The GT900 in aid of the Hope Foundation

Motor enthusiasts of Ireland gathered at Fota Island last weekend for the first annual GT900, a non-competitive rally event in aid of the Hope Foundation, a Cork based charity that helps children in Calcutta to break the cycle of poverty. The event was sponsored by Alfa Romeo, as well as many Irish companies. Several hotels and venues around the country also joined in to take cater for the participants along the 3 day trip.

The full crew

The event kicked off on Friday morning last, with the participants driving a variety of cars ranging from Audi R8s and Ferrari Testarossas, to a 1983 DeLorean, an Irish classic and straight out of the Back to the Future series. Kearys was well represented with our own Con O’Leary of Kearys Lexus, along with his co-driver Derek Griffin, completing the route in a beautiful 2008 Lexus IS F.

The Lexus IS F

The Kearys Lexus IS F

Dromoland Castle

Pitstop for the view

As the name suggests, the GT900 encompassed a 900km route, beginning and ending in Cork and passing through Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Galway and Sligo. The extensive tour took participants through the Connemara, Molls Gap, Clew Bay and Leenane Fjord, among many other breathtaking locations around the country.

GT900 route map Stage 1

GT900 route map Stage 2

GT900 route map Stage 3

Much more than just a rally, the GT900 had its own traveling entertainment – the Irish band Jamirrorquai (tribute and look-alike of Jay Kay’s Jamiroquai band) – not to mention champagne receptions and events in venues all over Ireland like Limerick’s the Sin Bin and Cork’s Soho. Even the most famous driver in the world, Top Gear’s “The Stig”, went along for the ride!

The Stig relaxes along the route

The goal of the event was to raise €100,000 euro for the Hope Foundation, and with the great turnout and excellent sponsorship they believe the final figure won’t disappoint. Maureen Forrest of the Hope Foundation had the following to say about the event:

“We are delighted that so many motor enthusiasts are getting behind their beautiful wheels and coming out to support the Hope Foundation. It is going to be a very exciting event next July. Of course, we are thrilled that the GT900 Rally is raising much needed funds for the Hope Foundation, which will go towards healthcare, education, vocational training and drug rehabilitation projects, as well as to funding our child protection programmes.”

Donal Cotter

Images courtesy of Pat Browne, see the full gallery of images http://picasaweb.google.com/Munster.Images/Gt900#