This year’s Rally was the 22nd time the event had been organised. 120 cars entered of which 9 were Porsche. There was a sizable entry from Swansea Historic Vehicle Register, Harrogate MG Club, and Northern Ireland.
A civic reception was held on Friday evening hosted by Kinsale Urban Council & Mayor Councillor Michael Frawley. Saturday morning Pearse Street, was filled on both sides with rally entrants from 9am. At 12 pm the rally started and drivers were weaved off by Miss Cork. The route took us to the Cork Ring road, Watregrasshill, Rathcormac and a beautiful mountain drive to Ballyhooley and on to an extended lunch stop at Blackwater Castle, Castletownroche. Patrick Nordstrome the proprietor has a collection of classic cars which include Porsche, Ferrari and Mercedes. Afterwards cars made their way back to Kinsale through Killavullen, Blackpool and back to Kinsale for Dinner, prize giving and dancing at Acton’s until the early hours.
Club President Dave Whelan and Porsche Motorsport GB. Director Chris Clark made presentations to Kinsale Club Chairman Cathal O Shea. Denis Collins was presented with Boat House Trophy for his Martini Porsche 911.
Sunday midday cars gathered at Kinsale Yacht Club for refreshments and public viewing . At 1pm the rally left for Crossbarry, Ovens, Lee Valley drive to Coachford, Farnanes and back to Dan Sheehans Pub Ovens for lunch stop. Afterwards it was back for more food and music to Fields Bar Dunderrow.
At all stops the public mixed with the owners and got the history of the cars.
Sunday night we had dinner and entertainment at Blue Haven Hotel.
Monday cars visited Haven Bay Retirement Village where the residents viewed the cars and staff laid on more refreshments. Monday evening there was a Farewell Party for the Welsh and English visitors at Folk House.
A big thanks to Kinsale Club and Sponsors for organizing a fantastic event as usual and it must rank as the most hospitable and enjoyable events anywhere.
Denis Collins, Southern Organizer