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One of the most respected names in the local automotive industry will mark six decades of tireless commitment, innovation, and passion in partnership with August’s Ulster Rally.
For the fifth consecutive year, family-owned Modern Tyres is the headline sponsor of the closed-road event, which will be taking place on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August.
To celebrate its continued support and diamond anniversary milestone, Modern Tyres will be rolling out a special edition of rosette-inspired bonnet decal that will adorn each competing car at next month’s event. These elegant decals will glint in the summer sun – and serve as a suitable tribute to the family-owned company’s journey and successes.
“We are thrilled to be able to mark this special occasion in such a unique way,” said Rory Byrne, Director, Modern Tyres. “The 60th anniversary decals are a fitting symbol of the lasting legacy of Modern Tyres in local motoring – and motorsport circles.
“Reaching this big milestone is a testament to our incredible team and the loyalty of our customers over the years. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are more excited than ever for the future of Modern Tyres and its continued role supporting the Ulster Rally.”
Founded in 1965 in County Fermanagh, Modern Tyres started as a humble operation with a clear mission: to provide quality tyres and exceptional service to the motoring community. In 1975 it expanded with a Newry base at Bridge Street in the town. It’s now grown to become a leader in its sector, with franchises also operating in Ireland.
Since coming on board as the main sponsor of the Ulster Rally, a number of unforgettable scenes have been witnessed at the Northern Ireland Motor Club showpiece, including a first victory on Irish soil in 2023 for World Rally Championship driver Adrien Fourmaux, and Matt Edwards getting his hands on a third consecutive British crown two years earlier.
Next month, record crowds are expected to line the competitive route to see if County Derry driver Callum Devine can move another step closer toFor immediate release reclaiming the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship trophy for a second time alongside Noel O’Sullivan.
“In addition to its legacy, Modern Tyres is also the home of the rally, with its state-of-the-art facilities in Newry now serving as the beating heart of the event,” said the Ulster Rally Clerk of the Course, Wayne Turkington. “Its investment in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure ensures the rally remains one of the premier motorsport events locally."
For more information about Modern Tyres and its role in the 2025 Ulster Rally please visit www.ulsterrally.com
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Cathal Fegan's School of Tae Kwon Do have returned from a very successful World Championship in Barcelona.
Rachael Carvill claimed Gold in Hyperweight Sparring, securing victories over Spain, USA, and Argentina in an impressive final performance. Rachael also part of Team Ireland’s Silver in Team Breaking, as well as Bronze medals in Teams Patterns, Sparring, and Special Technique.
Aoife Loye finished 3rd in the world, with strong wins against Taiwan and Netherlands, before narrowly missing out in the semi-final against the UK. Aoife also contributed to Team Ireland’s Silver medals in Power Breaking, Special Technique, and Team Sparring.
Amy Bantleman was narrowly defeated by Argentina, but bounced back to play a key role in Team Ireland’s Silver in Team Breaking, as well as Bronze medals in Teams Patterns, Sparring, and Special Technique.
Ethan O’Kane faced a tough opponent from Argentina, who went on to reach the final. A strong effort from Ethan in a very competitive match.
Cara Mackin, competing in her first major adult event, gave it everything in a tight match, losing by just one point to USA. A fantastic debut performance.
James Walsh, at only 14 years old, was one of the youngest in his category. He faced a strong fighter from Argentina but showed incredible heart and determination. A valuable experience that will only help him grow.
Joe McKeown had a thrilling fight against Greece, leading for most of the match before a narrow loss in the final 15 seconds. A performance to be proud of.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience for all our fighters, bringing home more World Championship medals and valuable lessons. This success fuels our motivation to inspire and train the next generation of world medalists.
A huge thank you to Mr. Fegan and Mr. McLearnon for their dedication and support coaching throughout the event.
Well done CFTKD and a special congratulations to Team Ireland.
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Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver Callum Devine says he is primed and ready for the challenge that awaits over both days of next month’s Modern Tyres Ulster Rally in County Armagh.
Devine has never won the Northern Ireland Motor Club showpiece but knows success at the forty seventh instalment will see him crowned the 2025 Irish Tarmac Rally Champion.
The County Derry based driver put himself in the box seat for a second ITRC trophy following a superb win on June’s Donegal International alongside Noel O’Sullivan.
They held off the challenge of double FIA European Rally champion Hayden Paddon, M-Sport Ford-supported driver Jon Armstrong, and British Rally Championship frontrunner William Creighton to end the three-day contest with a commanding 20.3s margin. In the process, Devine became only the fourth person in history to win it three times in a row.
Remarkably, despite his success in the cross-border championship in recent campaigns, former Junior British title holder Devine is yet to triumph at the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally.
He is the bookies’ favourite to finally right that wrong on the weekend of August 15/16, despite a very competitive Rally2 contingent from the UK and Ireland standing in his way. These include former Tarmac champion Declan Boyle in another Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, Kevin Eves (Ford Fiesta Rally2), David Kelly (VW Polo) and James Ford (Citroen C3 Rally2).
“I am looking forward to the Ulster Rally. It’s always a good event, but a tricky one too,” said Devine. “The stages are very demanding and unique to Northern Ireland; what grip you have changes constantly, and the surface is unpredictable – it is such a big challenge.
“Mathematically, I can win the Championship at the Ulster, but I will need a strong result. That adds a bit of pressure because you’re trying to manage the risk if you find yourself in a good position. At the same time, the rally is notorious for unpredictable weather, muddy conditions, and plenty of places that can catch you out, so it requires full concentration.”
He added: “I know it is going to be a super tough weekend – but I am feeling confident and I am more than ready for the task in hand. It is going to be a big fight with the Rally2 boys.”
The top seeds will lead the field away on Friday, 15 August, from 3.30pm for the first of three closed road stages that are repeated later that evening. Saturday’s itinerary has a similar feel of two loops of three stages before the winners are crowned just before 5pm.
The service park and Rally HQ will both be based within the confines of Modern Tyres’ Carnbane Industrial Park premises, with this also hosting the finish ramp celebrations.
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Newry based teamwear specialists, PLAYR-FIT have raised an incredible £7,242 for Evora Hospice at their annual Business 5 aside football tournament.
Taking place over the past two weeks the Business 5s is a tournament that keeps growing with another 32 businesses and over 250 players getting involved this year.
What began as a simple idea to combine sport with giving back has grown into a key fixture on the local business calendar capturing a the community spirit in the sector.
Each team received bespoke jerseys designed by PLAYR-FIT, adding a personal touch to this fun and competitive event.
Week 1 of the tournament saw Norbrook crowned cup winners for the third time in four years, while Finnebrogue made a remarkable debut by securing the shield. Week 2 featured returning businesses Walltech Plastering & Drylining clinching the cup, with MyLife Bathrooms taking home the shield. Such a great atmosphere and community spirit as always across the two weeks.
The tournament highlights PLAYR-FIT’s commitment to giving back through what they do best - teamwear and teamwork.
“This initiative was born from our deep ties to local sport and a desire to make a real impact in the community,” said Kieran Quinn, PLAYR-FIT Director.
“The Hospice does incredible work, and we’re proud to support another outstanding local charity.”
Many of the participants have already expressed interest in returning even before next year’s registration has opened.
Testimonials from the charity also show the positive impact and difference PLAYR-FIT is making, Damien Hillen, Director of Development at Evora stated “We are genuinely honoured to have been chosen as PLAYR-FIT’S charity partner for the next three years.
"The team there has a real passion for supporting local causes and that shines through in everything they do, and we have seen the impact of their commitment and hard work up close.
"From their growing and popular Business 5-a-side tournament to the upcoming golf day, they go above and beyond to help raise vital funds to care for patients and their families.
"We are incredibly grateful to the entire team at PLAYR-FIT for supporting us and for making a real difference in our community.”
In addition to the football action, the event saw contributions from local health bodies and sponsors. During Men’s Health Week, in partnership with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, on-site health screenings and educational resources were provided. Local businesses DELI LITES and Rocwell generously sponsored food and refreshments for participants.
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The countdown is on to the 2025 Modern Tyres Ulster Rally, with two days of high-speed action and high calibre competition promised through the lanes of Counties Armagh and Tyrone from 15 to16 August.
The rally is a counting round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the one-make Nissan Micra Challenge, and the FIA European Rally Trophy (FIA ERT) and for 2025 a candidate event for the FIA European Historic Rally Championship in 2026.
Rory Byrne, Director, Modern Tyres who celebrate their 60th year in business is proud to be part of the event: “The Modern Tyres Ulster Rally brings together world-class talent, passionate fans, and incredible community spirit, values that have driven our business since day one. We’re proud to play our part in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of competition.”
All eyes will be on Callum Devine as he chases a second Irish Tarmac Rally Championship drivers’ title with Noel O’Sullivan, and although a first Ulster Rally victory would be the icing on the cake for the Claudy man, he is not going to have it all his own way.
Devine is the undisputed bookies’ favourite to end the Northern Ireland Motor Club event at the top of the timesheets given his recent red-hot form: seeded at number one in his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, he starts with three consecutive wins under his belt at the Circuit of Ireland Rally, the International Rally in Killarney and the Donegal International Rally.
Devine has already spoken of what it would mean to him personally were he to pull it off. “I have finished second there before, so I would love to finally go and win it – that would mean a lot,” said Devine, whose Skoda, like every other car, will sport specially designed door plates as a nod to Modern Tyres celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. “If we can wrap up the title on the Ulster it would be brilliant – but there is a big job in front of us.”
Competition comes in the guise of former British Rally Champion Osian Pryce who is making a first appearance in Rally2 machinery (Hyundai i20 N) this season.
2021 was the Welshman's last Ulster outing and, on that occasion, it ended in disappointment, a trip into a field on the closing miles handing victory and the British title to Matt Edwards.
Donegal man David Kelly could also spring a surprise on the Ulster given his recent turn of pace aboard his older generation Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. Kelly has podiumed at both the Circuit and Donegal and climbed to fourth in Killarney before retirement beckoned.
Making his ninth start of a busy campaign is England's Neil Roskell (Ford Fiesta Rally2). Despite failing to challenge the Irish hierarchy to date, he still has buckets of speed, as his tally of fourteen podiums in the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship confirms.
Other notable starters include former Irish Tarmac champion Declan Boyle (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) and the returning Darren Gass (Volkswagen Polo GTI R5), as well as Chris Ford (Citroen C3 Rally2) and closed-road specialist Mark Kelly in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5.
Ulster Rally Clerk of the Course, Wayne Turkington, said: “The countdown is well and truly on, and we are proud to welcome a stellar line-up for this year’s Modern Tyres Ulster Rally.
“With top-tier talent like Callum Devine, Osian Pryce, Declan Boyle and David Kelly in the mix, fans can expect two days of fierce competition through the lanes of Tyrone and Armagh. As always, the Ulster is about more than just speed – it is about precision, passion, and delivering a top-class event that challenges the best whilst thrilling spectators,” added Turkington.
The two-day event features over 100 miles of competitive stages, including several challenging night time tests and a world-class state-of-the-art servicing facility at the Modern Tyres headquarters at the Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry.
New for 2025 will be a regroup on Saturday lunchtime at the bustling Boulevard shopping district allowing shoppers and rally fans the chance to get close to the stars and cars.
Every stage, the service park and the regroup are all free to attend and welcoming for all spectators.
For more information about Modern Tyres and its role in the 2025 Ulster Rally, please visit www.ulsterrally.com
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Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has congratulated the winners of the All-Ireland Road Bowls Series 2, hosted by Keady/Tassagh Road Bowls, and celebrated the event as a showcase of Armagh’s proud sporting heritage.
Speaking of the event Mr Boylan said “It was a fantastic day for sport and community, with a brilliant atmosphere and a proud celebration of our tradition of road bowls here in Armagh.
“I want to commend Minister Liz Kimmins for her address at the event and for being presented with her own road bowl plaque in recognition of her support for the sport.
"It was also fantastic to see Armagh legend Michael Toal honoured with a wall plaque for his outstanding contribution, including an incredible ten All-Ireland titles."
“We were also delighted to meet local GAA and Road Bowls All-Ireland Champion Ethan Rafferty, which underlines the strong connection between these two sports.
Mr Boylan added: "Road bowls have deep roots across the island, with a particularly proud tradition here in Armagh — especially in communities like Tassagh, Madden and Keady.
He congratulated the seven All-Ireland Champions — Ethan Rafferty, Kelly Mallon, Conor McGuigan, Megan O’Reilly, Caolan Carr, Gemma McCann and Gene McVeigh for their dedication, skill and commitment to the sport.
adding “Sinn Féin will always stand up for Irish sport, culture, and community, protecting the traditions that shape who we are."
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Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver Callum Devine and co-driver Noel O’Sullivan achieved a historic result on the 2025 Modern Tyres Ulster Rally at the weekend (15-16 August), sealing their first win on the Northern Ireland Motor Club event and with it their second Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title.
This years rally utilised stages around the Newry and Banbridge areas over the two days with 12 stages and 100 miles of competitive miles for the crews.
After years of trying Devine from County Derry and O’Sullivan from County Kerry dominated the event from start to finish and finished 21.4 seconds clear of the chasing pack.
The Ulster Rally had been one of the rally wins alluding the pair - but a commanding drive across the event also put their hands back on the coveted Bertie Fisher - Irish Tarmac Championship trophy after their last title triumph in 2023.
The Skoda pairing were chased hard by overseas visitor Osian Pryce with Irishman Andy Hayes sat alongside. The Welshman, who won the 2022 British Rally Championship, was using the Ulster as a warm-up for the UK round of the FIA European Rally Championship next month. Pryce took a few stages to dial himself into the C&M Motorsport Hyundai i20 Rally2 - which he was using for the first time, but by the Friday night stages was challenging for stage wins. From his opening stage base camp of third, Osian reeled in Declan Boyle and Patrick Walsh ahead in their Skoda Fabia Rally2 and on stage nine of 12 leapfrogged himself into a respectable second overall.
2014 Irish Tarmac Champion, Boyle has found a new lease of life in the Skoda and was revelling in the fight for victory and fastest stage times. With Welsh navigator Patrick Walsh calling the notes - third overall was a popular result with the thousands of fans lining the stages.
New for 2025 was a Regroup at The Boulevard Outlet, allowing hundreds of spectators the chance to see the cars and stars close up - just moments after tackling the stages. Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council - Stephen Moutray was present to help wave the event off into the Saturday afternoon stages.For immediate release
Speaking at the end of the final speed test, Devine was elated. “It’s fantastic, the rally couldn’t have gone any better for us - to get the win as well is brilliant. It’s been a great year for us, we didn’t actually plan a championship campaign but when we won in Killarney it gave us an incentive and to win four rounds on the bounce is incredible and my first Ulster win just tops it all off. Everything was faultless - Noel reading the notes, the team, my family - it’s a big effort from everyone to pull it all together.”
Devine was full of praise for the volunteer team from the Northern Ireland Motor Club. “The event has run like clockwork, so incredibly smooth and the weather was superb. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, marshals and organisers for making all of this happen - without them it wouldn’t be possible. It’s been a great rally all round.”
Elsewhere the meteoric rise of Kevin Eves and Chris Melly (Ford Fiesta Rally2) was clear to see, with the Irish pairing locking horns with more experienced crews around them. A clean and tidy run saw them chalk up fourth - their best ITRC result since their switch from a two-wheel-drive Toyota Corolla. Rounding out the top five was English duo Neil Roskell and Dan Barritt (Ford Fiesta Rally2) - who can be proud of their efforts with one of their best drives this side of the Irish Sea. The crew had made it up to sixth overall and were trying to keep tabs on British Asphalt rivals Mark Kelly and Will Atkins (VW Polo R5) ahead, but a last stage mechanical woe put Kelly and Atkins on the sidelines and out of the lead in the National Rally in the process.
In the race for the Modified victory, Damian Toner and Aodhan Gallagher made it back-to-back wins on the Ulster in their Ford Escort Mk2 after a storming drive to eighth overall, fastest rear-wheel-drive car honour, and with Kelly and Atkins being forced to retire - the accolades continued for the MK2 crew with the National Rally win going their way too.
Ben McFall and Damian McAuley on the opening day dominated the front-wheel-drive RC4 class in their Ford Fiesta Rally4, but an off road excursion retired them out of the order on Saturday morning - handing the lead to Kalum Graffin and Mark McGeehan aboard their Peugeot 208 Rally4. Graffin had just switched from the gravel of the British championship the weekend before and was learning his new Peugeot on the sealed-surface for the first time. The Irishman improved with every stage - but cited more will come in the future. The class win and 15th overall is a strong result for the teenager on his Ulster debut.
The 2025 edition of the Ulster Rally was also under the watchful eye of the world motorsport governing body - the FIA, as the Northern Ireland event aims for a slot on the 2026 FIA
European Rally Championship calendar. Stepping into the spotlight on the stages in the Historic Class was John O’Donnell and Paddy Robinson who commanded the Historic section in their powerful BMW M3. The pair were a crowd favourite and entertained their way to the category win and 11th overall in their sideways fashion.
Elsewhere, the Saturday Nissan Micra event was won by Andrew Bushe and Geraldine McBride who walked away with the Nissan Micra class with their Kit Car variant, while Ronan Dorrian and Mickey Joe Brown (Honda Civic) won the Junior Rally.For immediate release
Reflecting on the 48th instalment of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally, Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington said: “The weather was perfect, the spectators came out in their droves and we put on a tough, two day test for the competitors - all the ingredients for a fantastic event once again.
The event was extra special for Modern Tyres, with the rally marking the last big event in their 60th anniversary year "Their support is unwavering and they have been the perfect host for the rally once again with their fantastic facilities in Newry. Thank you to them, all our other partners, competitors, marshals, volunteers, spectators, residents and homeowners on the route - we couldn’t have done it without you all." said Turkington.
He added “On behalf of the Northern Ireland Motor Club, we would like to also congratulate Callum and Noel on the event win and their second Irish Tarmac Championship title. Their first win on the Ulster - you could see it meant everything to them, and what a way to cap off a hugely successful season - one that will mark him as one of the stand out crews of their generation.
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This year’s Desy Jennings Football Festival saw over 1,000 young players and 80 teams light up the pitch, with skill, sportsmanship, and plenty of excitement on display.
The community festival raised an amazing total of £5,100 for NICHS, supporting vital heart and stroke services in the community.
Members of the Desy Jennings Football Festival presented a cheque for £5,100 to Sarah Herron from Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) following the success of this year’s Football Festival held in Jennings Park from 5- 8 June.
The four-night event brought together over 1,000 young people and 80 teams from across Ireland. Now in its third year, the tournament included a dedicated girls’ competition for the first time, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport.
Organiser Marty Jennings said: “We are delighted with how the festival has grown. The standard of skill and sportsmanship shown by the young players was outstanding, and it was especially poignant to see several memorial cups played in memory of much-loved local people. To raise such a fantastic amount for NICHS is something we are very proud of. The funds will help support vital services such as cardiac rehabilitation, family support, and research into heart and stroke conditions, making a real difference to lives here in Northern Ireland. Introducing the girls’ tournament was a real highlight, and we’re excited to build on this success for the future.”
Organisers are already planning for next year’s festival, which will run from 4–7 June 2026, and promise it will be even bigger and better, with more teams and activities to enjoy.
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St Killian’s GAC hosted a very popular golf event at Ashfield Golf Course, Cullyhanna on Saturday past, 23 August with around 200 turning up for the Jim and Barry Malone Golf Classic.
The club teamed up with the Malone family to host its first golf day since 2022, in memory of the much-loved Whitecross brothers and golfing enthusiasts Jim and Barry.
Main event sponsors were Walltech Drylining and Plastering and Corlatt Construction Services Ltd.
65 local business and families sponsored tees and 46 sponsored holes.
Golfers were treated to a barbecue on the 9th hole, sponsored by D&C Furnishings and fabulous hospitality by Ashfield Golf Club afterwards.
Prizegiving celebrations took place on Saturday evening at O’Hanlon’s Bar, Whitecross with a raffle and entertainment from local group ‘Still Tuning.’
Club Chairman Kieran Shields thanked everyone who got behind the event and paid tribute to the legacy that the Malone brothers have left to the club and village, supporting young people through the GAA, providing employment and involvement with Whitecross Community Association.
The award winners who received prizes kindly sponsored by Inicio-Interiors, Fisher & Fisher, Tullyherron Farm Feeds and Malcor Fitout Ltd were:
Par 3 16th - box of golf balls: Brendan Leonard
Par 3 8th - box of golf balls: Chris O’Hanlon
Longest drive ladies - box of golf balls: Brenda Cranney
Longest drive men - box of golf balls: Paul Loughran
3rd prize - golf hats and umbrellas: Rodney Quinn, Tony Hughes, Colly Stuttard, Paul McCann
2nd prize - golf shoes: Frank Simpson, Niall Derry, Martin Hollywood, Matthew Murray
1st prize - range finders, engraved whiskey glasses and the Jim and Barry Malone Golf Classic Cup: Ronan O’Hare, Lorcan Mussen, Paul Crilly and Eamon Coulter.
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