Rally of the Lakes means a lot of things to a lot of people

from KILLARNEY ADVERTISER 5 MAY 2023

Lancia Atlantic Tour of Kerry this weekend

It brings a massive early season tourist boost, not just to the town, but to the smaller towns and villages that the event passes through too.

There is no doubt that Rathmore and Gneevequilla were busier than usual last Sunday and the small village of Ardgroom, on the Beara Peninsula was particularly busy last Saturday.

This year’s event was particularly poignant as it was the first Irish rally since the passing the passing of Craig Breen. He would a have wanted the show to go on and while it was a difficult milestone for competitors, organisers and fans, it was one that needed to be crossed with dignity and compassion.

His long time co-driver Paul Nagle, the same man who guided him to success on the 2019 Rally of the Lakes and the 2021 Killarney Historic spoke of his fallen rally brother at the event’s opening ceremony on Friday.

Despite an estimated crowd of about 2,000 people, the respectful silence offered to Paul as he spoke was a testament to how much Craig Breen was loved and admired in Killarney.

The Saturday action centred on the Beara Peninsula. The area is equally loved and feared by drivers.

The breath-taking scenery, for once, took second place to equally draw dropping action and pace.

The crowds were out in force on Sunday, the famous Gortnagne stage was lined from start to finish with people. The farming area was more akin to Croke Park as the glorious sunshine brought both fans and curious locals out in their droves. A massive crowd turned out for the finish ramp at the Gleneagle Hotel too. They were there to welcome hometown hero Noel O’Sullivan who won the rally for the second time.

Some people love the rally, some don’t but each and every person, from marshals, to fans, service mechanics to competitors each left a lot of money in the town.

Long live the rally, its value is not to be under estimated, and without a traditional Munster final football match this weekend, the rally’s financial boost will have to stretch across two weekends at least.

Photos: Dylan Clifford

COMHAIRLE CONTAE CHIARRAÍ | KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL

BÓITHRE A nDÚNADH GO SEALADACH | TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS

ALT 75 d’ACHT NA mBÓITHRE 1993 | SECTION 75 OF ROADS ACT 1993

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Section 75 of the Roads Act 1993, and the Temporary Closing of Roads Regulations 1994, Kerry County Council has decided to close to public traffic the road described hereunder to facilitate the holding of Run Killarney on Saturday, 13th May 2023.