There is an air of anticipation in Rathkeale ahead of next weekend’s Thomond Rally, which is expected to draw a large attendance in what is a fitting finale to the summer season. The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon when the rumble of rally cars arrives in the Limerick town, with the final checks being carried out at Scrutiny, while the crews complete their Recce on the two stages.
The action proper gets underway on Sunday with 6 competitive stages run on the outskirts of the town.
Some 118 cars are set to start the event, which is being run for the first time in almost 40 years. Local crew and brother/sister pairing of Chris and Kirsty O’Callaghan will carry the number 1 on their Ford Escort Mark II as they lead the crews out on Sunday morning.
But they have some very quick drivers behind them. Jason Black brings his Toyota Starlet from Armagh, while the likes of Johno Doogan and Mark Alcorn will all be hoping for success in Limerick. The ever-flamboyant driving style of Frank Kelly and his daughter Lauren always draws a keen interest from spectators; they are seeded at 6. Kerry’s Vincent O’Shea brings his Darrian T90 to Rathkeale, a car which is always a fan favourite and dry conditions could be conclusive to a good result.
Other Limerick crews well in with a shout of victory on home turf include Ed Synan, Paul Purtill, who is a sponsor of the event, Sean Moran, Johnny O’Connor and Cathal Mulcaire.
Title sponsors of the event are Galway-based motor parts business GPR4 Fabrications, with associate sponsors including Rathkeale House Hotel, Paul Purtill Agri, Morenane Transport and Tyrestop Rathkeale
Speaking ahead of the event, Club Chairman and Clerk of the Course for the event, Aidan Walsh, said, “It’s all systems go now for the event, we are looking forward to it. All the hard work has been put in by a fantastic team, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Rathkeale next weekend.
“Hopefully, we will have some luck with the weather, but either way, it should be a fantastic event with some really competitive motorsport action. I’d like to remind spectators to please obey the marshals and keep the race in its place when travelling to and from the event”