Retro Cannonball is coming to Mayo

Retro Cannonball is making its way back to Westport.

On the 24 and 25 of May, 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 pit stop where 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. All proceeds from the event will go to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

Coming on the back of a multi-try-scoring run, Leinster and Ireland rugby star, scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park has announced that he 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.

He said: “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.”

Deirdre Walsh, CEO of Jack and Jill, said they are honoured Cannonball Ireland have chosen to support Jack and Jill again this year.

“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,” she added.

_{Jamison Gibson-Park with Cannonball Founder Alan Bannon at the event launch (Photo:Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland)}

Classic cars are all about the experience, style, exclusivity and craftsmanship, all of which are universal and timeless. 

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 & 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.  

 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, pit stops and lunch stops.

Cannonball founder Alan Bannon said they are ‘welcoming cars from the golden era of the 60s,70’s, 80s and early 90s to take in stunning drives and many famous Irish landmarks’.

“Classic cars not only appeal to car lovers, but also to lovers of engineering, design, art and history. They retain an incurable romance and that is the reason why people do, and always will, love classic cars,” he concluded.

Registration is now open for Cannonball Ireland, see their website for more details.