Jake Carter and Karen Byrne join Retro Cannonball 2025 at Kinnitty Castle

Musician Jake Carter and Dancing with the Stars judge Karen Byrne are set to join the excitement for Retro Cannonball 2025 at Kinnitty Castle next week.

Spectators and families in Offaly can get up close, see some rare classic cars, take photographs, meet the drivers and enjoy the timeless allure of vintage automobiles at Kinnitty Castle on Friday June 13 at approximately 4pm as the drivers take a pitstop.

The Glitterball trophy-winning pair are lending their support to the Jack and Jill Foundation to bring awareness to its vital in-home nursing and respite care service, which is a lifeline to over 400 families across Ireland, including 41 children in Offaly.

Retro Cannonball is the classic car road-trip and 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.

Speaking at the launch, Jake and Karen said: “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.

"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 onto the high-roads and by-roads along the route to check out this incredible spectacle.

"And 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.”

See www.cannonball.ie for details of all events.