Family-friendly event comes to Limerick for the first time

Irish rugby star Jamison Gibson-Park launched the popular event.

Retro Cannonball is coming to Limerick for the first time next month.

Rugby star Jamison Gibson-Park supported the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation to launch their partnership with Cannonball 2024.

Cannonball has already raised €1,638,432 for Irish children’s charities and hopes to reach a total of €300,000 for the Jack and Jill Foundation this year.

The Restro event features 100 classic cars and free live entertainment for the whole family

This year it starts in Limerick at Thomond Park on Friday 24 May at 9.30am.

Spectators and families can get up close, view rare classic cars, take photos, meet the drivers and enjoy the timeless allure of vintage cars.

After a multi-try-scoring run, Leinster and Ireland rugby star scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park has announced he is joining Team Jack and Jill as an ambassador for the children’s charity.

His first engagement was at the launch of the upcoming Retro Cannonball event, with proceeds going to The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation as the official charity partner for Cannonball Ireland 2024.

Jamison was delighted to meet Enda and Louise Garry from Goatstown in Dublin, mother and father of Brady (6) and Ross (2), at the launch. Ross has been under Jack and Jill’s care since late 2022.

“As a father of three healthy children, I really appreciate how lucky we are as a family and I can only begin to imagine the challenges facing Jack and Jill families across Ireland, like the Garrys, who have children with such complex medical needs. I am thrilled to be supporting Jack and Jill and I look forward to bringing my children to see what promises to be a fantastic spectacle at Retro Cannonball at the end of May,” said Jamison Gibson-Park.

Deirdre Walsh, CEO of Jack and Jill, said: “We are honored that Cannonball Ireland has 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 nursing and respite care for 534 families supported by Jack and Jill in 2023. We were overwhelmed by the support from families, volunteers and corporate partners, who came along the route to help raise as much money as possible, and for the drivers who added so much fun to this exciting fundraiser. Thank you to Alan Bannon and his team for choosing Jack and Jill and here’s to another successful year for our partnership.”

Classic cars are about experience, style, exclusivity and craftsmanship, all of which are universal and timeless. Retro Cannonball is a two-day odyssey along the Wild Atlantic Way and towns and villages through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Featuring cars from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, from vintage Mustangs to sleek Corvettes, an impressive array of iconic cars will rumble together, creating a nostalgic symphony as they roll through picturesque landscapes.

RETRO Cannonball starts this year on May 24 at 9.30am at Thomond Park in Limerick. Then take in part of The Wild Atlantic Way with lunch at the Fiddle & Bow Hotel in Co Clare. It then continues along the Wild Atlantic Way with its enchanting tapestry of rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs to arrive for an overnight stay in the vibrant town of Westport, Co Mayo. On 26 May the convoy travels across the country for lunch at Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon with a quick coffee stop in Cavan’s famous Drumcoura City. The convoy then arrives in Mullingar, Co Westmeath for an exciting finish.

The classic car convoy will consist of 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 much more. Spectators can get up close and personal with the cars and take photos at each of the start and finish lines, pit stops and lunch stops.

“We welcome cars from the golden era of the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s for beautiful drives and many famous Irish sights.” said Cannonball founder Alan Bannon “Classic cars appeal not only to car enthusiasts, but also to enthusiasts of technology, design, art and history. They maintain an incurable romance and that is why people love classic cars and always will.”

Registration is now also open for Cannonball Ireland, the supercar event, which takes place this year from September 6 to 8. RETRO Cannonball is a much more relaxed experience, but drivers and spectators still enjoy one of the most unique motoring associations in the world with breathtaking driving routes, luxurious hospitality and that rare ‘camaraderie’ that makes Cannonball a truly unforgettable experience.

See www.cannonball.ie for more information on all events.