity ride around Ireland despite his bike BREAKING DOWN just days before
ALLY McCOIST is back in the saddle for his latest charity cycle event – but only after dealing with a few worrying mechanical issues first! The Scotland and 5 Ally McCoist is taking part in the charity cycle around Ireland 5 But he had to deal with a few mechanical issues before he set off 5 And the group are doing it to help raise funds in memory of Doddie Weir Joining McCoist in the fundraising effort are Scotland rugby great Kenny Logan, his wife and broadcaster, Gabby, former rugby stars Mel Deane and Will Greene and actor Jamie Bamber. The group will cover up to 100 miles a day in memory of Scotland legend Doddie Weir, who sadly passed away in 2022, and to raise money for research into motor neurone disease. So far, the challenge has raised more than £300,000 for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, with hopes of hitting the £500,000 mark before the final leg. The ride will finish in Dublin on Friday where the team will deliver the match ball to the Aviva Stadium ahead of the British and Irish Lions' clash with Argentina. Read More Sport Logan says McCoist – who also took part in the 2023 charity cycle from Edinburgh to Paris - will fill the role again of trying to keep everyone's spirits up during the gruelling ordeal. But he revealed his close pal nearly never made it all – because he kept fiddling with his bike's settings! Logan said: 'Ally's been out and about but his bike broke down the other day. 'I told him not to trust himself to check the batteries on his fancy gears – someone else needs to do that for him! Most read in Football 'We've lost a few to injury and it just shows how demanding this is going to be. 'I'm not going to lie – I've had my own aches and pains. Rangers legend Ally McCoist labelled 'Scotland's James Bond' as he takes an Easter dip in freezing cold loch 'No major injuries thankfully, but I've definitely been reminded why I probably shouldn't be moving this much at my age! 'I'm most nervous about the hills. 'I convinced myself Ireland was flat – it's definitely not. But nerves are good. 'I've always had them before a big challenge, and it means I care.' This year's event is both a tribute to Weir and a rallying cry to continue his legacy. 5 Former Scotland star Kenny Logan and his wife Gabby are part of the crew 5 And the group hope to raise almost £500,000 for two charities Logan added: 'The support's been incredible. 'We've still got time to push, and every penny counts. 'Since Doddie died, awareness has grown massively – but we still need to fund research. 'The Foundation has committed nearly £20 million already, which is phenomenal, but it's only the beginning. 'Doddie would be proud – but he'd be telling us to go further and faster. 'That's why we're doing this.' Seven Scots are in the Lions squad for the tour after Zander Fagerson withdrew due to injury. Logan admits he's disappointed winger Darcy Graham never got the nod – but thinks there might be time yet for the Edinburgh flier to make the plane to Australia. He added: 'I still think Darcy will go – there's a lot of rugby to be played between now and then, and there will be injuries. 'We've seen that with Zander missing out already. 'Overall it's great to see so many Scots in the squad – they'll be out to make their mark in Australia and put down a marker for the Test team.' All funds raised will support the Foundation's mission to find effective treatments – and ultimately a cure – for motor neurone disease. To donate or learn more, visit:
