Disability group the big winner of Ted’s car run

OPEL and Vauxhall enthusiasts from far and wide congregated at the fantastic backdrop of the castle ruin at the Mills Inn, Baile Bhuirne (Ballyvourney), for Ted’s Opel Vauxhall Run 2018.

A beautiful array of cars were on display, such as a delightful Opel GT, an Opel Kadett Mobility (which was converted for wheelchair access when new in 1984), and a Monza GSE, the only Vauxhall Sportshatch in the south of Ireland and one of only 15 remaining in total.

As always, there was a selection of Mantas and Kadetts. ‘Hope’, the Dogs For The Disabled puppy that the run committee sponsored in 2014 and continue to do so, also attended on the morning. Proceeds from the run will be donated to Dogs for the Disabled.

After a damp start to the 2018 run, the participants travelled to the Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff for the lunch stop, and after lunch the awards were duly presented.

The award-winners were:

Best Overall Vehicle, sponsored

by Opel Ireland: Willie Hogan, Liscarroll, for a 1977 Opel Manta.

The Kevin O’Leary Group Perpetual Cup for Best Opel:

Denis O’Connell, Beaufort, County Kerry, for a 1996 Opel Calibra.

The Cartell.ie Perpetual Cup for Best Vauxhall:

Dan Joe Mullane, Donoughmore, for a 1974 Vauxhall Victor.

The Rentokil Initial Ireland Perpetual Cup for Best Modified:

Daragh Costello, Newmarket, for a 1998 Vauxhall Calibra.

Padraig McCarthy and Lisa Murphy, Macroom, for a 1979 Opel Kadett City.

The Perpetual Sheild: The Jackie Small Memorial Trophy sponsored by Group Motors Rallying:

Sean Murnane, Kealkill, for a 1979 Opel Kadett.

The Spirit of the Run Perpetual Award:

Senan O’Connor, Castletownbere, for a 1984 Opel Kadett Mobility.

Special Awards:

First: Denis Murphy, Macroom, for a 1976 Vauxhall Sportshatch; second: John Unkles, Sligo, for a 1985 Opel Monsa GSE; third: Patrick Houlihan, Glencar, County Kerry, for a 1990 Opel Kadett; fourth: David O’Brien, Sallins, County Kildare, for a 1982 Opel Rekord Dsl.

After the awards, the run travelled through the Healy Pass, Kilmackilogue, stopping at Helen’s Bar, Kenmare, and returning to the Mills Inn, where an enjoyable evening was had in the bar.

“An enjoyable day was had by all despite a few showers and some fog. Plans are about to start for next year’s run,” said Ted O’Connell.

Opel and Vauxhall cars of all types gathered at the Mills Inn, Baile Bhuirne, ahead of the 2018 run.

Denis Murphy, Macroom (left) who won a special award for his Vauxhall Sporthatch, an award chosen by Mills Inn staff.

Daragh Costello, Newmarket, who took the Rentokill Cup for his Best Modified win.

Dan Joe Mullane, Donoughmore, who won the Cartell.ie Cup for Best Vauxhall Car though his Vauxhall Victor.