Donegal Motor Club Press Release -- Cancellation

Posted: September 18, 2001 12:07 PM

Dr James McDaid, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation commented: “I fully support the decision taken by Donegal Motor Club, we certainly have to be vigilant in view of the current situation in the UK. The Donegal Motor Club have acted responsibly in the past and know exactly what they are doing”

Mr George O Hagan, Chairman of the Donegal Branch of the IFA commented : “We recognise the disappointment among the members of Donegal Motor Club at having to cancel further events but we in IFA deeply appreciate the consideration for the farming community being shown by Donegal Motor Club again” .

Leonard Wilson, Clerk of the Course for the Event, commented: “Whilst myself and the organising team are disappointed at the cancellation of the event, I feel that the decision is in the best long term interests of rallying. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the many people who have put a lot of time and effort into the preparatory work of the rally. I would like to thank our main sponsor – The Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, and the many other sponsors and advertisers who had already committed to the event”.

The Directors of Donegal Motor Club have also decided at this point to cancel its remaining events for the remainder of the 2001 calendar which means that the 2002 Shell Donegal International Rally will probably be the next rally to be organised by the club.

A spokesman for Motorsport Ireland issued the following comment: “Arising from the re-emergence of foot and mouth disease in the UK, the Motorsport Commission, the ruling council of the sport’s governing body Motorsport Ireland, will review the situation as it effects closed road events at their meeting on Thursday next, 20th September”