Sunday 21 September saw Rehaghy House, just outside Aughnacloy, host its first ever Cars and Coffee event.
Rehaghy House which is a local landmark with all conquering views of the surrounding countryside was originally built in 1824 for Captain Maine. Its current owners, Franklin and Helen Caddoo, have recently completed a full refurbishment of the house and very kindly opened their home and gardens to host the Cars and Coffee event to raise money for the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance which is a charity close to their hearts.
At one point, writes David Evans, there was over 130 stunning vehicles in attendance on the lawn, driveway, courtyard and literally the doorstep of this local landmark which was almost full to capacity. With vehicles in attendance ranging from Franklin Caddoos own Classic Mini Van which he restored himself, to the Mk 1 escort driven by Hannou Mikkola in the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally. There was also a Ferrari, various Lamborghinis, Porsches and Aston Martins including the stunning Aston Martin DB4 once owned by David Browne himself. Also in attendance were American Pick Ups, rally and competition cars and various classic cars including some more recent classics, an Austin 7 and 2 Group B rally cars, a 6R4 and an RS200.
A lot of the cars on display were locally based, some of which are not taken to shows very often so it was an honour to see these cars on display at such a venue. Indeed, there were several which looked right at home Infront of Rehaghy House and anyone of them looked like they belonged there with representation across most eras of history from an Austin 7, to the DB4 to a modern McLaren Supercar.
The event also was joined by over 50 exquisite supercars cars which are part of the Driving Exotic Cars NI/ ROI group for owners of high-performance sports, exotic and supercars. The group met at Sprucefield then undertook a planned run round Lough Neagh which saw them cumulate for a coffee and a burger whilst they soaked up the atmosphere and the view at the Rehaghy House Cars and Coffee event.
Having spent some time looking round the cars on his lawn and driveway, Franklin Caddoo was heard saying “I haven’t been gobsmacked in a long, long time, but this is unbelievable” he then went on to say “everywhere you looked there was another beautiful car to see McLaren’s, Lamborghinis, Porsches, Aston Martins, unbelievable, and all on my lawn”
It’s safe to say that everyone who attended the event thoroughly enjoyed themselves between the relaxed friendly atmosphere, the beautiful backdrop of Rehaghy House, the views which took in three counties, and then of course the stunning cars on display.
At the time of writing the final amount to be raised for the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has not been confirmed but it is upwards of £4,400.
I, like all the others who attended hope that this event will return in the future as it has to be one of the most stunning venues in Northern Ireland in which to hold a Cars and Coffee event. It’s certainly the most stunning location I`ve visited for such an event. Lets hope it returns for 2026 and if it does this is one event not to be missed.
