Róisín Sweeney Makes Formula Sheane History with Kirkistown Victory
Róisín Sweeney made history at Kirkistown on Saturday, becoming the first woman to win a Formula Sheane race since the class was introduced more than 20 years ago.
The 22-year-old from Naas, County Kildare, led from the start in the Nordic Spirit car and held her advantage to the chequered flag, sealing victory in the 15-minute race at the former airfield circuit in Northern Ireland.
A change of direction pays off
An aerospace engineer and former Motorsport Ireland Karting Champion, Sweeney switched to car racing two years ago in a Global GT sportscar, but mechanical problems hampered that campaign. For 2026, she moved into Formula Sheane, a category featuring F1-style cars built by Sheane Cars in County Wicklow. The cars can reach speeds above 140mph and accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in under four seconds.
Sweeney arrived at Kirkistown encouraged by a popular podium at the Leinster Trophy meeting at Mondello two weeks earlier, where she also works part-time as a race instructor. The event was part of the build-up to the final rounds of the 2026 Airport Cars-backed series. Her Mondello result came at the same meeting as Jordan Kelly’s Formula Vee Leinster Trophy victory.
Setup decision delivers from the start
Her father, Dan, runs the car and had raced at Kirkistown before. Together, the pair opted to adjust the setup from the one normally used at Mondello Park. The decision paid off: the car launched cleanly from the grid, moved into the lead and was never headed.
The result marks a milestone for Sweeney and for the Formula Sheane class. She described the car as “just perfect” and said the race was “really good fun to drive.” She also praised the welcome and support she had received from competitors throughout the season, thanking her family and sponsors for making her racing possible.
“I’m over the moon,” Sweeney said. “The Formula Sheane class is fantastic, everyone welcomed us in and helped us so much all season long. A big thanks to my family for the support and to all my valued sponsors who make this all possible. Roll on 2027!”
Ciara Gillan
Ciara is a Dublin native, award-winning film producer, podcaster and writer with 20 years of storytelling experience. A lifelong Leinster and Ireland rugby fan, she turned her attention to the grid after moving to Berlin and co-founding Formula Live Pulse. Now, she applies her producer’s brain to Formula 1, navigating the highs of Oscar Piastri’s rise and the unique stress of being an adopted Ferrari fan. She loves talking and talking about F1, if you give her the chance!