International talent headed to Killarney for Historic Rally

NEXT month’s Rentokil-Initial Killarney Historic Rally is shaping up to be the biggest in its 23-year history, with some of the biggest names, nationally and internationally, having already placed entries for Ireland’s only rally dedicated to historic and modified rally cars.

Several former British champions have entered, led by rallying royalty Jim McRae in a Vauxhall Firenza. McRae will be joined by fellow Scotsman David Bogie, another former British champion and a former winner of the Donegal National Rally. Bogie will drive a newly built Ford Escort M2 in the modified section.

Welshman Osian Pryce makes his first visit to the event. A former winner of the Ulster International Rally and a formidable competitor in any environment, second place on a Spanish national rally last weekend proves his lack of Killarney experience will be no deterrent on December 1.

Belfast driver Jonny Greer is no stranger to Killarney, he finished fifth on the Rally of the Lakes this year in a Ford Fiesta R5 but he is a newcomer to historic rallying and it remains to be seen what car he brings to Kerry in a few weeks.

The local entry will be headed by former historic section winner Mark Falvey in his Ford Escort Mk1 while Rob Duggan makes the long trip home from Melbourne to defend his modified crown.

Killarney and District Motor Club, under the stewardship of new clerk of the course Martin Farrell revealed a traditional route for the end of season event with Moll’s Gap, Caragh Lake and Ballaghbeama all featuring on the route. However, there will be no night stage on this occasion, the rally finishing with a run over a stage near Kilcummin.