January 26, 2022

New sponsors for Killarney Forestry Rally

Killarney and District Motorclub and the organising committee have announced two main sponsors for the upcoming Killarney Forestry Rally which will take place on Saturday, February 20.

C Wharton Plant Hire Ltd. and Castleisland Tyre Centre have come on board to sponsor the event which will be based in the Castleisland area.

All profits made from the rally will be donated to the Irish Community Air Ambulance, who provide a vital service to people in emergency situations.

Pictured at a recent visit the the Irish Community Air Ambulance base in Rathcoole were from L-R: Ciara Griffin (Rally Secretary), Dermot Healy (Clerk of the Course), Donie Lucey (Irish Community Air Ambulance), Cyril Wharton (Joint Sponsor) and Laura Healy (Entries Secretary). Absent from the photograph is Niall Murphy, (Joint Sponsor – Castleisland Tyre Centre).

Niall Murphy, owner of Castleisland Tyre Centre, said: “I’ve been following rallying all my life and would have a good interest in the sport. I would have sponsored ads in the programme for the Rally of the Lakes previously to coming on board with the Forestry event. I’d know a good few people in the club and as all these are volunteers and customers of mine.

“When I was first told about this event and that it would be run around Castleisland and that the proceeds were going to the Air Ambulance I wanted to be part of it. I feel this service is a must, and especially with the work we do daily, we might need this service too one day. I’m delighted to be part of it with Cyril and Killarney and District Motorclub.”

The rally will take place in the Mount Eagle area just outside Castleisland and will consist of 63km competitive stage kilometres over six technical stages.

Speaking at the recent visit to the Air Ambulance HQ, Clerk of the Course Dermot Healy said: “It was a very easy decision to choose the Air Ambulance as a beneficiary to the upcoming rally. Donie Lucey, who is a former Chairman of the club is big into the sport and the members of KDMC agreed that it was the perfect cause to donate all profits to.

“Entries are filling up fast and as of this weekend we have over 60 entries received so far. I am overwhelmed by the support from the people of Castleisland and a big thank you to Cyril and Niall for coming on board as event title sponsors.”

Dan Keane, Chairman of Killarney & District club expressed his delight: “I am delighted to welcome the Forestry rally back to Killarney in 2022. Dermot Healy and his team are planning what will be a fantastic event and I hope both crews and spectators attend in large numbers.

“Dermot has two fantastic sponsors on board, who without their generous support, there would be no rally.”