In a scene fit for Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Radio Nova’s PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe got to grips with a rare Aston Martin DB11 to announce that the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is the official charity partner for Cannonball 2025. Amid feverish Bond casting rumours and as debates swirl about 007’s next Aston Martin, could Agents PJ, Jim and the DB11 be hiding in plain sight?
Cannonball founder Alan Bannon confirmed that Cannonball, the action-packed supercar spectacle is set to roll on September 12th-14th from Johnstown Estate in Enfield taking in Ballymaloe, Tralee, Killarney, Clare, Sligo, Cavan and finishes in Naas, Co Kildare. Cannonball, fuelled by milesPLUS from Circle K, is the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet from the awe-inspiring power of Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to the grace and elegance of Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati. Over 200,000 spectators are expected with free festivals organised from coast to coast.
Radio Nova’s PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe at the Cannonball announcement
This very special ‘007 Mission Briefing’ was joined by Jude Mangan (4) from Dublin alongside big brother Cillian (7), mum Sandra and dad Ruairi. Brave little Jude was born with rare condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC) – a congenital brain abnormality and requires round-the-clock care. Devastatingly, Jude was also diagnosed with cancer in November 2023 and completed his treatment in January 2025. He is thankfully, doing well today.
Jude Mangan from Dublin alongside big brother Cillian with Radio Nova’s PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe in Aston Martin DB11
Jude’s mum Sandra said: “We are both originally from Mayo and living away from our extended family and support network, so were trying to juggle full-time care for Jude alongside life with toddler Cillian and busy work schedules. It was a huge challenge, especially because Jude requires specialised care and cannot be left with just anyone. The care from Jack and Jill has been life changing. Having that trusted support has made all the difference not just in terms of practical help, but in giving us moments to breathe, to be with Cillian and to keep family life going.”
Jude’s family are just one of the 440 families across Ireland currently under the care of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
Radio Nova’s PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe are revved up to support this incredible fundraising drive for Jack and Jill: “We broadcasted our show from the start line at Cannonball last year and were blown away by the atmosphere and the buzz of it all. We can’t wait to be there at the start line at Johnstown Estate again on 12th September! Putting our hats into the ring as the new James Bond duo is the icing on a rather fancy Aston Martin-shaped cake! We are so humbled to meet this remarkable little boy, Jude, and his family. We have long been supporters of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and are proud to help raise awareness for what promises to be a spectacular fundraiser for this fantastic charity.”
Team Jack and Jill and Jude Mangan alongside big brother Cillian, Mum and Dad with Radio Nova’s PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe and Alan Bannon (Cannonball founder) and Steven Quinn from Circle K
Cannonball has already raised €2,024,809 for Irish Children’s Charities and brings a unique and inimitable electric atmosphere to host towns all over the country, making it a widely anticipated free family event for spectators. The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is an Irish children’s charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for children from birth to six years of age with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs and is often described as a ‘lifeline’, giving exhausted parent carers a break from their 24/7 care regime. Jack and Jill’s service operates seven days a week, no means test, no red tape and no waiting list.
Cannonball offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness the world’s most prestigious and sought-after supercars up close and enjoy the unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for. The Brazilian Dancers, giant screens, music and fanfare brings all the glamour of carnival and live DJs, bands and festivals in host towns around the country get the party started. The Cannonballers and celebrities in colourful costumes add to the pageantry. From Spiderman to Star Wars, Cat Woman to Wonder Woman, cheerleaders to Charlie’s Angels, Batman, the Joker and more; it is a totally unique free family day out. This year, organisers are also calling on spectators to dress up in fancy dress with prizes for best dressed!
Cannonball was founded by Kildare businessman Alan Bannon and the benefit to the host towns for this event is estimated at €2,567,000 per year. Cannonball is fuelled by milesPLUS from Circle K as the main headline sponsor for 2025. Cannonball official partners include Karl Goodwin Motors, AB Signs and Majestic Ireland Road Trips. See cannonball.ie.
