Malahide’s Oran O’Kelly in the final week of the Dakar Rally

Malahide motorcyclist Oran O’Kelly is entering his final week in one of the most demanding and perilous motorsport events in the world, the Dakar Rally.

From placing 95th in Stage 1 of the bike category, Oran has made significant progress throughout the rally with his latest scoring of 58th place in Stage 8. The race finishes on 19th January.

Oran O’Kelly is the first Irish man proudly representing Ireland in this adventurous endeavour in over 15 years.

Covering over 9,000km, the route takes riders across some of the most challenging off-road terrain in the world, from the highest mountains to the most dangerous of sand dunes, all while enduring the extreme weather conditions of AlUla, Saudi Arabia.

Oran said “The last week has been one of the most mentally and physically challenging weeks of my life but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“There’s only a 50% completion rate and finishing it is like climbing Mount Everest so I’m not worried about breaking records or beating everyone else.

“But flying the Tricolour on January 19th at the finish line would be so special”.

Oran is proudly supported by an Irish brand, O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey, who are following his journey closely across the last few days of the rally.

Follow Oran O’Kelly’s Instagram (@oran.okelly) for a front-row seat to the action of his final week competing in the Dakar Rally.