Donegal International Rally - 21-23 Jun 19

Statement from Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club - 23 Jun @ 19:00 - Manus Kelly RIP

Posted: June 23, 2019 2:30 PM

Donegal Motor Club & Motorsport Ireland would like to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of Manus Kelly who was fatally injured during a tragic accident while competing in the Donegal International Rally on Sunday 23rd June 2019.

Manus was a three time winner of the rally and was immensely popular in the rally fraternity. He was elected to Donegal County Council in the recent elections and was a prominent business man in Donegal.

Our thoughts are with his family and all affected at this time.

Statement from Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club - 23 Jun @ 16:00

Posted: June 23, 2019 12:18 PM

It is with regret that Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club announce that a fatality has occurred during the final day of the 2019 Donegal International Rally on Sunday 23rd June. The Donegal Motor Club are liaising with the family of the competitor involved.

The three day annual event takes place in June each year and attracts large numbers of spectators and in excess of 200 competitors took part in this years’ event.

The relevant authorities have begun a full investigation into the incident and will be assisted by Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club. Motorsport Ireland and its affiliated clubs are recognised internationally for operating to the highest standards of motorsport safety for competitors and spectators in line with the best practice of the FIA.

The entire motorsport community extends its fullest sympathy to the family of the bereaved.
More information may be released later.

Statement from Donegal Motorclub - 23 Jun @ 13:20

Posted: June 23, 2019 8:30 AM

Stages cancelled after major incident in Donegal International Rally https://t.co/skGdpnn9tp

— Donegal Democrat (@dgldemocrat) June 23, 2019

Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Preview

Posted: June 20, 2019 2:38 PM

After a seven week break the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship kicks back into gear this coming weekend with round five, the iconic Donegal International Rally taking place from 21st – 23rd June. As always the three day 20 stage event has attracted a very strong entry, and some registered competitors have moved to World Rally Cars for the event and therefore are ineligible to score points this time around. Craig Breen, Desi Henry, Sam Moffett & Cathan McCourt are among those to make the switch while leaves the door open for some drivers to make some serious championship gains. Craig Breen currently leads the series after four successive wins to hold an eighteen point lead, but closest rival Alastair Fisher will be looking to close that gap substantially in order to keep his slim hopes alive. Fisher is the highest seeded of the R5 championship contenders at number seven, but he will be pushed hard by Josh Moffett who is directly behind him on the road.

The younger Moffett brother is the reigning tarmac champion, but has had a very difficult year to date with mechanical problems on a couple of events and an accident on the last round in Killarney leaving him well adrift. Callum Devine has been a revelation this year and has got quicker on each round since starting his campaign in West Cork. Third place the last time out in Killarney means he will be well in the mix to take top points in Donegal. It has also been a mixed year for Welsh driver Meirion Evans with some mechanical issues dropping him out of the running on a few events, but he has also shown flashes of speed in the Hyundai on his first full Tarmac Championship season. Manus Kelly has won Donegal for the past three years, but although he is top seed this year, he will be in a Hyundai i20 R5 as he continues to get to grips with his new car. A number of accidents and a difficult learning curve adjusting to LHD have hampered progress, but the Donegal driver is nothing if not determined, and will look for a strong performance on his home rally.

William Mavitty and Andy Davies have been locked in battle all year for Group N honours and with two wins each so far, the pair are tied at the top of the IRTC2 standings. Michael Boyle has shown he has the pace to beat both drivers but has failed to finish on both rounds he competed on this year so far. William Creighton currently leads IRTC3 but is not competing in Donegal leaving the door open for Johnnie Mulholland to move into the lead with a good finish. Eamon Kelly is on home territory though and will be more than capable of a good result in the hills.

The modified championship brings together most of the main protagonists, with championship leader Damian Toner holding a 15.5 point lead over David Condell. Damien Tourish and Brian Brogan will be expecting to do battle for top points with both drivers having a lot to do to catch up with the leaders. Conor McCrossan and Gerard McQuaid have been very consistent in the rounds they have competed on and currently lie third and fourth respectively and still in with a strong shout for overall honours. JR McDaid who finished runner up last year in the championship is another who will be looking to improve his overall position after a mixed first half of the season. The Historic Championship is being led by Ray Cunningham in his magnificent Mini, but he is not competing in Donegal which leaves the door open for Craig MacWilliam or Duncan Williams who currently lie second and third respectively. MacWilliam is only 5.5 points off the lead while Williams who is 12 behind Cunningham was very impressive in Killarney and will be looking for another maximum score here. Luke McCarthy has made the switch this year to an Escort and has been very impressive, taking top points in West Cork. Other championship regulars to attempt Donegal include Brendan McAree, Andy Johnson, Adrian Kermode, Martin Freestone & Philip McKibbin.

The Junior Championship has been much tighter this year, and three Cork drivers lead the way. Cian Walsh holds a five point lead over John Joe Williams with both drivers entered in Donegal along with Aaron Brown who holds joint third place. Cathal Nolan from Clare is another of the registered crews to enter, but Conor Murphy and Michael Cunniffe are currently on the reserve list such is the demand for entries. Over thirty have been received for the junior category but only 25 can start the rally on Sunday. The action gets underway near Buncrana at 12.17 on Friday 21st with the Mouldy Hill stage. There are six stages in all the first day, eight on Saturday and six more to conclude the rally on Sunday evening with the first car due back at the finish ramp at approximately 5.30pm.

Josh Moffett/Keith Moriarty to use Hyundai i20 R5

Posted: June 20, 2019 11:29 AM

Keep the Race in its Place…...

Posted: June 16, 2019 1:54 PM

One of the most anticipated Joule Donegal International Rally in years will take place this weekend. Over 200 crews have entered this year's event and the quality runs throughout the field. The lineup includes previous winners, tarmac champions, World Rally winners and crews who it is their dream to compete on this fantastic event. It has long been regarded as the pinnacle of Irish Rallying and it is hoped this year's event will further cement its place. Eamon McGee the clerk of the course is looking forward to a fantastic weekend of rallying and has requested that all competing crews remember to keep the race in its place. Rallying in Ireland is under a huge spotlight and it is vital all crews obey the rules of the roads whilst on non-competitive sections. Gardai in the area are there to assist with the movement of traffic but have indicated that they will have zero tolerance to anyone showing to disregard for the rules of the road.

All spectators are asked to remember to obey officials and marshals. They are there for your safety and to ensure the event runs safely and on schedule.

Keep up to date with the latest goings on via the Donegal International social media pages, On The Pacenote.com will be covering the stage ends and end of day summaries via Facebook live, Highland Radio will also be covering the event extensively and will have live times as they come in.

Out of the Blocks…..

Posted: June 16, 2019 1:53 PM

With less than two weeks to this years Joule Donegal International Rally, in association with the Pulse Nightclub and The Mount Errigal Hotel the buzz around Letterkenny is starting to build. Accommodation for the rally weekend is at maximum capacity throughout the county. It looks as if it’s going to be a bumper start to the tourist season for the hospitality sector.

The rally is a truly international event in 2019 with International Superstar Ken Block and his Hoonigan Racing Team making the trip from the USA. Block has a massive online presence with approximately 13 million followers, one of his recent YouTube videos has being viewed over 100million times. Ken is competing in Donegal as one of only seven rallies across the globe that he is bringing his special Escort Cosworth. Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino will start with number 43 on the door as this is his preferred number. Starting at number 2 is WRC returnees Craig Breen and Paul Nagle, in a Fiesta WRC, this signals Craig’s intention of fighting for overall victory. There are many other entries from Australia, Canada and America. The majority of entries for the rally are made up of crews from Ireland and the UK. Donegal is a rallying stronghold, over 90 of the 200+ cars starting the rally in all categories will have at least one Donegal person in the car. This proves the passion for Rallying that runs the length and breadth of this county.

Our winners from the previous three years Manus Kelly and Donall Barrett will lead all the crews from the An Grianan Theatre at 11am with number one on the door to complete 6 stages in the Buncrana, Burt and Manorcunningham area, service will be based in the old council yard,Letterkenny opposite Aldi. Cars will be in service at approximately 1.50pm & 3.50pm

Saturday will see eight classic stages, with names such as Gartan, High Glen, Knockalla and Carnhill these are the stages that crews salivate over when they talk about the Donegal Rally. Crews will be in service on the Saturday 10.50am, 1.40pm & 4pm all at the Milford Mart.

The real sting in the tail will be the Sunday stages, the traditional Sunday stages of Fanad and Atlantic Drive are joined by another classic from yesteryear Port Lake, these three stages run twice really encapsulate the true challenge of the Donegal stages. Service for all crews on Sunday is once again at the Milford Mart and they due there at 11am & 2.30pm

The Best of the Best.....

Posted: June 16, 2019 1:51 PM

The Joule Donegal International Rally continues to be the ‘Joule’ of the Irish Motorsport calendar. As the only three-day rally remaining in Ireland it has its own unique challenges.

The 20 stages being utilised for 2019 will see the capacity field of 160 crews in the main field tackle the classic stages that crews expect from our event as well as a few stages that haven’t been used in the last number of years.

Friday will see the crews leave the An Grianan Theatre as they set out to complete 6 stages in the Buncrana, Burt and Manorcunningham area, service will be based in Letterkenny.

The Historic Rally will run behind the main field for all of the Saturday and Sunday stages. Saturday has eight classic stages on the menu, with names such as Gartan, High Glen, Knockalla and Carnhill to stir the emotions and whet the appetite of even the most seasoned of Donegal Rally competitors.

The real sting in the tail will be the Sunday stages, the traditional Sunday stages of Fanad and Atlantic Drive are joined by another classic from yesteryear Port Lake, these three stages run twice really encapsulate the true challenge of the Donegal stages. The Junior Rally is also scheduled to take part in the six stages on Sunday. Centralised service for all crews on Saturday and Sunday is in Milford.

Motorsport Helping to Close the Generation Gap

Posted: June 16, 2019 1:47 PM

A Unique Driver Pairing are gearing up to hopefully compete on the forthcoming annual Donegal Rally, 21st to 23rd June 2019 - an 19-year-old female Navigator and 69-year-old male Driver! Last time he competed in the Donegal Rally was in 1992 which was one of the best rallies he ever did and was always on his bucket list to return.

Coltness Car Club member Shannon Turnbull is an 19-year-old female navigator from Cleland, Lanarkshire who competed in her first rally in April 2017 and has since navigated in 25 rallies, including rounds of several national championships such as the British Trial and Rally Drivers Association Championship (BTRDA), and both the Scottish Rally Championship (SRC) and Scottish Tarmack Rally Championship (STRC).

Of those 25 rallies to date Shannon rates her greatest achievement as a finish on the arduous Roger Albert Clark four-day rally last November. Over four days, competitors contested 30 'timed-to-the-second' Special Stages in the vast Kielder Forest complex across northern England and through the Scottish Borders and Tweed Valley forests. This event demands concentration, stamina and precision.

Strathaven based driver Hugh Steel, also known as 'Shug', started rallying in 1980 and finished an impressive 23rd overall in the Scottish International Rally, a four-day event in 1984. In 1992 he finished 27th overall in the Donegal International and 8th in Dundalk. Now aged 69 and after 37 years of driving MK2 Escorts, Shug made the swap to a four wheel drive Subaru Impreza, something a little different compared to what he was used to driving, but as he points out: "You’re never too old to learn". Shug hopes he will be making a return to the island after 26 years and is looking forward to a good run on the Donegal Rally.

Seeded Entry Lists

Posted: June 1, 2019 12:32 PM

Mainfield
1 Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Hyundai i20 R5) [5]
2 Craig Breen/Paul Nagle (Ford Fiesta WRC) [7]
3 Donagh Kelly/Conor Foley (Ford Focus WRC) [7]
4 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Ford Fiesta WRC) [7]
5 Garry Jennings/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC S12B) [7]
6 Sam Moffett/James Fulton (Ford Fiesta WRC) [7]
7 Alastair Fisher/Gordon Noble (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
8 Josh Moffett/Keith Moriarty (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
9 Desi Henry/Paddy Robinson (Ford Fiesta WRC) [7]
10 Callum Devine/Brian Hoy (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
11 Joesph McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Ford Fiesta WRC) [7]
12 Seamus Leonard/Paul McLaughlin (Ford Focus WRC) [7]
14 Niall Maguire/James O Reilly (Subaru Impreza WRC S12B) [7]
15 Cathan McCourt/Barry McNulty (Subaru Impreza WRC S14) [7]
16 Eugene Donnelly/John McElhinney (Proton Iriz R5) [5]
17 Merion Evans/Jonathan Jackson (Hyundai i20 R5) [5]
18 Ian Barrett/Paul McGee (Darrian T90) [14]
19 Kevin Eves/Chris Melly (Toyota Corolla) [14]
20 Damian Tourish/Domhnall McAlaney (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
21 Kevin Gallagher/Gerard Calaghan (Darrian T90 GTR) [14]
22 James Stafford/Jeffrey Case (Darrian T90) [14]
23 Declan Gallagher/Derek Heena (Toyota Starlet) [14]
24 Ryan Loughran/Gareth Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
25 Gary Kiernan/Ryan Moore (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
26 David Bogie/John Rowan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
27 Damien Gallagher/Mac Walsh (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
28 Brian Brogan/Damien McGettigan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
29 Damien Toner/Michael Coady (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
30 Gary McPhillips/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
31 Jonathan Pringle/Paul Sheridan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
32 Frank Kelly/Michael Coady (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
33 Paul Reid/Karl Reid (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
34 Stuart Darcy/JJ Cremin (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
35 JF Shovelin/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
36 Barry Meade/Dean O Sullivan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
37 Martin McGee/Johnny McGee (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
38 Aidan Wray/Kieran McGrath (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [4]
39 Pauric Duffy/Richard Crozier (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
40 PJ McDermott/Niall Burns (Subaru Impreza WRC S12) [7]
41 Stuart Biggerstaff/Anthony Nestor (Subaru Impreza WRC S9) [7]
42 Declan McCrory/Stephen O Hanlon (Subaru Impreza WRC S12) [7]
43 Ken Block/Alex Gelsomino (Ford Escort RS Cosworth) [20]
44 Wesley Patterson/Johnny Baird (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
45 John Bonner/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
46 Phil Collins/Darragh Mullen (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
47 David Condell/Paul Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
48 Vivian Hamill/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
49 Kevin O Donoughue/Timmy Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
50 Johno Doogan/Ciaran Marron (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
51 John McQuaid/Thomas Treanor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
52 Kyle McGettigan/Dale McGettigan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
53 Alan Carmichael/Ivor lamont (Hyundai i20 R5) [24]
54 Brendan Cumiskey/Gerry McVeigh (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
55 Niall Devine/Liam McIntyre (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
56 Michael Carbin/Darragh Kelly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [20]
57 Michael Boyle/Dermot McCafferty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
58 Aaron McLaughlin/Darren Curran (Ford Fiesta R5) [22]
59 Paul Barrett/Sean Mullaly (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
60 Gordon Morrison/Sean Donnelly (Subaru Impreza) [20]
61 Martyn England/Dawn England (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
62 Joe Connolly/Richard Connolly (Hyundai i20 R5) [5]
63 William Mavitty/Andrew Browne (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
64 Andy Davies/Michael Gibley (Subaru Impreza) []
65 Lee Hastings/Alistair Wyllie (Subaru Impreza) [20]
66 Mark Boyle/Stephen Doogan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) []
67 Gary Cooney/Elaine Ni Sé (Subaru Impreza WRC S12B) [7]
68 Conor McCrossan/David Burns (Skoda Fabia) [20]
69 Johnny Jordan/Paddy McCrudden (Toyota Starlet) [13]
70 JR McDaid/Ivor Scott (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
71 Conor Curley/Nigel Frazer (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
72 Geoffrey Dolan/Conor Murphy (Talbot Sunbeam) [13]
73 Conor Watters/Shane O Donnell (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
74 Michael Dunlop/Robb Fagg (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
75 Daniel Conaghan/Terence Magee (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
76 Peter Wilson/John McCarthy (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
77 Seamus Hegarty/Adrian Brolly (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
78 William McFadden/Demi McFadden (Ford Escort G3) [13]
79 Tommy O Connell/Thomas Wedlock (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
80 Gavin Kelly/Eamonn Gillespie (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
81 Paddy McDaid/Timmy Lunn (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
82 Gerard McQuaid/Gary Quinlan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
83 Cormac Phelan/Katja Ahul (Honda Civic) [13]
84 John McHugh/Leonard Craig (Toyota Corolla) [13]
85 Kevin McLaughlin/Conal McNulty (Honda Civic) [11F]
86 Lee McLaughlin/Kristen McLaughlin (Honda Civic) [11F]
87 Brian Lavelle/Patrick Lavelle (Honda Civic) [11F]
88 Donal Kelly/Shane Byrne (Honda Civic) [11F]
89 JP Logue/James Logue (Honda Civic) [11F]
90 Liam McMullan/John Coll (Honda Civic) [13]
91 Eamonn Kelly/Conor Mohan (Ford Fiesta R2) [4]
92 Johnnie Mulholland/Charles Gallagher (Ford Fiesta R2) [4]
93 Damian Campbell/Declan McGarrity (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
94 Gary McElhinney/Shaun Lafferty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
95 Shane Cullen/Connor O Loan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
96 Jason Roache/Michael Laverty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
97 Liam Egan/Patrick Brides (Ford Fiesta R5) [24]
98 John Coyne/Stephen Joyce (Ford Fiesta R5) [4]
99 Patrick O Connor/Brendan Dowling (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [20]
100 Denis Ferry/Danny McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza) [20]
101 John Dolan/Jack McGinley (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
102 Thomas Keys/Kelvin Keys (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
103 Kevin Kelly/Keith Harris (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
104 Sean Moynihan/Gavin Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
105 James Cassidy/Domhnall Lennon (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
106 Vincent Collins/Jane Collins (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
107 Justin Smyth/Gregort McQuillan (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
108 Michael McDaid/Declan Casey (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
109 Ivan Stewart/Timmy Duggan (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
110 Damian O Reilly/Seamus McTigue (Ford Escort Mk2) [9]
111 Clive McGonigle/Stephen Tinney (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
112 Stewart Morrison/Grant McNiven (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
113 Darragh Kelly/Adam Murray (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
114 Christy Gallagher/Lee Cullen (Toyota Starlet) [11R]
115 Declan Hall/Chrissy Corr (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
116 Shaun Doherty/Chris Harley (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
117 Andrew McTaggart/Shane McTaggart (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
118 Declan Gallagher/Gerard Boyle (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
119 Quentin Park/Shane Farrell (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
120 Peter McCarry/David Gordon (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
121 Sam Stewart/Alan Johnston (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
122 Ruairi McGarrirty/Martin McGarrity (Peugeot 106) [11F]
123 Patrick Bonner/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
124 Roy Baldrick/Dermot Friel (Talbot Sunbeam) [13]
125 William Vance/Billy Vance (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
126 Kevin Bradley/Ollie Harvey (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
127 Ashley Dickson/Ryan McCloskey (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
128 Dave Luckings/Paul Garside (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
129 Martyn Hawkswell/Ben Cohen (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
130 Declan Campbell/Kevin Creighton (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
131 Shane Carr/Ciaran Carr (Vauxhall Nova) [10]
132 Fergal Kelly/Tim Maher (Ford Escort G4) [13]
133 Kieran O Kane/TBA (Opel Ascona) [14]
134 Stuart Robb/Adrian Rankin (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
135 Conal Hegarty/Shaun O Hart (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
136 Nick Barnett/Martin Brady (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
137 Hugh Steele/Shannon Turnball (Subaru Impreza) [22]
138 Jim McDowall/Charlotte McDowall (Subaru Impreza) [15]
139 Anthony Breen/Jill Breen (Subaru Impreza) [15]
140 Andy Heekin/Pauric Keeney (Subaru Impreza) [15]
141 Alistair Glenn/Lee Simpson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) []
142 Darragh Kenny/Niall Healy (Honda Civic) [1]
143 Mark Maguire/Danny Cannon (Honda Civic) [11F]
144 Richard Hickey/Cathal Murphy (Honda Civic) [11F]
145 John Mulholland/Aidan O Connor (Skoda Fabia) [15]
146 Eamon McLaughlin/Steven Boyle (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
147 Paddy Walker/Oliver Doherty (Honda Civic) [22]
148 Christopher Boyce/Pascal Dillon (Honda Civic) [3]
149 Damien Cullen/Seán McElwaine (Honda Civic) [11F]
150 Roy Jarvis/Adam Milner (Ford Fiesta R2) [11F]
151 Martin Geraghty/Conal Doherty (Honda Civic) [11F]
152 Niall Curran/Gary Byrne (Honda Civic) [11F]
153 Mark Ewing/Francis Devine (Honda Civic) [3]
154 Seán Brogan/Oisín Crawford (Honda Civic) [11F]
155 Barry Doogan/Keith Neary (Honda Civic) [11F]
156 Alan Browne/Michael Donnellan (Subaru Impreza) [20]
157 Gavin Russell/Daniel Callaghan (Honda Civic) [11F]
158 Odhran McLaughlin/TBA (VW Golf) [20]
159 Brendan Friel/Jason McCahill (Nissan Micra) [9]
160 Daniel McBride/Euan McBride (Nissan Micra) [11F]
161 Brian O Neill/John Murphy (Toyota Corolla) [13]
162 Philip Wasson/Colin McFadden (Honda Civic) [11F]

Mainfield Reserves
R1 Jon Armstrong/Noel O Sullivan (Ford Fiesta R2) [2]
R2 Rory Thomas/Aidan Thomas (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
R3 Alan Nesbitt/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
R4 Liam Doherty/Dermot McGettigan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
R5 Andrew Hegarty/Johnny Orr (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
R6 Shane McFadden/Shane Sweeney (Honda Civic) [11F]
R7 Mark Alcorn/John O Donnell (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
R8 Frank Wray/Joe McNulty (Subaru Impreza WRC S11) [7]
R9 Sean JT Warnock/Dessie Wilson (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
R10 Ciaran Phelan/Aine Phelan (Honda Civic) [11F]
R11 George Baskin/Dylan Baskin (VW Golf) [14]
R12 Danny McBride/Emmett McNulty (Honda Civic) [11f]
R13 Seamus McDaid/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
R14 Martin O’Donnell/TBA (Honda Civic) []
R15 Kevin McHugh/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
R16 Gareth Black/Connor Dunlop (Toyota Starlet) [13]
R17 Gerard McGivney/Gavin McGivney (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]

Historic
H1 Martin Doherty/Darragh Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [K]
H2 Mark Falvey/Diarmuid Lynch (Ford Escort Mk2) [K]
H3 Duncan Williams/Llion Williams (Ford Escort Mk2) [D5]
H4 Luke McCarthy/David Hogan (Ford Escort Mk2) [K]
H5 Andy Johnson/TBA (Vauxhall Chevette) [K]
H6 Craig McWilliams/Trevor Hamilton (Ford Escort RS1600) [C5]
H7 Jimmy McRae/Pauline Gullick (Vauxhall Firenza) []
H8 Dan Kelleher/Eoghan McCarthy (Ford Escort RS1800) [D5]
H9 Martin Freestone/James Luton (Ford Escort Mk2) [C5]
H10 Adrian Kermode/Pauls Swinscoe (Porsche 911) []
H11 Brendan McAree/Niall Kelly (Porsche 911) [K]
H12 John Keatley/James McKeefrey (Porsche 911) [K]
H14 Stephen Benton/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) []
H15 Phillip McKibbin/Tommy Commane (Ford Escort Mk1) [C3]
H16 Iarla Carty/Stephen Reynolds (Mini Cooper) [B2]
H17 Brian Crawford/Finian Hannigan (Talbot Sunbeam) [D2]
H18 Brian Shiels/TBA (Talbot Sunbeam) [D2]
H19 Harry Browne/Martin McGrath (Hillman Avenger) [C2]
H20 James Hall/Tony McCarthy (Audi Coupe) [K]
H21 Brian Carson/Adam Carson (Mini Cooper S) [C1]

Juniors
J1 Colin O Donaghue/Eddie Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [J2]
J2 David Kelly/Kenny Bustard (Toyota Starlet) [J2]
J3 Chris O Callaghan/Kaine Treanor (Citroen C2) [J2]
J4 Gary Cassidy/Callum Maguire (Ford Fiesta) [J2]
J5 Aaron McIntyre/Ben McINtyre (Toyota Starlet) [J2]
J6 Michael Cahill/Brian Brady (Honda Civic) [J2]
J7 Darragh McNern/Trevor Graham (Toyota Corolla) [J2]
J8 Aaron Browne/Daniel Hanratty (Honda Civic) [J2]
J9 Neil Martin Brogan/Niall Campbell (Honda Civic) [J2]
J10 Cian Walsh/Derry Long (Toyota Corolla) [J2]
J11 Corey Eves/Pascal McCarney (Toyota Corolla) [J2]
J12 John Joe Williams/Meg Brady (Ford Escort Mk2) [J2]
J14 Mickey Joe Browne/Sean Browne (Honda Civic) [J2]
J15 Cathal Nolan/TBA (Honda Civic) [J2]
J16 Keelan Maguire/Steven Monaghan (Honda Civic) [J2]
J17 Declan Farren/Aidan Sweeney (Honda Civic) [J2]
J18 Karl Fallis/Eamon Conway (Ford Fiesta) [J2]
J19 Eoin Kelly/Ruairi MacArtain (Opel Corsa) [J2]
J20 Josh Harris/Barry Temple (Honda Civic) [J2]
J21 Aodhan Gallagher/Conor Gallagher (Honda Civic) [J2]
J22 Adam Rankin/Liam McGlynn (Toyota Corolla) [J2]
J23 Jordan Greene/Tony Curran (Toyota Corolla) [J2]
J24 James McGlinchey/Nicholas Alcorn (Honda Civic) [J2]
J25 Jalna Breslin/Anthony McCann (Honda Civic) [J2]
J26 Jason Dickson/TBA (Ford Fiesta R2) [J2]

Junior Reserve
RJ1 Stephen Gallagher/Niall Gibson (Honda Civic) [J2]
RJ2 Michael Cunniffe/Barry Talt (Peugrot 106) [J2]
RJ3 Nigel Brennan/Ryan Brennan (Honda Civic) [J2]

Breen/Nagle to use Fiesta WRC

Posted: May 31, 2019 4:24 PM

Rally Launch - (Fri) 31 May

Posted: May 29, 2019 11:35 AM

Everyone is cordially invited to the launch of the 2019 Joule Donegal International Rally. The launch will take place in An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny on Friday the 31st of May at 8 pm. This year's Rally is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the 2019 Motorsport calendar. There has been massive interest been shown from across Ireland and much further afield.

On the night there will be interviews with some of the leading crews and preliminary details of the route and entry list will be revealed. For those unable to attend on the night, the event will be broadcast on Facebook live, via the on the pacenote and Donegal International Rally social media pages.

Donegal continues to be the Joule in Irish Rallying in 2019

Posted: May 15, 2019 5:49 AM

Plans are well underway for the 2019 Joule Donegal International Rally which is scheduled to run from the 21st to the 23rd of June. Eamon McGee is once more Clerk of the Course and is proud to say that
“we remain Irelands only three-day international rally, and this year we will continue with a tried and trusted routine with scrutiny on Thursday and then three days of none stop action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday” Eamon added “competitors will be delighted to know that all the classic stages are included in this year’s route plus a few old favourites that haven’t been used for a few years”. Eamon went on to say that “I am delighted that Joule have took on the role of main sponsor of the rally for a fifth year, they are working with my team to promote the event to an even higher and broader platform. Pulse Nightclub and The Mount Errigal Hotel are also returning as associated sponsors for 2019”

Joule is Irelands leading manufacturers and designers of energy efficient hot water cylinders and solar heating systems; they are an internationally renowned company and they expect and demand the highest level of promotion. Ian Barrett chief executive of Joule said:
“the Joule Donegal International Rally is one of the largest sporting events outside Dublin in Ireland and the level of positive exposure we receive through this event has been fantastic.” Furthermore, Ian continued in saying that “this event brings in excess of €25million to the local economy and between television and print media it reaches millions of people throughout Europe and beyond.”

Last year’s event welcomed crews from Ireland, the UK, the USA and Australia. There has been considerable interest from all corners of the globe so it looks as if the International attraction of the Rally continues to thrive. Donegal is the fifth round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and the cream of Irish Rallying is expected to battle for championships points in the North West of Ireland. The Rally also continues to be a counting round of the FIA Celtic Rally Trophy in 2019.

Additionally, Eamon said that “we look forward to welcoming crews, their teams and all visitors to the event. This year more than ever safety is paramount and we ask you all to obey marshal and official instructions, but above all enjoy the Donegal experience.”

Entries are open - Joule Donegal International Rally 2019

Posted: May 15, 2019 4:22 AM

The Joule Donegal International Rally takes place from the 21st-23rd of June. the rally remains the highlight of the Irish motorsport calendar for competitors and spectators. The regulations and entry forms are now available on donegalrally.ie, competitors are advised to complete their entry forms as soon as possible as the level of interest from across the world has been phenomenal.

The entry fee for the international and national section of the rally is €1400 Including all fees, the historic rally entry fee is €865 Which sees the competitors scheduled to compete on the Saturday and Sunday stages. The junior rally will compete on the Sunday stages and their entry fee is set at €565

This year the route will see the competitors on stages that haven’t been used in a few years and other classic stages ran with a twist.

Competitors get those entry forms in as soon as possible; the entry closes on the 27th May 2019.

Keep up to date with all information on donegalrally.ie or on all our social media platforms.

Regulations / Entry Form

Posted: May 15, 2019 4:19 AM

Donegal International Rally

Donegal Motor Club