THE mention of Carrigfadda as a location instantly brings a focus on walking and the 1.9km trip to the summit where, on a good day, it's possible to see the Old Head of Kinsale, Cape Clear, Mount Gabriel, Galley Head Lighthouse and Mushera Mountain.

The walk and the aforementioned views are familiar to local 21-year-old Brian Ronan, who along with his long-time friend Cian Minihane from Leap, will embark on a very different trek as they make their rallying debut on this week's Clonakilty Park Hotel West Cork Rally.

Their presence, with a seeding of 161, in Clonakilty’s three-day spectacular is the by-product of an even longer journey as Brian's brother John is currently on an open-ended vacation to Australia.

Last year John competed in the Cork '20' Rally and the Fastnet Rally. Given that he is now in Australia, his front-wheel drive Class 11F Honda Civic is parked up and that was a little indicator for Brian to delve deeper into the prospect of making the most of an opportunity for which he didn't need much encouragement.

‘Sure I've always had the (rallying) bug, but it's just that the car is there so why not (drive it). I can't wait for it now and it's not too far away,’ he said.

Brian explained his selection of 23-year-old electrician Cian Minihane to read the pacenotes on the 16-stage rally.

‘We know each other from our secondary school days in Mount St Michael's in Rosscarbery and both of us were always interested in cars. We were always looking at it (rallying) with my brothers Seamus and John,’ he explained.

As for setting targets, there is a sense of realism akin to climbing Carrigfadda as Brian simply states: ‘To get to the finish in this case.’

Brian, who is employed at Clonakilty Engineering, is also fortunate that he can call upon its managing director David Guest for practical advice.

‘He said to enjoy it and make sure I finish,' Brian added.

The two night stages on the Friday night is something that his co-driver Cian Minihane will be somewhat familiar with.

‘Cian has competed in night navigation trials so the night stages won't be totally new to him, but for me, yes, all new. We will take it easy on both of the stages. Like I said, we want to finish for sure,' Brian added.

As countdown nears, Brian and Cian are all sorted for their debut and have secured a number of sponsors.

‘We have the rally suits and all the fireproof racewear as well and of course our Motorsport Ireland licences now,’ he said.

‘We are fortunate to have the support of Swilly Autos, O'Driscoll's Bar, Reenascreena, Eamonn McCarthy Auto Services, Clonakilty Engineering, ODM Plant Hire, CMP Construction and Cian O'Driscoll Engineering Works.’

As for his favourite stage, Brian has options.

‘I would say probably Ardfield or Ring.'

Class 11F has always been one of the most competitive classes within the West Cork Rally and this year is no exception. Indeed, the Carrigfadda/Leap combination have plenty of local opposition that is headed by The Pike's Eamonn McCarthy and also features Clondrohid's Barry O'Brien, Ballineen's David Duggan and Dunmanway's Fearghal O'Donoghue, all in similar Honda Civics.

TripAdvisor describes Carrigfadda as a ‘Lovely secluded location for an exhilarating walk’. Hopefully, Brian Ronan's rally debut will prove exhilarating.