Have we just seen the new Bond? Or should that be Bonds? Well, maybe not - it's sadly unlikely that either of Radio Nova's PJ Gallagher or Jim McCabe have been picked by director Denis Villeneuve to star in the next 007 film, but they did at least get to play at being superspies, complete with tuxedos and an Aston Martin DB11, to launch the latest Cannonball charity supercar run.
What is the Cannonball?
Inspired by both the genuine illegal coast-to-coast races of the 1970s in the US, and the subsequent films starring Burt Reynolds and - in a rare break from Bond duties - Roger Moore - the Irish version of the Cannonball Run is a round-Ireland supercar parade that gives car nuts the opportunity to see some of the coolest fast cars around, as well as raising lots of money for charity.
Gallagher and McCabe (sounds like an ITV2 detective drama…) were publicising the fact that not only is this year's Cannonball due to set off on September 12th, but that so far the annual event has raised a massive €2,024,809 for Irish childrens' charities, and this year the chosen charity is the Jack and Jill Foundation, which provides up to 100 hours per month of in-home nursing care and respite support to families caring for children, up to the age of six, with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs.
Where can I see the Cannonball?
Cannonball founder Alan Bannon confirmed that the 2025 Cannonball, supported by Circle K, is set to roll on September 12th-14th from Johnstown Estate in Enfield taking in Ballymaloe, Tralee, Killarney, Clare, Sligo, Cavan and finishes in Naas, Co Kildare. The entries include cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati. More than 200,000 spectators are expected to turn out over the weekend, with special events being held in each host town. There will be Brazilian Dancers, giant screens, music and fanfare as well as celebrities in colourful costumes from Spiderman to Star Wars, Cat Woman to Wonder Woman, cheerleaders to Charlie's Angels, Batman, the Joker and more. This year, organisers are also calling on spectators to dress up in fancy dress with prizes for best-dressed.
And the Bond thing?
Well, if you've got an Aston Martin, flaunt it, right? Actually, the whole idea was a 'mission briefing' for the upcoming event, and on the day, the DJs were joined by Jude Mangan (aged four) from Dublin alongside big brother Cillian (aged seven), mum Sandra and dad Ruairi. Brave little Jude was born with rare condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC) - a congenital brain abnormality and requires round-the-clock care. Devastatingly, Jude was also diagnosed with cancer in November 2023 and completed his treatment in January 2025. He is thankfully doing well today. Jude's family are just one of the 440 families across Ireland currently under the care of the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation.
“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! We've long been supporters of the Jack & Jill Children's Foundation and are proud to help raise awareness for what promises to be a spectacular fundraiser for this fantastic charity,” said Gallagher and McCabe.