Member's statement: Reuben Kernohan: Karting Champion
Member's statement by Mr Jon Burrows on .
- MLA
- Mr Jon Burrows
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 6 October 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Reuben Kernohan: Karting Champion
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5776535
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I am absolutely delighted to spend a few moments talking about the achievements of one of my constituents, Reuben Kernohan from Ahoghill, who is one of the finest motor sport competitors in Northern Ireland, the island of Ireland and, indeed, the United Kingdom. He is an absolutely dedicated and talented young man, and, in the past two years, his achievements have been outstanding. In 2025, Reuben was crowned Rotax all-Ireland champion. He was then given the opportunity to represent Ireland at the world finals in Bahrain. In 2025, he really cleaned up. He was named driver of the year by the Ulster Karting Club, and he won the all-Ireland championship, the Ulster championship, the Ulster points championship and the Tommy Rogers memorial trophy. He also finished that year as runner-up in the Irish Grand Prix. What an outstanding season. He came back for more in 2026, retaining the Rotax all-Ireland championship title. He also secured victory this year in the Irish Grand Prix and cemented his position as one of the outstanding talents in motor sport in Northern Ireland. In life, success does not happen automatically; it happens through years of hard work, support from parents, practice, determination and getting over the setbacks. Reuben's journey began with racing teams in England, where he achieved numerous victories and podium finishes. In 2021, he became the junior T4 Tillotson world champion. He has shown versatility in different types of kart racing, but what stands out about Reuben is not just his talent and skill but his character. He is respected throughout the motor sport community for his professionalism, sportsmanship and determination. He gives 100% and is a role model not just to young people but to everyone in Northern Ireland. In November, Reuben will head off to Portugal to compete in the Rotax world grand finals, where he will once again represent the people of our country. Everyone in Ahoghill, in North Antrim and across Northern Ireland will be cheering him on. I pay tribute to his family, who are here today. Their support has been instrumental to his success. Reuben has accomplished more in his 18 young years than many do in a lifetime. We often talk about the negatives in Northern Ireland. We often talk about things that really do not matter, but our young people are what make us proud, and no one makes me more proud in my constituency than Reuben Kernohan, who has achieved a lot through his determination and tenacity and is supported by a wonderful family. Congratulations, Reuben.
423 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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