Assembly tribute for Ahoghill karting star Reuben Kernohan as 18-year-old prepares for world stage
Tuesday 06 October 2026
Ahoghill teenager Reuben Kernohan has been praised on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly after a remarkable run of motorsport success which will see the 18-year-old represent Ireland on the world stage in Portugal next month.
Ulster Unionist Party North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows described the young driver as “one of the most talented and dedicated young motorsport competitors anywhere on these islands”, highlighting a string of championship victories at home and success internationally.
Two seasons of championship success
Reuben was crowned Rotax All-Ireland Champion in 2025, earning the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Rotax World Finals in Bahrain.
His season also brought the Ulster Championship, Ulster Points Championship and Tommy Rogers Memorial Trophy, while he finished runner-up in the Irish Grand Prix and was subsequently named Driver of the Year by the Ulster Kart Club.
The Ahoghill driver continued his form throughout 2026, successfully defending his Rotax All-Ireland Championship across all nine rounds of the series before claiming victory in the 2026 Irish Grand Prix.
Mr Burrows told the Assembly:
“At just 18 years of age, Reuben has already achieved more than many competitors accomplish in a lifetime.
“His success hasn’t happened by accident. It is the result of years of hard work, dedication and determination, supported every step of the way by his family.
“Reuben is a young man from Ahoghill competing and succeeding at the very highest level, and he represents both North Antrim and Northern Ireland with distinction wherever he goes.”
From Ahoghill to the world stage
Reuben’s motorsport journey began when he was just six years old and has since taken him to competitions at home and abroad.
Among his earlier achievements was becoming Junior T4 Tillotson World Champion in 2021, demonstrating his ability to compete successfully across different classes of karting.
Mr Burrows also highlighted the teenager’s reputation within the motorsport community, saying his achievements went beyond his ability behind the wheel.
He continued:
“What stands out about Reuben isn’t simply his ability behind the wheel. It is his sportsmanship, professionalism, and the commitment he brings to everything he does.
“He is a tremendous role model for other young people, and a great example of just how far talent, determination and hard work can take you.
“I also want to recognise Reuben’s family. Motorsport requires an enormous commitment, not only from the competitor but from the people around them. Their support throughout his journey has undoubtedly played an important part in everything he has achieved.”
Portugal challenge awaits in November
Reuben will return to international competition in November when he travels to Portugal to represent Ireland at the Rotax World Grand Finals, where he will compete against leading drivers from around the world.
Mr Burrows said the teenager would have strong support from his home community as he takes on his latest challenge.
He added:
“There will be a lot of people back home following Reuben’s progress and cheering him on in Portugal.
“Everyone in Ahoghill, across North Antrim and indeed Northern Ireland can be immensely proud of what this young man has already achieved.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to recognise Reuben’s achievements on the floor of the Assembly, and I wish him every success when he heads to Portugal in November.”
For Reuben, the trip to Portugal represents another opportunity to build on a motorsport journey which began in Ahoghill at the age of six — and to test himself once again against some of the world’s best young karting talent.
