On June 13th -15th, 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 over 400 families across Ireland.
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.
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.”
Therese Feighery with her daughters Chloe, Ella, Ruby and Heidi, pictured with Karen Byrne and Jake Carter at the launch of RETRO 2025 at Airfield Estate, Dublin
Clodagh Hogan, Head of Communications at The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation said: ”We’re so delighted to be partnering with Retro Cannonball for the third year in a row. It’s such a fabulous, family-friendly event, and we encourage everyone along the route to come out to see this wonderful spectacle. And of course, if you can, please make a donation to support our service so that families like the Feigherys can continue to avail of our in-home nursing and respite care, that would be fantastic! Huge thanks so Karen and Jake too for adding a sprinkle of glitter magic to the launch today!”
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 Co 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 60’s, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s 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.
Star attraction – Ruby Feighery from Dublin, big sister of Heidi who is supported by Jack and Jill, with her Dancing with the Stars idols, Karen Byrne and Jake Carter
Classic cars are all about the experience, style, exclusivity and craftsmanship, all of which are universal and timeless. Retro Cannonball is a two-day odyssey and on day one Friday June 13th, the classic convoy will depart from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island Cork at 10.30am and then roll through the picturesque landscapes of Cork, Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath with a delicious lunch along the way in Kilshane House in Tipperary followed by a coffee stop in Kinnitty Castle in Offaly and the first overnight stay and finish line at The Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.
On day two, the Retro Cannonball convoy travels through the lake county of Westmeath and on to the sprawling hilly county Tyrone with magnificent scenery. Cannonballers will have lunch at Corick House in Tyrone before crossing on the ferry from Greencastle to Greenore. The second overnight stay and overall finish line is coming to the Cooley Peninsula for the first time and takes place at Ballymasconlon house just 20 minutes from the bustling medieval town of Carlingford. Retro Cannonball is proudly sponsored by AP Haslam and E Fox Engineering Ltd.
Registration is also now open for Cannonball Ireland, the supercar event, taking place on September 12-15th this year and a firm favourite with both drivers and spectators with proceeds to the Jack and Jill. 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 rare ‘camaraderie’ that makes Cannonball a truly unforgettable experience. See www.cannonball.ie for details of all events.
