Picture: Eamonn Keogh
IT was a real local success story in Kerry as Paul Nagle landed the cup he dearly wanted to win at the Rentokil Initial Killarney Historic Rally.
The world rally star pairing in a BMW M3, piloted by Craig Breen, crossed the finish line in first place, winning the Maurice Nagle Cup which is named after Paul’s father who himself was an integral part to getting the rally on the road back in 1996.
Not only did he land his father’s cup, Paul has also now completed the Kerry quadruple, having previously won the Rally of the Lakes along with the two Kerry Motor Club events, the Circuit of Kerry and the Winter Stages Rally.
Nagle also took the time to remember two recently deceased members of Killarney and District Motor Club, Johnny Hickey and Mike Falvey, who were integral in the running of this rally.
Another Killarney man, Alan Ring, brought his Subaru Legacy home in second place, with Tyrone’s Cathan McCourt rounding out the podium positions.
There was also Killarney and District Motor Club success in the modified section, with last year’s Historic winners, Rob Duggan and Ger Conway, bringing their Ford Escort Mark II home in first. Donegal’s Kevin Eves finished second with Gary Kiernan coming home in third.
The rally attracted a huge crowd with spectators travelling from every corner of Ireland and further afield.
Clerk of the Course, Martin Farrel, thanked everyone involved in getting the rally on the road and knocking all obstacles placed along the way.
He said with Covid numbers on the rise, it was important to ensure a smooth and safe running event for competitors, spectators and the people of Killarney and he also acknowledged the clubs dedicated sponsors Rentokil Initial and associate sponsors, The Gleneagle Hotel
The town saw a welcome increase in revenue in the tourist off-season, with no hotel rooms available on Saturday along with local garages, shops and restaurants all reporting a busy weekend serving the rally community.
The organisers will take a well-earned Christmas break before planning gets underway for the club’s other event, the Rally of the Lakes, which will take place on the May bank holiday.
