Cannonball Supercars Return to Cork for Jack and Jill Charity Drive

Europe's largest organised road trip brings its spectacular supercar parade back to Ballymaloe on 12 September, with Radio Nova presenters PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe unveiling the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation as this year's official charity partner.

The high-octane fundraising event, which has already raised over €2 million for Irish children's charities, will see more than 200 of the world's most prestigious supercars roar through Cork as part of a three-day charity mission starting from Johnstown Estate in Enfield.

Cannonball 2025 kicks off on Friday 12 September with its first lunch stop at Ballymaloe, before continuing through Killarney, Clare, Sligo, and Cavan, finishing in Naas on Sunday 14 September. The event, fuelled by miles+ from Circle K, features everything from Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to Porsche, Aston Martin and Maserati.

PJ Gallagher, Radio Nova presenter:

"We broadcasted our show from the start line at Cannonball last year and we were blown away by the atmosphere and the buzz of it all. We can't wait to be there at the start line at Johnstown Estate again on 12th September! We're no James Bonds; but Jim's always shaken, and PJ's always stirring it!"

The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation provides in-home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for children from birth to six years with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs. The charity has supported 384 Cork families since 1997 and currently cares for 57 children across the county.

The service operates seven days a week with no means test, no red tape and no waiting list, providing up to 100 hours of nursing care per month. For exhausted parents managing round-the-clock care regimes, Jack and Jill offers what families describe as a "lifeline".

Cannonball founder Alan Bannon estimates the event brings €2.5 million in economic benefit to host towns each year. Over 200,000 spectators are expected to line the route, with free festivals featuring Brazilian dancers, live DJs, bands and giant screens creating a carnival atmosphere.

This year, organisers are encouraging spectators to join the spectacle by dressing up in fancy dress, with prizes for the best costumes. Previous years have seen everything from Spider-Man to Star Wars characters, Catwoman to Wonder Woman, adding to the family-friendly pageantry.

The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation must raise over €7.9 million in 2025 to maintain its vital services, with only 21.5% of funding coming from the HSE. The charity currently supports 440 families nationwide, providing nursing care for children who may be tube-fed, oxygen-dependent, or require complex medication regimes.

For Cork families, the Ballymaloe stop offers the perfect opportunity to witness these automotive marvels up close while supporting a charity that has been a cornerstone of paediatric care in the county for nearly three decades.

Full event details and spectator information can be found at www.cannonball.ie.