Louise Bourke, 23, will be making a home county appearance this weekend when she competes in the Stonethrowers Rally, having grown up watching the competition.
The Clonmel woman, who lives and works in Killarney, got into the sport having watched her uncle Sidney Bourke compete over the years.
Fast forward to 2024 and she is now involved with the
Killarney and District Motor Club, who helped her on her way to the Rally of the Lakes, where she picked up the Novice Award in the junior class.
The University of Limerick graduate was joined by experienced co-driver Tom Kenneally of
RallyConnection Rally Driving School in Dungarvan, and he'll be working with her again at this week's event in Tipperary.
Speaking about her interest in rallying, Louise said: "It all started with my uncle Sidney when he brought me down to RallyConnection Rally School in Dungarvan for a spin in his car. While there I met Tom and he encouraged me to get my licence and go into competition. After graduating I moved to Killarney for a graduate programme.
"I didn't know many people there so decided to join the Killarney and District Motor Club.
"The club was so welcoming and I've met some great people there. I started getting roped into helping out at events, which I was delighted to do as it helped me understand and appreciate the time and effort that goes into this sport.
"I love it, the Rally of the Lakes was great. Going into it for us it was just about getting out there and getting the car back in one piece. I didn't go in with any expectations, it was all about going out and getting my first one done.
"I'm really looking forward to the Stonethrowers. When I was younger I remember going over to watch Sidney, and as it was local it was one of the ones I was able to go to. So to actually be in it means a lot to me.
"Thankfully, with the first rally we had no drama with the car and got it back in one piece, so it is just a case of making a few minor tweaks and we're ready to go again.
"I've been getting loads of support and I wouldn't have been able to do any of this without it.
"I'd like to say a big thank you to Sidney Bourke, Triton Showers, RallyConnection, Bernard Bourke Ltd, Reens Rathmore, Castleisland Tyre Centre, Moriarty’s Central Car Sales, Tricel, Finol Oils and The Warehouse Café, who all sponsored me for the Rally of the Lakes".
Co-driver Tom Kenneally said Louise's performance at the Lakes was "unbelievably good" for a first-timer. And added that he sees a lot of potential in her.
"I thought I would be in for a slow spin with the aim of just getting around, but she's really competitive and she learns very quickly. We had a fantastic run in Kerry - we're really pleased.
"We are looking forward to this weekend, but there's a bit of work to do on it as we wait to do the recce and get our notes together.
"Louise is a great driver, and also a great listener. She takes all the advice she's getting on board and executes it really well. She's very enthusiastic and very knowledgeable and it showed in Killarney.
"I see big opportunities coming for her in the sport, and it's great to see women getting involved in it too. Louise has the potential to be up there if she keeps getting the miles in".
Louise's uncle Sidney Bourke, who is also her main sponsor through his company Sidney Bourke Tiles, said he is really excited to see how she progresses.
"She has taken to the sport big time, it's brilliant. We almost have the car ready, and you can tell she's all ready and hungry to just get out there.
"Her first event in Kerry was brilliant, you could see her getting more confident as she went onto each stage. I could tell that even at the finish line when it was all over she just wanted to keep going.
"She's still learning, it'll take a few years to get a handle on a car fully, but she has the right attitude and loads of potential".
