Cork's going retro
A retro event will be revving into Cork this weekend with the proceeds going to charity.
From 13-15 June, Retro Cannonball rolls once again featuring 100 classic cars, free family live entertainment and that unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for.
Dynamic duo, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ judge Karen Byrne and her fiancé musician Jake Carter have joined forces with the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation to announce its partnership with Retro Cannonball 2025.
The glitterball trophy-winning pair are delighted to lend their support to the children’s charity, to bring awareness to its vital in-home nursing and respite care service, which is a lifeline to more than 400 families across Ireland.
381 children in Cork have been cared for by the charity since its inception in 1997 and this year 51 children in Cork are being cared for by Jack and Jill.
Speaking at the launch, Jake and Karen said: “Family is so important to us both and when we were approached by Jack and Jill to help announce its partnership with Retro Cannonball, it was a no-brainer. Retro Cannonball is such a brilliant event, and a true celebration of rare and classic cars that will thrill the whole family.
“We hope that people will be inspired to get out onto the high-roads and by-roads along the route to check out this incredible spectacle. And most importantly, if they have a few euro to spare, please donate it to Jack and Jill, because you’ll be making a meaningful difference for families who so rely on Jack and Jill to keep the show on the road at home.”
Spectators and families in Cork can get up close, see some rare classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers and enjoy the timeless allure of vintage automobiles at The Radisson Blu Hotel which will be the official start line for the event at 10.30am on Friday 13 June.
A lot of the cars will be arriving to The Raddison Blu Hotel in Little Island from about 6pm on Thursday 12 June as the drivers like to register the night before and spectators are welcome to come and see all the action.
Retro Cannonball is the classic car road-trip and will include rare cars such as the Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 348 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SL Classics, Lancia Beta, BMW 635CSI, Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa, MG Midget, Ford Escort Cosworth, Chevrolet Corvette, VW Beetle, Ford Thunderbird, Mini Cooper and many more. Spectators can get up close, view the cars and take photographs at each of the start and finish lines, pitstops and lunch stops.
Retro Cannonball will commence this year in Little Island Cork taking in The Rebel County and then coming up through counties Tipperary, Offaly, Westmeath, Tyrone and finishing at The Cooley Peninsula in Louth.
Spectators and families can get up close, see some rare classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers and enjoy the timeless allure of vintage automobiles.
Cannonball has already raised €1,946,432 for Irish children's charities and this year are raising funds for the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation.
Featuring cars from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s & ‘90s from vintage Mustangs to sleek Corvettes, an impressive array of iconic automobiles will rumble together, creating a nostalgic symphony as they roll through picturesque landscapes.
Registration is now open for Cannonball Ireland, the supercar event, taking place on 12-15 September and a firm favourite with both drivers and spectators with proceeds to the Jack and Jill.
Those behind the event said Retro Cannonball is an altogether more laid-back experience but drivers and spectators still enjoy one of the most unique motoring fraternities in the world with breath-taking driving routes, luxurious hospitality and that camaraderie that makes Cannonball an unforgettable experience.