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short local run on the Friday will cover approx. 50 miles visiting
local scenic spots and in the evening after a Civic Reception hosted
by the Kinsale Town Council, most people choose to dine in one of
the many restaurants in Kinsale town. Kinsale is the Gourmet Capital
of Ireland. (But most of us will be found at The Tap Tavern for
refreshments and entertainment)!!!
Approximately 80 to 100 cars gather in Kinsale town on the Saturday
morning to partake in the main rally. This year, with a lot of help
and support from the Pearse Street traders, local Garda and town
councilors, we closed off Pearse street to enable the vintage cars
to park up for viewing prior to departure for the day’s journey.
The Blue Haven Hotel is our sponsors this year and have committed
to three years sponsorship in total. Every second year we overnight
on the Saturday night to allow us to travel that little bit further
on the Saturday without a return trip. When not overnighting out
of town, we have our annual dinner at one of Kinsale’s local
hotels, (we like to spend as much time as possible in Kinsale to
allow our sponsors and local businesses to benefit from the Rally).
This night proves to be great fun, with good food, music, singing
and dancing and a lot of catching up with old friends.
On the Sunday the
cars will assemble at a chosen venue for light refreshments and
a day trip to another nearby scenic spot, Midleton distilleries
was the chosen venue this year. We return to the Blue Haven on Sunday
evening to enjoy some traditional music and song.
Monday is usually
a little laid back and kicks off at 12 or 1ish! In the afternoon
we move to Harvey's Bar for the presentation of The Helen Foster
Memorial cup, followed by a Bailey's reception hosted by our sponsors,
The Blue Haven Hotel. We will escort our overseas guests as far
as the Huntsman Bar in Belgooly, and send them off with a song or
two.....
Over the years
cars have travelled from all over Ireland North and South, Wales,
England and Scotland, and all the participants not only helped to
make the event a success but also have raised money for charity
as the KV&CMC designate a charity each year and endeavour to
raise as much funds as possible over the weekend. Some of the charities
that have benefited over the years are the local Kinsale Hospital,
Childline, Youth Reach Development and Cope Foundation.
As well as the
May International Rally the KV&CMC also organise other events
throughout the year which include Go-Kart Racing, Quad Nights, Sponsored
Table Quiz Night for Charity, Film Nights, Christmas Party, our
Picnic Run in July as well as our Monthly Local Runs during the
Driving Season, and not to forget our Annual trip to Swansea in
August / September at the kind invitation of SHVR.
The KV&CMC
has also organised trips to France for two weeks in June for those
of us who like to travel in summer climates. The last rally in France
was based in "La Baule in Brittany" and consisted of short
daily runs to the surrounding coastline.
The KV&CMC
in the past has organised the Round Ireland 1,000 Mile Sponsored
Classic Car Rally which took 10 cars to the three furthest points
of the Irish coastline, Mizen Head, Malin Head and Carnsore Point
over three days in September 2000. En route we were supported by
other car clubs through out the country. Limerick Vintage Car Club,
Western Vintage Car Club, Donegal Car Club and the IVVC in Dublin
and we raised over 20,000 euros which purchased an Ambulance for
the Chernobyl Children's Project. The ambulance was driven to Belarus
in October 2000 and is now based in an orphanage in Minsk.
KV&CMC welcomes
new members whether or not they presently own a car. At present
we have 67 members. The only Qualification is having a genuine interest
in the preservation and the traveling in old cars. Information on
the KV&CMC can be had from our Secretary.
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