FINALISTS CONFIRMED FOR BIG MONEY AWARD
Motorsport Ireland has confirmed the three drivers that are in the running to win this year’s Billy ColemanAward, which will be announced on December 7.
Returning for the first time since
2019 due to the Covid pandemic, the coveted prize carries a value of 100,000 Euros plus additional support.
A total of seven nominees attended an interview with judges in Dublin and Patrick O’Brien, Kyle McBride and Eamonn Kelly progressed to the final round.
O’Brien – twice a runner-up in 2015 and 2016 – is considered most people’s favourite, given his success in this year’s Irish Forestry Championship after making the switch to an R5 car.
Meanwhile, Kelly – the son of
Irish Tarmac champion Donagh – clinched the Junior British Rally Championship title this season while McBride won the Academy Trophy in the same competition.
Aiden Harper, president of Motorsport Ireland, said: “All the nominees for the Billy Coleman Award were of an outstanding calibre this year and Eamonn, Patrick and Kyle are thoroughly deserving finalists.
“Importantly, all seven nominees will get the opportunity to further develop their talent as part of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, which bodes well for the future of Irish rallying on domestic and international fronts.”
Harper paid tribute to Sean McHugh and John Coyne for their work on developing the Academy, adding: “It is a fantastic platform for young drivers to aim for.”
Previous award winners include fourtime British Rally Championship titlewinner Keith Cronin and WRC contender Craig Breen.