Donegal International Rally - 16-18 Jun 23

Irish Tarmac aces eye up Donegal Rally crown

Posted: June 11, 2023 9:55 AM

Samdec Security International ITRC

The Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is perfectly poised heading to its biggest event of the year, round five, the Donegal International Rally. International, Modified, Historic, and Junior categories have been at their unpredictable best and each are all to play for with three rounds remaining.

Several crews have staked a strong claim on the coveted Irish Tarmac title but last year's champions, Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes, have consistently recorded podium finishes to once again lead the championship heading to Donegal.

Driving the same Hyundai i20 R5 that brought them success on the Donegal International Rally 12 months ago, Moffett and Hayes have only managed one victory from ITRC's first four rounds.

They had no answer to Meirion Evans and Jonathan Jackson's searing Sunday speed on Galway's Irish Tarmac opener. A couple of errors meant Moffett had to settle for second on round one but it wasn't long until he rekindled his form.

Moffett jumped to the top of the Samdec Security Irish Tarmac standings after an assured victory on the West Cork Rally. The south coast success proved that his dated Hyundai still had winning potential at the hands of the on-the-limit Monaghan man.

A repeat of Moffett's dramatic Donegal win this time around would make him a strong favourite for his third Irish Tarmac title.

Managing to do the Donegal double is not going to be simple, however. Especially with 2022's long-term rally leader, Callum Devine, coming into form at a dangerous time in the season. Devine and co-driver, Noel O'Sullivan, struggled to make things work aboard their Volkswagen Polo R5 in both Galway and West Cork. That lack of pace left the languishing outside Irish Tarmac's top positions and wondering whether they had any chance of challenging for this season's silverware.

Two seriously impressive April performances on the Circuit of Ireland and Rally of the Lakes secured a brace of maximum scores that are invaluable for a championship chase.

The Derry-Kerry duo's rapid run in Donegal came to a gutting end after colliding with a baled chicane on the final day of last year's rally. They know they have the pace to add Donegal to the list of their recent victories but will know that a repeat of last year's result could bid their Tarmac hunt farewell.

Meirion Evans will be hoping to bounce back from his disappointing retirement on Killarney's Rally of the Lakes. The Welshman was gathering some momentum on Saturday's Beara Peninsula tests when a roll on Cod's Head put him out of the running.

Evans and Jackson's campaign got off to the best possible start with a stylish victory on the Galway International Rally. They'll crave a Donegal International Rally challenge and with their pace increasing across Ireland, you'd be foolish to put them out of the running.

Robert Barrable is another dark horse who could well spring a surprise this June. The Dubliner has adjusted well to his Citroen C3 Rally2 - narrowly missing out on victories in West Cork and Killarney.

Barrable's circuit-racing style could well shine through on the fast stages north of Letterkenny. If they do, he'll be in with a chance of turning the 2023 Irish Tarmac Championship into a four-horse race.

Donegal Rally winners, Sam Moffett, Garry Jennings, and Declan Boyle, have shown glimpses of their spine-tingling speed this year and join a host of top names capable of winning Ireland's only three-day rally.

Matt Edwards and David Moynihan have once again thrown their names in the hat for Donegal honour this year, hiring a Volkswagen Polo R5 for June’s epic three-day event.

Rally4

The Rally4 category has been one of the best classes in the 2023 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. With seven or eight potential winners on each Irish Tarmac event, it is no wonder that there have been four different victors so far this year.

Casey Jay Coleman and Adam Coffey set the benchmark with a front-wheel-drive win in Galway. The Ford Fiesta Rally4 pairing has been regular pacesetters since but a couple of incidents since have put Coleman third in the championship standings, 14.5 points off top spot.

Keelan Grogan and Ayrton Sherlock were forced into super-rally after breaking a driveshaft on the Galway International Rally. They excelled on their Peugeot 208 Rally4 debut, sealing a dominant victory on a treacherous West Cork Rally but hopes of a Killarney victory were dashed when they collided with a chicane on Moll’s Gap’s Sunday opener. Sitting sixth in ITRC 4, Grogan is in desperate need of a strong score in Donegal - like all his Rally4 rivals, he’ll be one to keep an eye on.

Mr Consistent, Shane Quinn, finds himself leading ITRC 4 with three rounds remaining. The Longford driver scored two runner-up finishes to start his maiden Irish Tarmac campaign with his season getting even better on the Circuit of Ireland. His Rally4 Fiesta was stranded for 40 seconds on round three’s opening stage but Quinn fought back to clinch his first win of the season. A gearbox failure forced them to retire on the Rally of the Lakes, leaving the championship wide open.

Ioan Lloyd and Sion Williams stole a last-gasp victory in Killarney, usurping Kyle McBride on the last stage to win the Rally4 category by 1.5 seconds. It was a perfect result for their first outing of 2023.

McEvoy Motorsport Modified ITRC

If there is ever a rally where modifieds come to the fore, it has to be Donegal. Each round of the McEvoy Motorsport Modified Irish Tarmac Rally Championship has been hotly contested but the two-wheel-drive competition always goes up a level at the Donegal International Rally. Three different modified crews have claimed victories so far in the 2023 McEvoy Motorsport Modified ITRC. Mark Alcorn and John O’Donnell stole the show with a flamboyant one-minute, seven-second win on a slippery Galway International Rally. Alcorn has opted out of international events since but will be one of the modified aces to watch in Donegal.

Gary Kiernan has perhaps been a bit too critical of his own performances this year; after all, he holds a strong championship position with two wins in West Cork and Killarney’s Rally of the Lakes. Both Kiernan and Alcorn enjoyed battles with Kevin Eves so far this season but the latter’s luck seems to have escaped him. The Pettigo pilot has arguably been the fastest driver this year but three retirements put him in a lowly championship position.

Eddie Doherty is another driver to have performed incredibly well in his Ford Escort Mk2. Although a modified win has evaded him so far this year, Doherty’s string of top finishes put him in a threatening position to clinch this year’s modified title.

Kevin Gallagher, Declan Gallagher, and Damien Tourish are just a few of the usual Donegal suspects that will push ITRC’s championship contenders to the limit in the bid for that famed Donegal National title.

Synergy Motorsport Engineering Historic ITRC

Two wins in West Cork and Killarney’s Rally of the Lakes have put 2019 Historic ITRC champions, Duncan Williams and Guy Weaver, in a commanding position at the top of this year's Synergy Motorsport Engineering series.

They are seeded third in Donegal’s modified section which will compete over Saturday and Sunday’s north-west stages. Last year’s winners Tommy O’Connell and Thomas Wedlock will lead the way in their Ford Escort RS1800 ahead of Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell who are debuting their BMW M3.

Williams and Weaver are the only double-round winners so far in 2023 with Neil Williams, Meirion Evans, and Trevor Wilson sharing the spoils on the other three rounds.

The Ford Escort pilot may hold a 34-point lead over Wayne Evans but it is by no means a one-horse category. The Synergy Historic ITRC has been highly competitive this year with highly talented drivers like Will Onions, Fergus O'Meara, Ray Breen, and Tom Clark narrowly missing out on top scores.

A host of crews will head to Donegal with hopes of securing a highly prized victory that would in turn give their championship challenge a massive boost.

Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Junior ITRC

18 Junior crews are set to take on the Donegal International Rally this year. Junior BRC frontrunner Kyle McBride is seeded at the front ahead of Gary Cassidy with Darragh O’Donovan, who is second in the Junior ITRC standings, seeded third.

Three strong points finishes have given Robbie O'Hanlon and Oisin Joyce a six-point advantage at the front of the Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Junior ITRC. They are seventh on the road for Donegal.

With Barry McIntyre, Darach Bonner, Ben McIntyre, and Jordan Jervis all in the championship mix and ready for a Donegal challenge - it should be an interesting battle over Sunday’s famous stages.

Rally Programmes

Posted: June 9, 2023 3:08 PM

Entry List Updates (Evo Link)

Posted: June 1, 2023 11:41 AM

https://www.shannonsportsit.ie/evo/Public?action=list&event=IE-DNGL-DL23

PRESS RELEASE 3 - DONEGAL RALLY ENTRY LIST HONOURS TWO RALLY GREATS IN UNIQUE TRIBUTE. NUMBERS 42 AND 43 TO BE RETIRED FOR 2023.

Posted: May 25, 2023 12:08 PM

The Organisers of the Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally Ireland 2023 have released details of the much-anticipated entry list for this years’ event. Quite apart from the stellar entry, the absence of two of its most decorated former competitors will be marked by their competition numbers being retired.

The numbers 42 and 43 will be forever linked with Craig Breen and Ken Block respectively, both of whom were tragically lost to the sport in 2023. Ken Block, in his only competitive appearance in Ireland, entered Donegal in 2019 in a very special Ford Escort Cosworth. His “Gymkhana” Hoonigan motorsport videos attracted a worldwide audience, and he drew immense crowds to the rally. His in- car footage from the Knockalla Coast Road Stage has to date been viewed a staggering seven and a half million times on social media.

Craig Breen competed many times in Donegal, finishing just short of the top step with 2nd overall in 2019. Interviewed once on the World Rally Championship TV channel and asked if he could compete in just one rally anywhere in the world, in just one rally car, what it would be, he shot back “Donegal in a Metro 6R4.”

Both drivers were blessed by larger than life personalities and made an impact with an audience far beyond their sport. Donegal Motor Club has determined that Craig’s number 42 from the World Rally Championship, and Ken’s fabled number which adorned all his cars to the extent he asked to be seeded at 43 when he came to Donegal, will be retired from this year’s Donegal Rally in their honour.

A rare and unique tribute to two of the greatest drivers ever to compete in Donegal.

Seeded Entry List

Posted: May 24, 2023 3:29 PM

1 Josh Moffett/Andy Hayes (Hyundai i20 R5) [RC2]
2 Callum Devine/Noel O'Sullivan (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
3 Meirion Evans/Jonathan Jackson (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
4 Sam Moffett/Keith Moriarty (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) [RC2]
5 Matt Edwards/David Moynihan (TBA) [RC2]
6 Robert Barrable/Gordon Noble (Citroen C3 Rally2) [RC2]
7 Garry Jennings/Rory Kennedy (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [24]
8 Jonathan Greer/Niall Burns (Citroen C3 Rally2) [RC2]
9 Desi Henry/Paddy Robinson (Citroen C3 Rally2) [RC2]
10 Declan Boyle/Patrick Walsh (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
11 Gareth Machale/Brian Murphy (VW Polo GTI R5) [24]
12 Joseph McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [RC2]
14 David Kelly/Dean O'Sullivan (Citroen C3 Rally2) [RC2]
15 Jason Mitchell/Paddy McCrudden (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
16 Ryan Loughran/Gareth Doherty (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
17 Kevin Gallagher/Ryan Moore (Darrian T90 GTR) [14]
18 Kevin Eves/Chris Melly (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [14]
19 Mark Alcorn/Denver Raffetty (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
20 Gary Kiernan/Cathal Mulgrew (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
21 Declan Gallagher/Gavin Doherty (Toyota Starlet RWD) [14]
22 Damien Tourish/Domhnall McAlaney (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
23 David Bogie/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
24 Daniel McKenna/Andrew Grennan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
25 Eddie Doherty/Tom Murphy (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
26 Frank Kelly/Lauren Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
27 Chris O'Callaghan/Tom Murphy (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
28 James Ford/Neil Shanks (Citroen C3 Rally2) [RC2]
29 Aaron McLaughlin/Darren Curran (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [RC2]
30 Aidan Wray/TBA (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
31 Cal McCarthy/Eric Calnan (Citroen C3 Rally2) [RC2]
32 Michael Boyle/Dermot McCafferty (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
33 John O'Donnell/Aidan Friel (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC5]
34 Brendan Cumiskey/TBA (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
35 PJ McDermot/TBA (Ford Fiesta WRC) [25]
36 Niall Maguire/TBA (Ford Fiesta R5) [24]
37 Richard Moffett/Darragh Kelly (Toyota Starlet RWD) [14]
38 Brian Brogan/Damien McGettigan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
39 Ed O'Callaghan/Kaine Treanor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
40 John Bonner/Johnny Baird (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
41 Barry Morris/Dylan Doonan (Darrian T90 GTR) [14]
42
43
44 Patrick McHugh/Pauric O'Donnell (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
45 Conor Curley/Nigel Frazer (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
46 Jonathan Pringle/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
47 Rodney Wilton/Conor McMahon (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
48 Sean Moynihan/Padraig O'Donovan (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
49 Declan McNaughton/Mark Henry (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
50 Johnny Jordan/Gary McNern (Toyota Starlet) [13]
51 David Moffett/Martin Connolly (Toyota Starlet RWD) [14]
52 Martin McGee/Conor Foley (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
53 John McQuaid/Thomas Treanor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
54 JF Shovelin/Emmet Brosnan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
55 Kyle McGettigan/Dale McGettigan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
56 Brian Lavelle/Piaras O'Ceallachain (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
57 Oliver Benton/Kyle Diffin (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
58 Ian Dickson/Kenny Bustard (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [RC2]
59 Andy Davies/Michael Gilbey (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
60 Niall Devine/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
61 Trevor Bustard/John McCafferty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [9]
62 Ryan Caldwell/Arthur Kierans (Skoda Fabia R5) [RC2]
63 Gareth Mimnagh/J Barry McCarney (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
64 Paul Barrett/Kevin Reilly (Citroen C3 Rally2) [5]
65 Martin Cairns/Peter Ward (Ford Fiesta R5) [24]
66 Sean Devine/Elaine NÍ Shé (Ford Fiesta R5) [24]
67 Chris Ford/Neil Colman (Citroen C3 Rally2) [RC5]
68 Aidan Caldwell/James McDermott (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
69 Simon Michael/Ivor Lamont (Citroen DS3 R5) [20]
70 Gary Cooney/Stephen Reynolds (TBA) []
71 Gavin Kelly/Darragh Mullan (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
72 Shane Murray/Gary Hade (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
73 Liam McMullan/Patrick Durning (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
74 Chris McGurk/Mark McGeehan (Ford Fiesta R5) [24]
75 Barry McLaughlin/Barry McBride (Ford Escort Mk1) [14]
76 William McFadden/Demi McFadden (Ford Escort G3) [13]
77 William Carey/Jimmy Graham (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
78 Stewart Morrison/Steven Tinney (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
79 Andrew Gillespie/Stephen Doogan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
80 Paddy McDaid/Timmy Lunn (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
81 Gareth Irwin/Justin McCauley (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
82 Kevin McLaughlin/Aodhan Gallagher (Honda Civic) [11F]
83 Gavin Russell/Daniel Callaghan (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
84 JP Logue/James Logue (Honda Civic) [11F]
85 Gareth Black/Connor Dunlop (Toyota Starlet RWD) [13]
86 Geoffrey Dolan/Connor Murphy (Talbot Sunbeam) [13]
87 Rory Thomas/Aidan Thomas (Ford Escort) [13]
88 Mickey Conlon/Domhnall Lennon (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
89 Eugene Meegan/Paul McPhilips (BMW 1M CSL) [14]
90 James McCarville/Conal McNulty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
91 Stephen Peoples/Kieran Burke (Ford Escort) [13]
92 Neil Martin Brogan/James McGlinchey (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
93 Darragh Kelly/Eamonn Doherty (Ford Escort) [13]
94 David Healy/Stephen McGing (Honda Civic) [11F]
95 Corey Eves/Pascal McCarney (Toyota Corolla) [13]
96 Cathal Martley/Shane Gorman (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
97 Brian Bolger/Martin Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
98 Conal Hegarty/John Spillane (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
99 Patrick O'Connor/Harry Stubbs (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [20]
100 Gary McElhinney/Shaun Lafferty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
101 Anthony Hand/Peter Deery (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
102 Sam Stewart/Alan Johnston (Ford Escort) []
103 Jack Brunton/Darragh Kelly (Honda Civic) [11F]
104 Lee McLaughlin/Liam Toye (Ford Fiesta R5) [24]
105 Keelan Grogan/Ayrton Sherlock (Peugeot 208 Rally4) [RC4]
106 Casey Jay Coleman/Adam Coffey (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
107 Ioan Lloyd/Sion Williams (Peugeot 208 Rally4) [RC4]
108 Ryan McHugh/Declan Boyle (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
109 Dylan Eves/Ryan Farrell (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
110 Conor Wilson/Sean Marsh (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
111 Joseph Kelly/Ronan Comerford (Peugeot 208 Rally4) [RC4]
112 Shane Quinn/Patrick Brides (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
113 Tom Holton/Stephen Joyce (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
114 Cian Caldwell/Liam Egan (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
115 Daniel Conaghan/Terence Magee (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
116 Shaun Murphy/Damien McKenna (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
117 Mark Boyle/Trisha Greavy (Ford Escort) [14]
118 Dermot Cannon/Bobby Trimble (Ford Escort) [14]
119 Alister Peoples/Patrick Patterson (Ford Escort) [11R]
120 Bernard McGinley/TBA (Toyota Starlet RWD) [11R]
121 Chris McLaughlin/TBA (Toyota Starlet RWD) [11R]
122 Ivan Stewart/Timothy Duggan (BMW M3 E30) []
123 John Dolan/Francis Devine (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
124 Mickey Peoples/Stephen Gallinagh (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
125 Ben Crump/Ian Beamond (Ford Escort) [13]
126 Kieran O'Kane/Barry McGleenon (Opel Ascona) [14]
127 Patrick Bonner/TBA (Ford Escort) [12]
128 Kieran Roarty/Micheal O'Donnell (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
129 Colin Currid/Paul Gallagher (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
130 Lee Hastings/Alistair Whylie (Subaru Impreza) [20]
131 Craig Rahill/Conor Smith (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
132 Jim McDowall/Shona Hale (Subaru Impreza) [15]
133 Shane Carr/Ciaran Carr (Vauxhall Nova) [11F]
134 Frank Rafferty/Sean McCaffrey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
135 Bob Moran/Eoin Collins (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
136 Roy Baldrick/Dermot Friel (Talbot Sunbeam) [13]
137 Andrew Hegarty/Michael Ward (Ford Escort) [14]
138 Ross Wasson/Aled Davies (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
139 Damien Cullen/Danny Cannon (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
140 Christy McLaughlin/Garth Neill (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
141 Enda McBride/Kyle McDaid (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
142 Jordan Greene McGee/Tony Curran (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
142 Adrian Rankin/Liam McGlynn (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
144 Stuart Rankin/Mickey Joe Browne (Honda Civic) [11F]
145 Alistair Glenn/Lee Simpson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [15]
146 Keith Costello/John Burke (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
147 Matthew Boyle/Gary Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
148 Iarla Carty/Jack Carty (Opel Adam) [11F]
149 Stephen Gallagher/Chloe Kelly (Honda Civic) [22]
150 Mark Stewart/Chris Hobson (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
151 Hazel O'Callaghan/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
152 Teighearnan Kelly/Conal Doherty (Honda Civic) [11F]
153 Josh Harris/Jack Harris (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
154 Terence Diver/Hugh Coll (Ford Fiesta R2) [RC4]
155 Alan Browne/Michael Donnellan (Subaru Impreza) [20]
156 Craig Alcorn/Darren McNamee (Honda Civic) [11F]
157 Patrick Coyle/Thomas McCullagh (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
158 Jason Mooney/TBA (Ford Fiesta ST) [22]
159 David Gordon/Richard Gordon (Rover MG ZR) [9]
160 Adrian Wasson/John Kildea (Peugeot 206) [11F]
161 Benny Rodgers/Keith Harris (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
162 Jason McConnon/Daniel McConnon (Peugeot 208 R2) [22]
163 Eamon McLaughlin/Sean Doherty (Vauxhall Nova) [10]

R1 Walsh Mac/TBA (Honda Civic) [13]
R2 Davin Orr/Martin McBrearty (Honda Civic) [11F]
R3 Robbie Allen/Emer Kearns (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
R4 Pauric Gillespie/Shane Dillon (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
R5 Fergal McGuigan/Michael Moran (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
R6 Stuart Robb/Jason McCahill (Toyota Corolla GT) [13]
R7 Joe Connolly/Richard Connolly (Hyundai i20 R5) [RC2]
R8 Stephen McDonagh/Fran McDonagh (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
R9 Breslin Lee/Kenny Liam (Peugeot 205 RWD) [13]
R10 Pádraig Coll/Pádraig Boyle (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
R11 John Watters/Graham Trevor (Ford Escort) [14]
R12 Barry Doogan/Keith Neary (Honda Civic) [11F]
R13 Peter Greene/Conor Comack (Ford Escort) [13]
R14 Alan Nesbitt/TBA (Ford Escort) [14]
R15 Anthony O'Brien/TBA (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
R16 Peter McCarry/Conor Carroll (Ford Escort G3) [13]
R17 Denis Ferry/Danny McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza) [15]
R18 James McDermott/TBA (Vauxhall Chevette HSR) [12]
R19 Leonard Craig/ (TBA) []
R20 Boyce Christopher/Dillon Pascal (Honda Civic) [22]
R21 Gerry Casey/Conor Duffy (Ford Escort) [13]
R22 Gerard McGivney/TBA (TBA) []
R23 Gerard Browne/Kevin Duggan (Ford Escort) [14]
R24 Richard Hickey/Ken Carmody (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
R25 Gerard McQuaid/Gary Quinlan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
R26 Declan Farren/Danny Farren (Honda Civic) [11F]
R27 Paul Crosby/Eoin Lennon (Toyota Starlet RWD) [11R]
R28 Chris George/Chris Johnston (BMW 325) [14]
R29 Joe Hegarty/David Tutkington (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC2]
R30 Gene McDonald/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
R31 Kevin Cole/Matthew Kirwan (TBA) []
R32 Ferlin Taylor/TBA (Peugeot 205 RWD) [13]

H1 Thomas O'Connell/Thomas Wedlock (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [19]
H2 Martin McCormack/Barney Mitchell (BMW M3 E30) [19]
H3 Duncan Williams/Guy Weaver (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [18]
H4 Adrian Hetherington/Ronan O'Neill (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [18]
H5 Michael McDaid/Declan Casey (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [18]
H6 Martin Doherty/Darragh Doherty (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [19]
H7 Walter Dick/Loretta Kelly (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [19]
H8 David Goose/Ashley Trimble (Ford Escort) [17]
H9 Thomas Keys/Kelvin Keys (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [18]
H10 John O'Neill/Martin Gallogley (Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2) [18]
H11 Andy Johnson/TBA (Vauxhall Chevette HSR) [18]
H12 John Keatley/TBA (Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1) [18]
H14 Alan Watkins/Eoghan McCarthy (Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2) [18]
H15 Anders Johnsen/Ingrid Johnsen (Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4) [19]
H16 Trevor Wilson/Paul Mulholland (Porsche 911) [18]
H17 Peter McCullagh/Flint McCullagh (Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2) [18]
H18 Jonni McDaid/Ben Thompson (Talbot Samba Rallye) [17]
H19 Hugh McQuaid/TBA (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [19]
H20 Nigel Creagh/Alan Keena (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [18]
H21 Donal Keane/Diarmuid Keane (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [18]
H22 Brian Crawford/Finian Hannigan (Talbot Sunbeam) [17]
H23 Garry Crossan/TBA (Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2) [18]
H24 Peadar Walsh/Grace Walsh (Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1) [18]
H25 Liam Regan/Glyn Thomas (Skoda Estelle 130 L) [17]
H26 Harold Bunting/Dessie Wilson (Austin Mini Cooper S) [17]
H27 Ed Colton/Enda Shiels (Hillman Avenger) [17]
H28 Ivan Warwick/Claire Rodgers (Audi Quattro) [19]
H29 Brian Carson/Adam Carson (Austin Mini) [17]

J1 Kyle McBride/Kieran McBride (Honda Civic) [16]
J2 Gary Cassidy/Gary McCrudden (Honda Civic) [16]
J3 Darragh O'Donovan/Michael White (Honda Civic) [16]
J4 Jack McKenna/Damian Doherty (Honda Civic) [16]
J5 Ben McIntyre/Andrew Wedlock (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
J6 Barry McIntyre/Conor O'Connell (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
J7 Robbie O'Hanlon/Oisin Joyce (Honda Civic) [16]
J8 Kyle McDaid/Damien Sheridan (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
J9 Dean Curran/Brendan Doherty (Honda Civic) [16]
J10 Dylan Baskin/Ryan Moore (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
J11 Seimi Browne/Oran Taylor (Honda EK9) [16]
J12 Patrick Doherty/Dylan Boyce (Honda Civic) [16]
J14 Jordan Jervis/James McBrearty (Honda Civic) [16]
J15 Jack Kelly/Conor Dolan (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
J16 Keith O'Connor/Aaron O'Connor (Honda Civic) [16]
J17 Dara Bonner/TBA (Honda Civic) [16]
J18 Mikey Ryan/Eoghan Doherty (Honda Civic) [16]
J19 Patrick Brogan/Patrick Gallagher (Honda Civic) [16]

Wilton Recycling unveiled as new sponsor of Donegal International Rally

Posted: May 3, 2023 4:41 AM

Wilton Recycling is the new main sponsor of the Donegal International Rally.

The Cavan-based company will be the headline sponsor for this year's event which runs from Friday, June 16th to Sunday, June 18th, with the three-year deal rolling into 2024 and 2025.

Looking ahead to the 2023 Wilton Donegal International Rally, clerk of the course, Eamon McGee, said there's a huge demand for entries for the June showpiece.

"Entries opened last week and there's been a huge interest from crews from all over.

"I'd like to thank Wilton Recycling for coming on board as the main sponsor. Securing a main sponsor is so important when it comes to an event like the Donegal International Rally, as it keeps it affordable for competitors," Mr. McGee added.

Announcing details of the new sponsorship arrangement, Donegal Motor Club Chairman, Brian Brogan, said he was delighted to have Wilton Waste Recycling on board.

"We are extremely grateful to Wilton Waste Recycling for their generosity. This sponsorship deal represents a major investment in the Donegal International Rally and is also a timely boost to Irish motorsport.

"Wilton Recycling is owned by Rodney Wilton who has a long association with the Donegal International Rally, having been a regular competitor himself down the years. So, teaming up with Rodney's company is a great fit for the Donegal International Rally," he commented.

"The Donegal International Rally is now the only three-day rally in Ireland and continues to attract the best drivers and the biggest crowds. The event returned last year after a two-year break because of Covid and all involved with the Donegal Motor Club are looking forward to planning what we hope will be another successful event in June," the chairman added.

Speaking about his decision to step up as headline sponsor, Rodney Wilton said: "I'm delighted to be associated with the Donegal International Rally which remains the biggest and best rally in the country.

"As a competitor I always looked forward to Donegal. With the ongoing expansion of my business, I felt the time was right now to team up with such a high-profile event.

"I'm happy to say I will be taking part in this year's Donegal and for it to be known as the Wilton Donegal International will give me a great sense of pride when I leave the start ramp on the Friday morning in Letterkenny."

Established by Rodney Wilton in Ballyjamesduff in Cavan, Wilton Recycling is a family-run company that initially focused on skip hire before seamlessly transitioning to scrap metal recycling. Over the years, it has moved into a wider range of waste management and refined recycling services, including local wheelie bin collection.

The Donegal International Rally attracts around 100,000 spectators annually and is worth an estimated €25 million to the local economy. In 2022, over 400,000 people watched the event online.

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Posted: May 3, 2023 4:38 AM

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Update

Posted: March 2, 2023 6:24 AM

PRESS RELEASE 2 - NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR DONEGAL RALLY STEP BACK FOR 2023

Posted: February 28, 2023 1:54 PM

This Press Release has been sent by the Management Team Donegal International Rally 2023, and not by Donegal Motor Club nor its Committee.

The Management team of the 2023 Donegal International Rally have announced a pause in their planning for the 2023 event. A new management structure for the Rally was adopted by Donegal Motor Club members in January of this year, with the management team starting its work on 16th January. Since then significant new support has been secured in the commercial sponsorships, logistics, and marshals needed for the Rally.

On the 17th January, the DMC Club Chairman forwarded the resignation letter of the outgoing Clerk of the Course to the management team, which letter informed that the Rally Manager had also stood down. Press release No. 1 refers.

Since then the DMC Club executive have failed to address the issue of the election of a Clerk of the Course for the 2023 Donegal Rally. The scheduled February Club meeting, at which this was expected to occur, was cancelled without explanation and there currently appear to be no plans to hold any to address the situation. The management team have tried to engage with the executive to call a Club meeting but without success.

In the circumstances that such key positions remain empty 16 weeks before the 2023 Rally, the team is unable to do its work as planned, and at a meeting this week has decided to pause its operation and to advise Club members and other affected parties accordingly. The management plan, and the team adopted by the Club members, will not operate at the 2023 Donegal International Rally.

The team issues this release in the interests of transparency and for the proper notification of all affected parties. It extends its thanks to the many businesses, personnel and other contributors who came forward to pledge their help in making the Donegal Rally a continued success.

The team looks forward to the next meeting of Donegal Motor Club, if one occurs, to update the Club on its work and plans, to outline and document the reason for this decision, and to address the unhelpful speculation generated in the past weeks.

Regardless of which structure is in place, the team commends and looks forward to a successful Donegal international Rally in 2023, and will give such assistance as it can. We wish our fellow Club members all the best with the selection of a new Clerk of the Course and in the running of the 2023 Donegal International rally.

Management Team Donegal International Rally 2023.

PRESS RELEASE 1 - “THE NEXT 50 BEGINS”

Posted: January 30, 2023 10:02 AM

The Organisers of the 2023 Donegal International Rally have announced changes to the structure of the event for 2023, arising from an intensive review of the Rally over the winter by the Club.

Dedicated teams, operating with a central co-ordinator, will handle defined areas of the rally, ranging from such things as accommodation for marshals and competitors to the delivery of technical services and media support. Long term event planning will address the Rally’s promotion, fundraising and sponsorship arrangements, the aim being to secure its’ position as the primary International motorsport event in Ireland well into the future.

The in depth review looked into the huge workload involved in staging the rally and the need to plan for the long term support of the personnel, equipment and resources required. The drive to better integrate the event with support from local businesses, the local community and local authorities is well under way, with significant progress already reported.

The new structure, and the key personnel to head up each team, was adopted with a huge vote in favour at a very well attended Club meeting on the 9th January. Preparations are already started to ensure that the fabled ‘Donegal Experience’ continues for visitors and competitors alike for 2023 and beyond. The “Next 50” begins now.

After 10 years at the helm, and having successfully brought the Donegal International Rally from its 40th through to its 50th anniversary in 2022, Eamon McGee has decided to stand down as Clerk of the Course. Eamon is a legendary figure in Irish motorsport and a key organiser within Donegal Motor Club. He has wished the Club all the best with the selection of a new Clerk of the Course and in the running of the new structure.

Nominations for the position of Clerk of the Course are expected to be taken at the next meeting of Donegal Motor Club on 8th February next and further developments will be announced in due course.

Donegal International Rally 2023 Management Team.

Event / Club Websites

Posted: January 30, 2023 10:00 AM

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