KA MOTORING FEATURE 2023

KERRY: The Car Culture Capital of Ireland

A car man to the core, he believes that County Kerry could become the car and motoring capital of Ireland and that the county could be promoted as a car culture destination.

He was speaking in the context of major events like the Rally of the Lakes and the Killarney Historic Rally.

But he was also including other events, like the those put on by the very active Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club and the recently announced Ballyfinnane Festival of Speed.

This week a group of Dutch Porsche enthusiasts were touring the Killarney area. Several UK-registered Italian Supercars were spotted on the Dingle Peninsula over the June Bank Holiday weekend. The Cannonball Run is due back in Killarney in September and the Killgarvan is

home to a very interesting motor museum.

The motor industry is very healthy in the county, and as can be seen in this supplement, nearly every main stream car brand has a presence in the county.

We hope, you , our loyal reader enjoys this supplement, and if you are in the market for a new car, there is plenty offers and variety available right here in Kerry.

Could we ask if the local branch of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, the collective town chambers and the many motor clubs in the county could knock their heads together and create the ‘Car Culture County Capital of Ireland’.

SEAN MORIARTY. Editor Killarney Advertiser

232 MOTOR FEATURE

Dineen and O’Donoghue Motors' man in Kerry team

All Ireland football champions Kerry face a Louth on Sunday in what could decide the Kingdom’s fate in the 2023 campaign.

At least Kerry fans will be confident knowing that centre back Tadgh Morley will arrive relaxed to Portlaoise.

Last year’s the Kenmare defender was named a brand ambassador for Dineen and O’Donoghue Motors, the county’s Suzuki dealers and now uses Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Mild Hybrid on his daily commute from Killarney to Kenmare.

The S-Cross state of the art cabin and category leading ride ensures a relaxed a stress free drive no matter how long or

Busy summer season in store for classic club

Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club has announced a busy line up of summer shows.

First up is the ever-popular Classic and Vintage show in Killarney Racecourse on July 9.

This is one of the club’s flagship events and this year it will celebrate all things Land Rover.

"This show is growing year in year and is very popular in the vintage Scene,” said club secretary Richard O’Donoghue.

“This year’s show works in with the current raffle of our 1979 Land Rover. There will also be a charity car auction on the day and we will be announcing more details next week.”

A week later the club will run the classic

car element of the Ballyfinnane Festival of Speed.

The July 16 event will celebrate 120 years of closed road motorsport in County Kerry.

“This is something very special and the club are proud to be associated with Kerry Motor Club as part of the hillclimb event. There will be a huge show open to cars, jeeps, motorbikes which are 20 years and older and rally cars will be on display along with music and refreshments,” said club secretary Richard O’Donoghue.

Classic car access to this is strictly via Farmers Bridge only – all other approach roads to Ballyfinnane will be closed to facilitate the running of the event.

are delighted to be part of this Festival of speed which is sure to be a great weekend"

The clubs annual autumn show – also at Killarney Racecourse – is scheduled for

short the journey.

That means Morley will arrive fresh and ready to face anything the Wee County’s forward line may throw at him on Sunday.

His target for the day of course is zero – he will do everything in his power to make sure the Louth attackers do not get on the scoreboard.

His inspiration for a clean sheet will come direct from Suzuki – it is one of the only car brands in Ireland offering zero percent finance on all new models. Visit the Crosstown garage to view and test drive the full Suzuki range ahead of the 232 registration season.

September 10 and is open to all Classic, Vintage, modern and modified cars, jeeps and motorbikes.

"There are a few surprises in store for this show,” added the secretary.

"We

Ballyfinnane residents Neasa Kelly, Siobhan Driver and Dearbhail O’Connor are looking forward to The Brian O’Neill Garden Equipment and Trailers Ballyfinnane Festival of Speed on July 16.

Photo: Michelle Breen Crean

I had an interesting conversation with Nathan McDonald, the president of Tralee Chamber of Commerce, recently.

Dara Burchill Cillian Burchill Laura Hickey Conor Hickey and Ramona Keogh Burchill enjoying Cannonball at The Brehon Hotel last September. Photo: Sean Moriarty

Padraig Dineen of Dineen and O’Donoghue Motors presents Tadhg Morley with the keys of a new Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Mild Hybrid. Photo: Sean Moriarty

DINEEN O DONOGHUE MOTORS

Cork Road, Killarney, Kerry. 064 7754670 dineenodonoghuemotors.ie

Model Shown: Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Mild Hybrid Motion manual at €30,465 Retail Price† plus metallic paint available at €375. Retail Price may not include optional extras. Fuel economy and CO2** results for the Suzuki S-Cross range. Mpg (l/100km) (combined): 47.8 (5.9)

amount €24,524. 36 monthly payments of €332.11. Total cost of credit €0. GMFV†† (Optional Final Payment) €12,568. Fixed APR 0%* (Annual Percentage Rate) as at 1st June 2023. †Excludes delivery and related charges. Model is shown for illustrative purposes only. ††The Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) is payable if you renew or retain the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Further charges may be applied by your Suzuki Dealer subject to kilometre limits/condition of the vehicle. *Lending criteria and conditions apply (over 18s only). To qualify for this finance offer, a minimum deposit of 20% is required. Rate quoted is correct as at 1st June 2023 and is subject to change. Offer available on all new Vitara models ordered from 1st June 2023 until 30th September 2023 at participating Dealers. This is a Consumer Hire Purchase agreement provided by Bank of Ireland Finance. Bank of Ireland trading as Bank of Ireland Finance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Warning: You may have to pay charges if you pay off a hire purchase agreement early.

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your hire purchase agreement, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire purchase agreement, a consumer hire agreement or a BNPL agreement in the future.

Nissan is set to shake up the EV market in Ireland with the launch of the all-new Qashqai e-POWER which allows drivers to enjoy all the benefits of EV driving without ever having to plug in the car to recharge it.

The unplugged, electric driving experience that the new Nissan Qashqai e-POWER delivers is set to be a game-changer for motorists who are seeking to achieve a more fuel efficient and sustainable way of driving without buying a 100% electric vehicle.

“The arrival of the new Qashqai e-POWER presents a unique solution for drivers who are not quite ready to make the move to a fully electric vehicle, but who want a car that drives like an EV, that optimises fuel efficiency and that lowers C02 emissions,” said Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Nissan Ireland.

“Nissan’s e-POWER system offers the best of both worlds, delivering a responsive, efficient and quieter drive, without the need to recharge. It is a key component in Nissan’s drive towards electrification and our growing range of electric, hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles empower drivers to find the car that is right for them, wherever they sit on their journey towards 100% electric driving,” he added.

The e-POWER system is comprised

of a high-output battery that is complemented by a variable compression ratio 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine generating 156hp, a power generator, inverter and a 140kW electric motor of similar size and output as found in Nissan’s electric vehicles.

The unique element of Nissan’s e-POWER system is that the petrol engine is solely used to charge a battery that powers an electric motor to drive the wheels. The electric motor is the sole source of power. This leads to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine.

It also provides for a very responsive driving experience that is incredibly similar to driving a fully electric vehicle, without having to think about range or recharging the car. There is no delay in the delivery of torque, as can be the case in a traditional hybrid, and the pure electric motor delivers instant acceleration for a quieter, more responsive drive.

New Nissan Qashqai e-POWER

The pleasure of electric driving without the need to recharge Drive it to believe it

Ballyfinnane Festival of Speed Launched

Kerry Motor Club and the Ballyfinnane Community Council launched The Brian O’Neill Garden Equipment and Trailers Ballyfinnane Festival of Speed in the mid-Kerry village on Monday evening.

This brand-new event will celebrate 120 years of closed-road motorsport in County Kerry on July 16.

On July 15 1903, Charles Rolls, who a year later became a founding partner of the Rolls Royce Motor Company won the Kerry Hillclimb, the final event in the first-ever Irish Speed Fortnight. The event paved the way for closed road motorsport in County Kerry and today the county boasts two very active motor clubs and four events ranging from an international rally, a national rally, a club rally and a historic rally.

Next month Kerry Motor Club and Ballyfinnane Community Council will join forces to run a festival of motoring in Ballyfinnane. The highlight of the July 16 event will be a recreation of a speed hill climb in the area. It will be the first time since the mid-1980s that Kerry Motor Club has hosted a speed event in Kerry and as well as a host of local rally cars several single-seater formula racing cars are expected to contest the event.Local business, Brian O’Neill Garden Equipment and Trailers was announced as the event’s title sponsor at Monday night’s

launch. Additional support comes from Wharton Tool Hire and Moriarty’s Central Car Sales.

Modern safety rules prevent the original course from being used but a new course has been identified by both Kerry Motor Club and the Motorsport Ireland Hillclimb Commission that will see the finish line almost beside the entrance to the Ballyfinnane Community Council’s hall.

As a result, the famous crossroads beside the Shanty Bar will become a hive of activity on the day with the official pitstop for the event set to take place within 500 metres in each direction of the pub. Around 80 cars are expected, and each competitor will get between three and

five runs over the course with the overall winner decided by the driver who sets the fastest time of the day on any of the runs. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the local community, whose unwavering support has made this event possible. Their enthusiasm and generosity have provided us with the resources and encouragement needed to bring this celebration of motorsport to life. Thank you for embracing our shared love for motorsport and for being an integral part of this event,” said the clerk of the course Sean

Moriarty at the event’s launch.

The weekend’s activities kick off on Saturday when The Kingdom Veteran, Vintage and Classic Car Club and the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club host a road run of period and classic cars from Castlemaine Village to their monument at the top of the original hill. The KVVCC will issue full details of their event in due course but over 100 cars including close to 30 period cars are expected at this event which is due to pass through Ballyfinnane on the afternoon of July 15.

Later that day the first of the Kerry Motor Club-hosted activities will begin with the safety inspection on competing cars set to take place from 2pm at Kerry Agricultural Services in the heart of Ballyfinnane. Drivers briefings and marshals’ sign-on will take place in the Community Hall from 2pmuntil 7pm. A driver and car parade will take place in the village on Saturday night with a ceremonial start set to take place at the crossroads at around 9pm. Afterwards, there will be entertainment in the Shanty Bar.

The main action is scheduled for Sunday and a massive traffic management plan is in place for the day. Roads will be closed from at least 3kms from the village, there will be designated parking at these points. The organisers will provide a free shuttle bus service into the heart of the village. This service is only open to people who buy official programmes, and these will be available to buy (cash only) from the car park attendants. A more detailed traffic management plan will be published nearer the event.

As well as the racing activities on Sunday, the Killarney Valley Classic and Vintage Club have come on board to organise a massive classic car display near the village. Over 200 cars are expected to go on show all day and a dedicated classic car-only entrance will operate from the Tralee/Farmer’s Bridge side.

Clerk of the Course Sean Moriarty, Cyril Wharton (C. Wharton Tool Hire Ltd), Mike Moriarty (Moriarty’s Central Car Sales), Brian O’Neill (Brian O’Neill Garden Equipment and Trailers) and Des O’Neill (Milltown) at the launch of The Brian O’Neill Garden Equipment and Trailers Ballyfinnane Festival of Speed in the mid-Kerry village on Monday evening. Photos: Michelle Breen Crean Photography

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Kelliher's Toyota extensive range of new electric cars

Kelliher’s Garage, Kerry’s only Toyota dealership are busy preparing in the lead up to 232.

Toyota offer Ireland’s largest range of hybrid electric vehicles, so you don’t have to change the way you drive in order to make a difference.

Welcoming the new Corolla Cross to the Irish market and to the iconic Toyota Corolla family has been a great success for Toyota and for Kelliher’s, with more stock due to the Tralee garage for 232 delivery. This is good news for their sales team as they have extremely high demand for this eye catching SUV.

Thousands of Irish drivers have made their choice and have chosen Toyota hybrid electric as their preferred electrified powertrain, as it lowers emissions, lowers fuel costs allowing you to drive, fully electric, up to 50% of the time without ever having to plug in. As Ireland’s most trusted and reputable car brand 2023 according to a RepTrak 2023 survey.

Tim Kelliher of Kelliher’s has said following this recently published survey that “customers can be reassured that they

are making the right choice by choosing Toyota.”

“As Ireland’s best-selling car brand for a third year in a row [source: SIMI] – customers not only believe in our product but believe in Toyota and Kelliher’s to get it right when it comes to the car they need,” he said.

Toyota are moving forward for those who wish to take the step into a full electric vehicle with the new Toyota bZ4X which is powered by a durable and longlife battery with a 10 year warranty and can also avail of the SEAI €5,000 grant until June 30

Kelliher’s have stock available for immediate delivery of the Toyota bZ4X among a good selection of their other popular models.

Tim added: “Toyota’s electrified family will be getting a new member as it continues to grow with the arrival to Ireland in the coming months of a new stunning iconic Prius Plug-In Hybrid Electric.”

While Tim acknowledges demand is high across the motoring landscape, Kelliher’s have immediate delivery on popular models such as Corolla Saloon,

Corolla Hatchback, C-HR, Yaris and Yaris Cross – call to the team and Kelliher’s and see for yourself or give them a ring on 066-7120000.

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2023 continues to be an "electric year" for Reen’s Rathmore and Peugeot, with the presentation of new technologies in its range.

This will include the new Mild Hybrid system, which will be offered on the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, before being extended to other models. The Peugeot 48V Hybrid system consists of a new-generation 136bhp PureTech petrol engine, coupled with a new 6-speed dual-clutch electrified gearbox that includes an electric motor. It will complement the already extensive family of electrified engines, including plug-in hybrid and 100% electric.

The fully electric e-208 and e-2008 continues to be a popular choice for customers starting their electric driving journey, with great onboard technology, advanced safety features and the joy of emission free driving.

Launched earlier this year, the stunning Peugeot 408 continues to impress. Currently available in Petrol, a fully electric option will be available in 2024. Later this year, both the 308 Hatchback and SW will be available with a 100%

electric version. The electric 308 and 308 SW will be powered by a brand-new electric engine, developing 115 kW (156 bhp) and with a range of over 400 km (WLTP cycle). The striking look of the 308 is combined with the driving pleasure characteristic of Peugeot models, and with segment-leading efficiency, with an average energy consumption of 12.7 kWh. Available in the Allure and GT trim levels, the new PEUGEOT E-308 and E-308 SW will be available to order from Reen’s Rathmore in late 2023. In fact, over the next two years, Peugeot will launch five new 100% electric mod-

Electric year for Reen's Rathmore and Peugeot Dacia from €5 a day on the road at Donagh Hickey Motors

As we gear up for the 232 sales period local Dacia dealer Donagh Hickey Motors, Rathmore has announced that it will continue to offer Irish customers the best value for money when looking for a brand new car this summer.

With affordable and flexible finance options from Mobilize Financial Services (MFS) and the great range of reliable and stylish models, Dacia is the brand that constantly redefines the essentials. Celebrating ten years in Ireland in 2023 the Dacia brand continues to keep the new car market on its toes achieving 4.5% market share and is firmly positioned in the top ten car brands in Ireland, now ranked number 7 in the new car market.

With strong supply across all models for 232, customers looking to bag a Dacia at Donagh Hickey Motors have plenty of choice with Dacia Jogger the second best selling 7-seater, Sandero the second best seller in its segment and the best selling Dacia model the Duster which is now

ranked number 6 in the largest and most competitive C-SUV segment.

Flexibility is key for Dacia and for 232 customers can drive away in Dacia Jogger the 7-seater launched just last year for just €7.77 a day from Donagh Hickey Motors. Jogger was the winner of the AA Ireland Car of the Year 2022 and a unique addition to the Irish car market, combining Dacia’s reputation for value for money, robustness and proven technology with great style, space and interior flexibility.

Dacia Sandero is available for 232 from just €5 per day on the road from Donagh Hickey Motors while the robust SUV style

of Sandero Stepway is available from just €5.50 per day on the road, both shockingly affordable prices for brand-new cars Duster the best-selling Dacia model in Ireland since launch is available for 232 for just €6.50 a day. Duster with its new enhanced design elements includes new LED headlights for sharper looks and much improved vision, as well as a new grille design, providing a stronger personality with improved CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The latest model is available with a selection of up-to-date features, including a new 8-inch touchscreen and a dual-clutch automatic EDC gearbox available on the TCe150 petrol

els which will further boost its selection of Electric and Hybrid vehicles. If you’re in the market for a 232 reg, Reen’s Rathmore have stock of the top selling Peugeot models which are available in Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid and Electric, including the compact 208, the all-new 408, the award-winning SUV range and the hard-working Peugeot LCV range. To arrange a test drive in any of the Peugeot Range, contact Reen’s Rathmore on 064 7758150, or view the complete Peugeot range on www.reencarsales.ie.

engine, and offers a suite of new ADAS. Dacia’s sense of adventure and outdoor spirit is now even greater thanks to the introduction of a new range-topping Extreme trim level. The new Extreme trim – which marks the pinnacle of the Sandero Stepway range and replaces the previous Extreme SE on Jogger and Duster – stands out with its own distinctive look that evokes a sense of the great outdoors. The new trim level welcomes new Extended Grip as standard on Sandero Stepway Extreme and Jogger Extreme to maximise traction, helping drivers venture further off the beaten track. The Extreme range is now available to test drive at Donagh Hickey Motors.

AHERN’S MOTOR GROUP

Five brands under one roof

Ahern’s Motor Group is a unique experience for the Kerry car-buying public.

Five different car brands – from entry level budget brands like Dacia to high end products from BMW means that the family run business caters for all needs.

Aherns has been a car dealer for a long, long time having originally been set up by Jack Ahern in 1927.

Today, the group is run by Jack's descendants, Paul and Pat. Alongside their long association with Opel, the company also sells SEAT and BMW.

More recently they were appointed the Renault and Dacia dealers for North Kerry and all five brands can be viewed at their extensive showroom complex on a five acre site Castleisland.

SEAT

Upgrade to a new SEAT SUV and avail of 4.9% finance, and service plans from €12.99p/m

The family favourite SEAT Tarraco, available in Diesel, Petrol and Hybrid Or why not chose from the SEAT Ateca SUV from €339 p/m or the ever popular SEAT Arona from €239 p/m

OPEL

Upgrade to your new Opel with our 50/50 deal and 3yrs FREE service plan. The stylish all new Opel Mokka, available in full electric, petrol or diesel.

Or chose from the award winning Opel Astra in Hybrid or the full electric Corsa.

RENAULT

The home of the Renault electric E-Tech

line up.

Chose from the all new Renault Austral, the family SUV with Hybrid technology. The award winning Renault Megane E -tech, with up to 450Km range or the Renault Arkana hybrid range from €275 p/m.

With a 5yr warranty across the range and finance from 5.9%, it’s a perfect time to order a new Renault from Aherns Renault.

DACIA

Home of the Ireland’s most affordable 7 Seater, the Dacia Jogger, from €7.77 per day. The family car that adapts to suit your needs.

Or chose from the Dacia Duster range or the Dacia Sandero range from €5 per day, clever, reliable, and affordable. All available with up to 5yrs warranty and finance from 6.9%

BMW

Ahern's BMW now have some availability on electric BMW i4 , BMW iX3 now available with BMW Finance at 5.9% APR

The new full electric BMW iX1 is now available for test drive along with the hybrid and diesel and proving a big hit with customers

Also in staock is the 2 series Active tourer ,available on site, in petrol and hybrid number of models available with low emission petrol and diesel available. Ahern's are enjoying good success also with 2 series Gran coupe.

From left seated Paddy McGee MD Renault Ireland, Pat Ahern Dealer principal Aherns Renault, Barry Ryan Sales Manager Ahern's, Standing Paul Ahern MD Aherns Motor Group, with Lynne Boucher and Brian Quinlan Renault Ireland, on the occasion of Ahern's Motor group being appointed Renault and Dacia dealers for North Kerry.

When Kerry-based utility infrastructure consultancy and construction company TLI Group needed a fleet of new fans they called on the expertise of Adam’s of Tralee.

The county’s Hyundai dealership is also the main agent for FIAT Professional in Kerry.

FIAT’s commercial range includes The Doblò Cargo, Doblò Work Up and Doblò Combi which are suitable for compact and accessible tasks around cities and towns,

The impressive and resilient Fiorino Van is the next step un in the range while in-

TLI Group opts for FIAT Professional as fleet expands

dustry stalwart – the Ducato- has over 10,000 versions to its name and is reliability certified by over 35 years of work.

TLI Group have recently added a further 45 vehicles to their fleet, the majority were versions of the Doblò Cargo supplied by Adams of Tralee.

The TLI Group fleet now comprises of over 400 vehicles, in addition to a large portfolio of specialised plant and equip-

ment.

“TLI Group are delighted to announce the further expansion of our fleet, which supports the growth of our teams across the Group,” said a group statement.

“As we continue to expand across all

sectors, our dedicated fleet department play a crucial role in ensuring we deliver critical utility infrastructure for our valued clients. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Adams of Tralee for the supply of these vehicles.”

Le Mans decides its winners… and losers

Every year since the first running in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has thrown its fair share of curveballs at competitors, inspiring an inside joke that the race chooses its own winner.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans never fails to deliver drama. A team could have the fastest car, execute a flawless race and still find itself forced to retire in the last lap.

And so it came to pass, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the mythical race, Lady Le Mans decided that Ferrari would win.

The Italian manufacturer, making its return to the premier class of endurance racing after a 50-year absence, Ferrari secured its tenth outright victory in the French classic – its first since 1965.

Likewise, Le Mans choses its losers too.

Fossa’s Michael Fassbender, the only Kerry man to ever start the legendary race, and his co-drivers Martin Rump and Richard Lietz where dealt a very different hand by Le Mans.

Rump led the GTE-Am field in the early

part of the race and their Proton Competition Porsche 911 RSR stayed with the leaders for much of the night. After 12 hours they were holding a solid fourth place.

But on Sunday morning, after 246 laps, Michael Fassbender went off the track. He was nearing the end of his final stint and running inside the class top ten but the shunt – ironically at Porsche Curves –inflicted too much damage and the team were left with no choice but to withdraw.

“We came to Le Mans very well prepared and with high expectations. Unfortunately, the old lady was not kind to us on her 100th birthday,” Michael Ried, Team Owner and Technical Director Proton Competition:

“But we will put up with this setback and come back stronger as a team.”

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1The Hyundai 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty applies only to Hyundai vehicles that have been originally sold by an authorised Hyundai dealer to an end-customer, as set out in the terms and conditions of the warranty booklet. Local terms and conditions apply. Model shown for illustrative purposes.*Dealer and delivery charges apply. Fuel consumption 5.2-7.8 1/100km.