Lines of magnificent classic cars will arrive in Cobh on Saturday, 23 June for the annual Cobh Classic. Now in its 7th year, the event has grown in popularity and numbers since it first began back in 2012.
Up to 50 cars, some over 100 years old, will traverse the roads of East Cork on a 60 mile route which has been designed to take in some spectacular scenery on smooth roads in deference to the age profile of the participating cars.
The event will start from the Commodore Hotel in Cobh at 11.30 and will follow a route via Midleton and Cloyne to a coffee break at Garryvoe Beach. Thereafter the route continues via Shanagarry, Ladysbridge, Castlemartyr and back to Cobh at 4pm, where the cars will be on display in the town centre, while the crews enjoy a post event meal and prizegiving ceremony at the Commodore Hotel
Check-in for the event is from 09.30 and the cost of entry is €25 (three course meal included).
Cobh has always had connections to motor sport in various guises, one of those was in the late 70’s and early 80’s in the form of The Commodore Hotel Rally. In its first three years as a Rallying tour, took place on the roads of Great Island, and stretching out towards Carrigtwohill and surrounding areas.
The event later moved to Fota Island where it became known as Commodore Hotel Rally Sprint. It was highly successful and funds raised from the events contributed in a big way to the setting up of what is now Fota Wildlife Park. The rally continued at Fota for a number of years until insurance costs became excessive and the event had to be cancelled.
It’s quite possible that some of the cars taking part in the June event may have taken part in those rallies, certainly quite a few of the event organisers were also organisers and indeed participants in those exciting days of Cobh motorsport.
Cobh Classic Car Club was founded in 2011 with the goal of bringing together those with an interest in vintage and classic cars. Members don’t need to own an old car, just have an interest them.
The club meets in the Commodore hotel at 8pm on the second Wednesday of every month and during summer months organises evening drives to local places of interest.
Further details can be had from Event Secretary Tom McGoey on 087 2121442. or Email: cobhclassiccarclub@gmail.com