County Waterford has been transformed into a haven for rally fans this weekend as 145 classic and historic rally cars gather for the 2025 Déjà Vu festival — a celebration of Irish motorsport heritage and community spirit.

The event, which began on Friday evening with registration and a welcome reception in Dungarvan, continues through to today (Sunday) with a farewell Cars and Coffee meet-up on Dungarvan Square. Proceeds from the weekend’s activities will support Dungarvan Community Hospital, with funds also going to the Craig Breen Foundation.

Organised by the volunteer team at RPM Déjà Motorsport Ltd, Déjà Vu has become a fixture on the Irish motorsport calendar. Now in its twelfth year, the not-for-profit series has already raised more than €375,000 for local causes. Following last year’s event in Donegal, Waterford plays host in 2025, before the action moves to Belfast next year.

Saturday’s highlight was the “rally that’s not a rally” — a 150-mile tour tracing the scenic beauty and legendary rally routes of the county. Beginning and ending in Dungarvan, the run took participants across the Copper Coast, through Tramore and Dunmore East, up to Mount Congreve, and past the breathtaking Mahon Falls. There were no stopwatches or stage times — just the roar of engines and a shared appreciation for rally history.

Among the standout participants this weekend are local competitors Marie Moloney of Dungarvan and her long-time co-driver Catherine Tracey. Behind the wheel of their iconic Opel, the pair revisited the car and camaraderie that defined their successful 1980s rallying careers. Together, they claimed multiple Tarmac Championship class wins and three Irish Ladies Championships, competing on seven Circuits of Ireland and representing their country abroad.

The festival also pays tribute to Waterford’s own Craig Breen, the much-loved rally driver who tragically lost his life in 2023. The Craig Breen Foundation, one of this year’s beneficiaries, continues his legacy by supporting the next generation of young Irish rally talents.

For Dungarvan Community Hospital, the event offers more than a spectacle — it provides valuable support for vital services.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Paula French, Director of Nursing at the hospital, said:

“Dungarvan Community Hospital has an excellent reputation as a care facility and the team here are deeply appreciative of the support we get from families of our residents and the wider community around us.

“The Friends of Dungarvan Community Hospital, with whom we work very closely, are a fantastic help through their wide range of fundraising activities that enable us to have additional supports and resources for what we do.

“No doubt, the ‘Déjà Vu’ event will bring great colour to the county this weekend and we are delighted, through the friends group, that services we provide in the Vincent’s Unit at the hospital are identified to benefit from the funds raised this year.

“I look forward to attending the gala dinner on behalf of Dungarvan Community Hospital and we are very thankful to the organisers for their focus in this year’s event on the part of our hospital in which we provide care for those facing life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses,” added Ms French.

Following Saturday’s main run, participants and supporters gathered for a gala dinner at Dungarvan’s Park Hotel, featuring entertainment, interviews, motorsport footage and a charity auction.

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