Press Release 1 - Yeats Ridge Forestry Rally 2026 hosted by CONNACHT MOTOR CLUB
Posted: December 28, 2025 7:18 AM
Connacht Motor Club are delighted to host the opening round of the 2026 Irish Forest Rally Championship, a first for the club having focused on tarmac stages since its inception in the early eighties. With the support of Coillte and the exceptional efforts of their representative for the Northwest region, Brian Mc Garraghy, have presented the club with a selection of four competitive stages. The relatively compact loop run twice accumulates to a total of 55km of competitive stages, straddling woodland in Sligo and Leitrim. Regulations are finalised and due for release in early January with accommodation for a total of 100 entries including the ever-expanding MIJRS field combined with the two- and four-wheel drive field.
We are thrilled to have the main sponsor of Currid Motors, Grange come on board, Colin being a loyal club competitor on the Sligo Stages for years and extending his talents more recently to Forest stages at neighbouring forest events. Currid Motors are a one stop shop in North Sligo specialising in Used Car Sales, Crash Repair, Servicing and Car sourcing, having built up a loyal customer base over the years due to their professional and personal service.
C.O.C Ultan Mc Gowan has been working tirelessly over the past number of months, immediately after concluding his successful Sligo Stages Rally in July last, selecting stages and bringing a team together. His Deputy Seamus Mc Tighe, like Ultan brings the experience of competing in the forest to the table, focusing very much on the competitor. Scrutiny, Parc Ferme, Finish ramp and headquarters will be located at Collooney, while Service Area will be centrally located at a remote area nearer the stages but will be closed to spectators. A regroup area at a nearby village will be more accessible for the general spectator to view cars closeup.
Competitors are reminded that regulations will be published at the earliest opportunity at the start of January with entries opening imminently.