Retro Cannonball car convoy coming to Cork next week

The annual Retro Cannonball car convoy will return to Cork next week, with all proceeds going to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

The vintage cars will travel around Ireland over two days, from June 13 to 15, starting in Little Island and concluding on the Cooley Peninsula in Carlingford.

Spectators and families in Cork can expect to get up close and personal with classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers, and enjoy live entertainment at The Radisson BLU Hotel from 10.30am on Friday.

Spectators are also welcome to arrive at The Radisson BLU Hotel in Little Island from 6pm on Thursday, with a number of participants arriving ahead of time for registration.

Attendees can expect to see a range of classic cars, including a 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 more.

The event, which has raised €1.9m for Irish children’s charities, has partnered with the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, which cares for 51 children in Cork, alongside Dancing with the Stars judge Karen Byrne and her fiancé, musician Jake Carter.

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has cared for 381 children in Cork since its inception in 1997.

Launching the event, Ms Byrne and Mr Carter urged anyone who is capable of donating to the foundation to spare “a few euro”.

“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,” they said.

“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 on to the high roads and by-roads along the route to check out this incredible spectacle.

“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.” This year’s convoy will travel from Cork through Tipperary, Offaly, Westmeath, Tyrone, and Louth, with several pitstops along the way.

Registration has also opened for Cannonball Ireland — the supercar event — which is set to take place from September 12 to 15.

For further information on all Cannonball events, visit: https://cannonball.ie/