As some of the car’s arrived on Friday evening doubts were cast on Saturdays weather but, thankfully the sun shone down on us all the way. The Group Motors Rallying Team from Belfast didn’t dissapoint again this year with their array of convertables as a “Topless” theme. With a total of seven topless cars, one of which was a New Vauxhall Cascada, collected from the Dealer only a few days before the Run. The usual array of Kadett’s, Mantas, Chevettes, Cavalier’s, Callibra’s, Viva’s, Vectra’s and Rekords finished off the selection. A total of 58 cars did the Run with a few more parked up at the Hotel Killarney.
On Saturday morning as Noirin, Bernie & Margaret were overseeing the Registeration at the Run base the Hotel Killarney, Donal from Cartell.ie was checking out all the Vauxhalls and The Cartell.ie Perpetual Cup for the Best Vauxhall was presented by Donal to Katherine Mullane, Donoughmore for her 1977 Vauxhall Cavilier Coupe.
Thanks to the Gardai for getting the group away from the Hotel so swiftly. This years route we incorporated parts of The Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, the Connor Pass and also covered some terrain used as Rally stages in the past. So we had plenty of Sea, Mountains and the best of the South West’s driving roads.
Our Lunch stop was the renowned Paidí Sé’s Bar in Ventry. After Lunch the Perpetual Cups Awards were presented as well as plenty Spot prizes. The “Kevin O’Leary Opel” Perpetual Cup for the Best Opel was presented to Tony Barnanicle, Westport, for his 1985 Manta B. The Winner of the Perpetual Sheild was Liam Healy, Athenry, with his 1980 Chevette. This year we had an additional Perpetual Trophy kindly Sponsored by Opel Ireland for the Best Overall Vehicle of the Run, the winner of this was Paul Horan, Tralee with his 1975 Chevette. Laszlo Kovacs from Opel Ireland was at hand to help with all the presentations. The “Spirit of the Run “Perpetual Award was presented to Brendan (Benny) O’Shea for his committment to providing a breakdown service/backup every year since the Run started. The Jackie Small memorial Award presented by Group Motors Rallying went to John Kelly, Crossbarry for the orignality of his 1979 Kadett C Coupe, which Jackie would have been one for pure orignal spec. The four Special Awards went to , Bernard O’Connor, Scartaglin - 1974 Manta A GTE. Brendan Howard, Tralee – 1979 Rekord E, Darragh Pender, Cobh – 1987 Manta B H/B, Denis Murphy, Macroom – 1979 Kadett C City. The cars returned to the Hotel Killarney on the Saturday evening and the night concluded with a relaxed get together in the bar finishing with a few songs.
The Committee of the Run would like to thank all of the Sponsors especially our main Sponsors, Cartell.ie and the Kevin O’Leary Group (Opel Dealer), the Opel Vauxhall Club Ireland, the Gardaí, the Media, a special word of thanks to all the Marshalls on the day, Opel Ireland for their assistance and input, and last but not least thank you to all that turned up and made the event what it is.
One thing that has happened this year is that the Committee decided to Sponsor a puppy by the Irish dogs for the Disabled. It costs €15,000 to get a puppy to fully trained and placed with someone . The puppys name is HOPE. We will keep you all up to date on the progress of Hope.
This Run has always been Cork/Kerry based since started it in 2008 and next year we will be back in Cork after spending two great years based in Killarney. So for the eight Ted’s Opel Vauxhall Run we will see you all on the 8th – 8th - 2015.
Tony Barnicle's Manta B - Winner of the Kevin O'Leary Group Perpetual Cup for Best Opel
Tony Barnicle receiving the Kevin O'Leary Group Perpetual Cup for Best Opel from Laszlo of Opel Ireland
Katherine Mullane's - Cavalier Coupe
Donal from Cartell.ie presenting Katherine Mullane with the Cartell.ie Perpetual Cup for Best Vauxhall
Liam Healy's Chevette - winner of the Perpetual Shield.
Liam Healy winner of the Perpetual Shield.
Paul Horan's Chevette
Paul Horan - winner of the Opel Ireland Best Overall Vehicle of the Run
Gerry Faloona of Group Motors Rallying presenting the Jackie Small Memorial Trophy to John Kelly
John Kelly's Kadett C Coupe
Darragh Pender's Manta B
Darragh Pender's Manta B - Special Award
Darragh Pender - Special Award
Brendan Howard's - Rekord E
Brendan Howard - Special Award
Brendan O'Shea - winner of the Spirit of the Run Award
Bernard O'Connor's Manta A
Bernard O'Connor - Special Award
Denis Murphy's Kadett C City - Special Award
Written by Ted O'Connell for the Autumn Newsletter.