30 Years of Auto Ireland:
A Legacy of Passion and Progress
Remembering Brian Foley, founding Editor of Auto Ireland, pictured at a magazine launch with long-standing supporter Chris Hanlon, then publisher Ciaran Casey and designer David Gibbons
This year marks the 30th annual edition of the Auto Ireland Guide to New Cars, an incredible milestone for a publication that has become a cornerstone of Irish motoring culture. As we reflect on the journey, it is fitting to celebrate not only the magazine’s endurance and evolution but also the people, vision, and passion that have brought it to where it is today.
It all began in the early 1990s with Brian Foley, a man whose name is synonymous with Irish motoring journalism. Brian’s unwavering enthusiasm for the world of cars and motorsport gave birth to the idea of a dedicated new car buying guide for Irish motorists. His vision resonated with Chris Hanlon, then Managing Director of Irish Permanent Finance (and now the Managing Director of First Citizen Finance). Together, they launched the first edition of Auto Ireland in 1994, an innovative new resource for car buyers in Ireland.
The Auto Ireland brand has seen it all—the peaks of economic prosperity and the troughs of recession. Yet, through it all, it has remained a trusted guide and source of inspiration for Irish car enthusiasts, adapting to the changing needs of the motoring public while staying true to its roots.
Brian Foley: the driving force
Brian Foley’s legacy is inseparable from the history of Auto Ireland. Born in 1932 in Carlow, Brian’s journey into the world of cars and motoring began as a young man with a camera, capturing the excitement of motor racing in Ireland. Over the years, he chronicled the feats of legendary drivers and played a pivotal role in building a community around motorsport.
Together with his wife Mary Schwer, Brian built the Auto Ireland brand into the institution it is today. Their shared passion for motoring left a lasting mark, and while both Brian and Mary are no longer with us, their spirit continues to inspire. Their daughter Sinéad and grandson Ronan carry on the family’s legacy, with Ronan’s accomplishments in competitive canoeing mirroring the drive and determination that defined his grandparents’ lives.
Brian’s timeless words resonate even more deeply today:
“In the pioneering era of motoring, the new-fangled ‘horseless carriage’ quickly established a car culture, inspired by the unprecedented personal freedom of being able to drive from place to place at one’s own pace… Let’s get back into a car culture.”
A shared Journey
As we celebrate this 30-year milestone, it is also a moment to acknowledge Shane O’Donoghue, who has continued Brian’s work with exceptional dedication as Editor of Auto Ireland. Under Shane’s leadership, the magazine remains as vibrant and relevant as ever, connecting readers to the latest innovations in motoring while preserving the joy and excitement that Brian so cherished.
Chris Hanlon and First Citizen Finance have been steadfast supporters of Auto Ireland throughout its journey. Their commitment to Irish motoring goes beyond finance; it extends to fostering a community, celebrating progress, and preserving the spirit of the open road.
Looking ahead
This special 30th-anniversary edition is not just a celebration of the past but also a look to the future. The world of motoring continues to evolve, with advances in technology and a growing focus on sustainability shaping the cars of tomorrow. Yet, at its core, Auto Ireland remains a testament to the enduring connection between people and their vehicles.
Chris Hanlon and First Citizen Finance proudly dedicate this 30th anniversary edition to the memory of Brian Foley—a visionary whose passion for motoring continues to inspire. Here’s to thirty years of Auto Ireland, and to the road ahead.