Gibson-Park waves starting flag for charity’s classic car convoy

Leinster and Ireland rugby star Jamison Gibson-Park was in the capital yesterday to launch a special classic car convoy for its ambassador children’s charity, Team Jack and Jill.

A convoy of 100 classic vehicles, featuring Lamborghinis, Jaguars, Ferraris, Porsches and more, will set off from Limerick on its way to Westmeath next month, offering free family entertainment along the way.

Gibson-Park was in Dundrum for the launch of the upcoming Retro Cannonball event, which will raise money for Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, its official charity partner.

The scrum-half met Enda and Louise Garry, from Goatstown in Dublin, who are parents to Brady (6) and Ross (2).

Ross has been under Jack and Jill’s care since the end of 2022.

“As a dad of three healthy children, I massively appreciate how lucky we are as a family and can only begin to imagine the challenges faced by Jack and Jill families across Ireland, like the Garrys, who have children with such complex medical needs,” Six Nations winner Gibson-Park said.

“I am thrilled to lend my support to Jack and Jill and am excited to bring my kids along to see what promises to be a fantastic spectacle at Retro Cannonball at the end of May.”

Retro Cannonball begins in Limerick on Friday, May 24 at 9.30am, moving on to Fiddle and Bow Hotel in Co Clare, and then to the vibrant town of Westport, Co Mayo.

On May 25, the convoy proceeds to Co Roscommon, with a quick coffee stop in Drumcoura City in Co Leitrim before reaching the finishing line in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.