Retro Cannonball is coming to Mayo
ON May 24 and 25, Retro Cannonball rolls once again featuring 100 classic cars, free family live entertainment and that unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for.
The event will have its first overnight pitstop in Westport on May 24 when 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.
Retro Cannonball is a two-day odyssey taking in the Wild Atlantic Way and towns and villages through the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland. Featuring cars from the '60s, '70s, '80s and '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.
Coming on the back of a multi-try-scoring run, Leinster and Ireland rugby star, scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is joining Team Jack and Jill as ambassador for the children’s charity. His first engagement was at the launch of the upcoming Retro Cannonball event with proceeds to The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation as official charity partner for Cannonball Ireland 2024.
“As a dad of three healthy children, I massively appreciate how lucky we are as a family and can only begin to imagine the challenges faced by Jack and Jill families across Ireland, like the Garry’s, who have children with such complex medical needs. I am thrilled to lend my support to Jack and Jill and am excited to bring my kids along to see what promises to be a fantastic spectacle at Retro Cannonball at the end of May,” he said.
Deirdre Walsh, CEO of Jack and Jill, commented: “We are honoured that Cannonball Ireland have chosen to support Jack and Jill again in 2024. Last year, our partnership raised an impressive €161,000, which translated into 8,944 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support for 534 families supported by Jack and Jill in 2023.
“We were overwhelmed by the support from families, volunteers and corporate partners, who came out along the route to help raise as much funds as possible, and to the drivers who brought so much fun factor to this exciting fundraiser. A huge thanks to Alan Bannon and his team for choosing Jack and Jill and here’s to another successful year for our partnership.”
Retro Cannonball starts at Thomond Park in Limerick on May 24 at 9.30 a.m. It then takes in part of the Wild Atlantic Way with lunch in Fiddle & Bow Hotel in Co. Clare, arriving in Westport for an overnight stay. It will then travel on to Roscommon, Cavan, arriving in Mullingar for an exciting finish line.
The classic car convoy 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.
Registration is also now open for Cannonball Ireland, the supercar event, taking place on September 6 to 8 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 https://cannonball.ie/ for details of all events.