Cannonball Ireland raises over €2.2M for Irish children’s charities

The roar of engines in Enfield marked the start of this year’s Cannonball Ireland, and behind the glamour of the supercars was a heartwarming mission that has now raised more than €2.27 million for Irish children’s charities.

Since partnering with the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation in 2022, the action-packed supercar road trip has raised an incredible €781,914 for the charity, including €317,819 this year alone.

The 2025 event, which took place from September 12th to 14th, drew more than 250,000 spectators to towns and villages across Ireland, with a spectacular start line in Enfield.

The colourful cavalcade of over 200 supercars and hypercars, complete with celebrities, helicopters, and drivers in costume, brought unforgettable free family entertainment to local communities.

Behind the glamour and horsepower, however, lies a powerful purpose supporting families of children with complex medical needs.

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation provides up to 100 hours per month of in-home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for children from birth to seven years of age with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs.

Funds were raised through several initiatives, including Circle K Ireland’s nationwide campaign, “When You Fill, Support Jack and Jill.”

The initiative saw one cent from every litre of miles and milesPLUS fuel sold at Circle K sites across Ireland during the Cannonball weekend donated to the charity, generating €100,000 this year alone. That sum will fund 5,555 hours of in-home nursing care for families supported by Jack and Jill.

Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, said the support from Cannonball and Circle K has made a life-changing difference.

“All of us at Jack and Jill are blown away by the funds raised this year through our partnership with Cannonball and Circle K,” she said. “It translates to 17,710 hours of in-home nursing and respite care for 456 Jack and Jill families nationwide. Over our three-year partnership, an incredible €781,914 has been raised, funding 43,438 hours of vital care.”

“Travelling across Ireland with the Cannonball crew and meeting our wonderful families is always a joy. We’re so grateful to the Cannonball community for their time, creativity and energy in making our families part of this spectacular event.”

Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, also praised the initiative.

“It was fantastic to support Cannonball and the Jack and Jill Foundation again this year,” she said. “Our ‘When You Fill, Support Jack and Jill’ campaign captured the imagination of our customers and colleagues, and together we raised €100,000 to support the remarkable work of the Foundation.

“Cannonball is such a special event, bringing communities together in a fun and meaningful way while making a real difference to families who rely on Jack and Jill’s care.”

Alan Bannon, founder of Cannonball Ireland, thanked everyone involved for their generosity and spirit.

“Raising over three-quarters of a million euro for Jack and Jill is something we’re incredibly proud of,” he said. “Each year, the Cannonball family — our sponsors, participants, spectators and crew — come together not just for the love of cars but to make a real difference for Irish children and families. This milestone is a testament to the generosity, energy and heart that fuel Cannonball.”

Now in its 15th year, Cannonball Ireland is the largest organised road trip in Europe, featuring some of the world’s most prestigious marques, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin and Maserati. Founded by Kildare businessman Alan Bannon, the event also delivers an estimated €2.56 million in economic benefit to host towns each year.

Cannonball is proudly fuelled by milesPLUS from Circle K Ireland, with official partners including Jade Insurance, Monster Energy, Capital Switch, Combilift, Karl Goodwin Motors, Task Security Systems, AB Signs and Majestic Ireland Road Trips.

For more information, visit www.cannonball.ie

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