THE annual car show in memory of Leona Harper was a “great success” this year, with all funds raised going towards CRITICAL Emergency Medical Response.
A car show has been held for the past few years in memory of Leona, who lost her life in the Creeslough tragedy on October 7, 2022 at the age of 14.
Leona was an avid motorsports fan and had a keen interest in cars. She was a huge fan of rally driver Garry Jennings, who was a judge at this year’s car show.
Speaking about Sunday’s event, Leona’s father Hugh Harper said: “It was a great success. I couldn’t believe the amount of people that turned up. It really made the day.”
Over €2,600 has been raised for CRITICAL so far this year, with more funds still to be counted.
The Harper family has given back to the charity each year of the car show. CRITICAL crews, including Dr Gerry Lane, were quick to respond to the scene of the Creeslough explosion.
Hugh has praised the charity for the work they do in emergency situations and several members of CRITICAL were at the car show.
“They were explaining to people what their services were about, what they did and who they work with, and they were giving out a lot of information,” he said. “It was great to listen, it was great to have them there.”
The car show was held at Snugborough restaurant in Letterkenny. It attracted over 200 competitors who travelled from as far as Sligo for the event, with six prizes awarded to the best cars.
“It was unreal to see, but the competition was tight,” said Hugh. “Every car that was there deserved something, but unfortunately not every car can.”
A car belonging to the late F1 team owner Eddie Jordan was brought up from Dublin especially for the event.
After the car show, around 150 cars took part in a run to The Stables Motorsport Centre in Frosses.
As the car show grows from strength to strength, Hugh is already looking ahead to next year.
He has thanked all sponsors and attendees who made the car show possible.
“Garry Jennings for judging the cars, John and Eoin Watson from Watson Tool Hire, SR Motors Milford, Snugborough Urban Street Food for the use of the venue, The Station House Hotel, The Stables Motorsport Centre, An Garda Síochána, Garda Niall Maguire and his sidekick Garda Gráinne Doherty. Donagh Kelly, who brought the F1 car all the way from Dublin.
“To everyone that helped on the day and those who took their cars, without them there is no car show.”
Ferrari at the car show.