Castleisland revs up for Forestry Rally

Rockfield rally co-driver Shane Buckley will return home from London to contest Sunday’s Castleisland-based Killarney Forestry Rally.

Rally drivers from across Ireland and further afield will take part in the six-stage event which is raising funds for the Irish Community Air Ambulance.

Buckley will co-drive for Tipperary driver Casey Jay Coleman in a Ford Fiesta. Rally co-sponsor Cyril Wharton (Firies) and Donal Falvey (Beaufort) will compete in a Subaru Impreza.

Father and daughter crew John and Michelle Hickey from Headford, compete in a similar machine.

Glenflesk’s Diarmuid Lynch will drive his newly restored Ford Escort on Sunday.

The car has plenty of Killarney and District Motor Club history. It was previously used by club member Denis Cronin in forestry events 20 years ago. Multiple British rally champion Keith Cronin made his debut in the car as a co-driver with his uncle during that 2003 season. The rally gets underway with a ceremonial start outside the River Island Hotel on the town’s Main Street at 6pm on Saturday evening.

Sunday’s action, in the Cordal and Rockchapel area, starts at 8.40am from the central service area in Castleisland Mart.