Adrian shows he has the drive to win lucrative prize
UCC Arts student Adrian McCarthy came out on top as the Big Micra Challenge finished at Randles Brothers’ motor works, in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday.
He and Maria Mahony, 22, battled it out for the red, 14,000 Micra and tension filled the air until the result of a Radio Kerry-organised voting system under which people texted or phoned their votes to the station became known.
Adrian ended up with 6,018 votes and Maria with 2,973.
They had been in the car since August 5 and have become firm friends. Two others who started with them were voted out some weeks ago.
With champagne corks popping around him, Adrian, from Killarney, first remarked that he was speechless, even though he’s known as a chatty individual.
“I find it hard to believe and am kind of shocked. I always thought I’d go out in the first week, or come second,” he said after composing himself.
“I want to thank my family and friends for their support and everyone who came to see us. If we didn’t have visitors, we’d have gone mental within two days,” he added.
Adrian is learning to drive and has promised himself a good sleep in his own bed as a change from the cramped conditions in the car.
Science and education graduate Maria, meanwhile, received the sympathies of around 100 people who were present for the announcement.
“I don’t know how I feel, a bit weird,” she said when giving her first reaction.
She admitted being disappointed, but said she was looking forward to going home to Killorglin, Co Kerry.
“Of course I’m disappointed, but the car couldn’t have gone to a better person,” she said.
For her trouble, Maria received a 1,000 holiday voucher from Radio Kerry and a 500 voucher from Randles Brothers towards the purchase of a car.
Both contestants looked tired, but were none the worse for their experience and they chatted amiably as the radio blared out The Winner Takes It All.
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