TED’S TEN YEARS PUTTING OPELS ON THE OPEN ROAD
FINALLY the dust has settled after a successful 10th Ted’s Opel Vauxhall Run. Thanks to all who made it all possible by means of sponsorship of any kind, especially main Ssponsors Cartell.ie, Opel Ireland and Kevin O’Leary Group, the committee for all their hard work, the marshal’s and the people who attended, without them it wouldn’t have a run.
It was great to see the two Vauxhall Sports hatch’s of Billy Maxwell and Denis Murphy meet up for the first time, especially as there are only about ten remaining of the one hundred and fifty nine produced. There was also the yellow Opel GT of Willie Lawrence on its maiden voyage and one of the last remaining Kadett Céad’s of Anne Marie O’Brien, plus many more interesting cars.
As registration finished a manager from the Blarney Hotel chose the Opel GT of Willie Lawrence for the first Special Award. The run then proceeded to the Abbey Hotel Ballyvourney for lunch. After the lunch, Mr Creedon Snr choose the Kadett Coupe of John Kelly for the next Special Award.
The Run then continued to the Prince August Toy Soldier Factory in Kilnamartyra where people had the option of a viewing of the factory. The owner of the factory chose the Vauxhall Victor of Dan Jo Mullane for the next Special Award.
The Run then continued on the Kilnamartyra Rally Stage to Inchigeela, Macroom, Coachford and returned to the Hotel. At the Gala Dinner on Saturday night the hotel provided an excellent meal which was followed by the presentation of the Main Awards. The following are the winners;
The fourth Special Award went to Martin Tracey for his Rothmans Replica Manta 400r, the Kevin O’Leary Perpetual Cup for Best Opel went to Gerry Faloona for his Opel Manta Hatch, the Cartell. ie Perpetual Cup for Best Vauxhall went to Billy (Griff ) Maxwell for his Vauxhall Sports hatch who also won the Jackie Small Memorial Trophy presented by Group Motors Rallying.
The Rentokil Perpetual Cup for Best Modified went to David Kearns for his Kadett City who was also the winner of the draw for the Perpetual Shield.
The Spirit of the Run went to Maureen Sheehan. The Opel Ireland Perpetual Award for Best Overall Car went to Michael Horan for his Opel Manta.
There was also an award in memory of Richie (Dude) and Mary Ryan which was won by Joey O’Shea in his Billy Coleman replica Manta 400r. Gerry Faloona was presented with a token of appreciation from the committee for his assistance in past years.
Committee Newlyweds Pa and Bernie Houlihan were also presented with a gift. To his surprise, Ted himself was caught off guard when he was presented by the committee, with a wooden plaque to acknowledge his dedication, time and effort to the Run. For once he was speechless.
A calendar donated by Group Motors Rallying was auctioned off and raised €100 for the Dogs for the Disabled, It was bought by DanJo Mullane. A night of music and singing followed to the early hours.
On Sunday some extra cars arrived for the show and Robert Beamish won the Calibras Ireland Trophy for Best Motorsport Vehicle with his Nova Rallycar.
The fifth Special Award was won by Shaun Launders with his Vauxhall Cavalier Mk1.
The Dogs for the Disabled were present all weekend and in the Raffle that was held over the weekend plus The Calendar Auction, over €800 was raised for them.
The winners of the raffle where 1st Prize was a trip to the Classic Car Show in Birmingham in November, went Adam Kearns from Sligo, 2nd Prize was an overnight stay in the Blarney Hotel won by Brendan Howard from Tralee, 3rd was a Calibras Ireland Jacked won by Noel Brady from Ovens, 4th was a Russell Brooks Heat for Hire Manta Jigsaw which was re-donated by the winner to be auctioned off at a later date for the Dogs for the Disabled.
Thanks to everyone who attended, a special thanks to the marshal’s on the day for an excellent job and a huge thank you to each of the hardworking committee that made it happen. An enjoyable weekend was had to mark the tenth run, let’s hope they have the health to enjoy the next ten.