19th May 2025
Rally the Globe once again teamed up with Irish Racing Green to deliver a spectacular sixth edition of the much-loved Vintage Shamrock (12–15 May), an event that has become a springtime staple for pre-war car enthusiasts.
True to tradition, the rally was reserved exclusively for pre-war machinery and unfolded across some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes – enhanced this year by wall-to-wall sunshine and an unforgettable blend of spirited competition and warm Irish craic.
After four glorious days and 500 memorable miles festooned with Tests, Regularities, and camaraderie, victory went to the 1933 Frazer Nash TT Replica driven by Theo Hunt and navigated by James Galliver.
Their win was historic: the youngest crew ever to top the standings at a Rally the Globe event. The former school friends are alumni of Rally the Globe’s inspirational Generations Rally, an award-winning event designed to introduce younger participants to the thrill of endurance rallying in charismatic cars from yesteryear.
“Ireland’s a stunningly beautiful country, and we’ve been with a great bunch of people and some amazing cars,” said Hunt. “The Frazer Nash TT Replica with its 1500cc Meadows engine is a bit of a giant slayer. Not the most powerful thing, but it goes around corners like you wouldn’t believe, and, on the slippery Tests, we can hold our own against the more powerful opposition. We wouldn’t have been driving a modern car even if we had the choice.”
Start your engines!
The 2025 edition returned to the spectacular coastlines and dramatic mountains of Counties Cork and Kerry, supported by partners Chubb and NFP, an Aon company as well as Rally the Globe’s perpetual partner RM Sotheby’s.
Starting from the luxurious five-star Fota Island Resort, the rally once again attracted a full-capacity entry list, showcasing more than three decades of automotive history.
The oldest car in the field was a 1923 Alvis 12/40, while the youngest entry was a late-1940s MG TC. A strong showing from Bentley and Frazer Nash was joined by a superb variety of vintage Talbots, BMWs, HRGs, Rileys, Triumphs, Aston Martins, Jaguars and rarer marques such as Rockne and Lancia – 64 magnificent machines in all.
Following pre-event technical checks and paperwork, the rally got underway with a series of Tests and Regularities across the foothills of the Nagle Mountains, culminating in a return to Fota Island’s luxurious surroundings.
Early Leaders and Irish Legends
Graham Goodwin and wife Marina, navigating in their trusty 1925 Bentley Supersports, set the early pace. Close behind, Andrew and Ann Boland upheld Irish honour in their 1934 Talbot AV105.
Day two, however, saw major changes at the top. A rugged, sunlit route westward led competitors to the Sheen Falls Lodge, another five star resort hotel this time blessed with panoramic views over Kenmare Bay.
An early blast around the Kartworld track gave way to a challenging section through the Nagles, including a map-based Regularity. Soon after, the field entered ‘Coleman Country,’ named in honour of Irish rally legend Billy Coleman. The highlight here: a spectacular Test held on dusty closed roads through brilliant yellow rape fields and a visit to a farmyard and through a cow shed whilst trying to keep to strict Regularity timing. All generously opened to competitors by the Coleman family themselves.
Regularities and Time Controls followed, including a visit to the Top of Coom, Ireland’s highest pub, and more gravel tests before the arrival at Sheen Falls Lodge. Rally the Globe’s contingent was joined there for dinner by none other than Billy and Carmel Coleman.
The twisty, gravel-heavy stages on day two favoured the nimble Frazer Nashes over the bigger Bentleys. As a result, the Goodwins slipped back to fifth overall, while the Frazer Nash crews of Theo Hunt and his father Martin Hunt climbed into first and second. The impressive 1937 Aston Martin Speed of Simon Arscott and Emily Anderson moved into third.
Family Fortunes and Coastal Challenges
Glorious weather continued into day three, with competitors treated to sweeping coastal views over Bantry Bay. The Tests, however, proved tougher. Drivers and navigators were challenged by technical sections at the Cork Autograss Track and a winding course through the rhododendrons of Hollybrook House.
While Theo Hunt maintained his overall lead, father Martin along with navigator Bob Mannix faded from the top five after struggling to locate a critical, but tricky turning. In his place, Shane Houlihan and Richard Pain climbed into second in their Frazer Nash–BMW, with Arscott and Anderson’s Aston Martin still going strong in third.
A Climactic Final Day
The fourth and final day delivered a fitting crescendo, with four more Regularities and three Tests through Ireland’s awe-inspiring southwest.
Competitors traced a route along the Wild Atlantic Way, through the dramatic Caha Mountains and across the Sheep’s Head Peninsula. A testing climb to the summit of the Healy Pass provided both a literal and metaphorical high point.
Despite mounting pressure, Hunt and Galliver held firm to secure victory. The final leaderboard, however, saw significant shifts: Houlihan and Pain dropped to fifth after suffering mechanical issues, overtaken by Arscott and Anderson in second, the 1929 Chrysler Roadster of David and Jo Roberts in third, and Gavin and Diana Henderson’s 1939 Frazer Nash BMW 328 in fourth.
In truth, every participant was a winner in what many hailed as the most spectacular Vintage Shamrock yet.
“The organisation has been outstanding and the roads and the route have been amazing,” said Hunt. “I don’t think I’ve ever been to an event where everyone’s been so friendly, so thanks to all for their massive efforts, and hopefully we’ll see some of them next year.”
Special Awards and What’s Next
Alongside class and overall trophies, the discretionary Spirit of the Rally Award was presented to David Brabazon and Celia Drane in recognition of their enthusiasm, teamwork, and infectious spirit. The prize was awarded by Sinead O’Leary of Chubb, who praised the rally’s blend of tradition and fresh energy.
“It’s hard to beat that part of the world in brilliant spring sunshine,” said Mark Appleton, Rally the Globe’s Chief Operating Officer. “I must congratulate Anthony Preston on putting together such a terrific route which really showcased all the wonders of South West Ireland. The Shamrock is such a special event on the calendar much admired by all for its unique camaraderie and competition – this year’s event has further enhanced those very special credentials.”
The 2025 rallying season continues with Carrera Andalucía (22 June – 3 July), offering sun-soaked driving through Spain’s historic southern landscapes. This is followed by the Suffolk Cloverleaf (5–8 August), and culminates in the extraordinary Islands of Japan Marathon (18 September – 16 October), promising a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the Land of the Rising Sun.
Looking further ahead, 2026 will bring more adventures, with the Generations Rally confirmed for 20–22 March, based near the Forest of Dean. The ever-popular Vintage Shamrock will return to Ireland’s south-east, alongside new events in Scandinavia and northern Spain.
With demand growing and events regularly selling out, prospective participants are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment.
