O’Kelly puts name in the history books, finishing gruelling desert bike race

In an unprecedented feat, Oran O’Kelly has etched his name in the annals of Irish biking history as one of the select few to conquer the formidable Dakar, achieving 57th place in his first Dakar.

As the first Irishman to take on this challenge in over a decade, O’Kelly (described as an honorary Kilkenny man, whose father John is from Borris), joins a distinguished group of only 15 Irish biking legends who have braved the treacherous terrain of the world’s most gruelling deserts in what is hailed as the most demanding bike race on the planet.

The Dakar Rally is a formidable 15-day event, which saw O’ Kelly and his Vendetta team pushed to their limits.
Over the course of more than 75 hours in the saddle, he navigated through some of the most inhospitable terrains on the planet, showcasing resilience and determination.

His impressive finish, securing the 57th position in the fiercely-competitive Dakar Rally 2024, underscores his remarkable skill and endurance but most of all the backing and encouragement of an extended team of sponsors and supporters.

Conquering the challenges of this gruelling bike race is a testament to his commitment and passion for the sport, making this achievement truly commendable.

Hats off to Oran O’ Kelly for an outstanding performance in the world's most demanding off-road race and serving as a proud ambassador for Kilkenny and Ireland on the global stage of extreme motorsports.