Tralee car show a big success
The generosity of spectators and exhibitors was said to be the highlight of a fundraising car show in Tralee on Sunday.
Members of Kerry Motor Club organised the show to raise funds for member James Quinlan, who suffered a brain haemorrhage in New York late last year.
The Waterville man remains in intensive care in a Manhattan hospital, with the club running Sunday’s fundraiser to help offset some of the medical bills he faces.
An estimated 250 cars lined the Brandon Car Park in Tralee yesterday afternoon. Each driver of a show car donated to the fund while members of the public also paid to see the cars.
While no exact figure has been reached just yet, organisers estimate that between €15,000 and €20,000 was collected on the day.
The oldest car on show was a 1922 Peugeot Type One-63, which yesterday made its first public appearance. Its owner, Michael Crean from Camp in Co. Kerry said he spent the last 20 years restoring the car.
“It turned 100 years old on February 10,” he said. “I just love French cars. I found the chassis in Kildare and have been working on it for 20 years.”
Richard Bono and Brendan Farmer showed off a 90-year-old Riley – the car was bought brand new by Richard’s brother law in London in 1932 and it has remained in the extended Bono family ever since.
London Irish Motor Club members Paul Alexander and Lee Robins received a special award on the day for the furthest travelled. They brought a 1993 Subaru Legacy from London for the event.
Several star attractions at the show traced almost the entire history of the World Rally Championship.
These included a Ford Focus World Rally Car from the Mid-2000s, a Ford Escort Cosworth from the 1990s and an ex-Billy Coleman Ford Escort Mk2 from the 1970s.
Kerry’s oldest rally car, a 1953 DKW was on show while one of the special guests at the show was current World Rally Championship star, Paul Nagle. Local motorcycle racers also displayed the bikes they usually race at Mondello Park.
Motoring clubs to display cars included: promoters Kerry Motor Club; Killarney and District Motor Club; Kingdom Veteran; Vintage and Classic Car Club; and Killarney Valley Classic & Vintage Club.
Other clubs represented at the show included: Birr and District Automobile Club; Galway Motor Club; Limerick Motor Club; Cork Motor Club; and Clare Motor Club.
National organisations like the Opel Club of Ireland and the Ford Cortina Owners’ Club displayed a large number of show cars.
Kerry Motor Club’s John Liston is a close friend of the Quinlan family. “I am blown away by the generosity of the people who came to support the show,” he said.
“The organising team have so many to thank, from people who displayed cars, the setup crews led by Brendan Shanahan, spot prize sponsors, neighbouring clubs who supplied cars and marshalls, it exceeded expectations and we had a great day so a huge thank you to anyone who helped in any small way.”