Galway International Rally - 5-6 Feb 22

Kelly aims for Irish Tarmac Rally Championship success in 2022

Posted: February 4, 2022 5:22 PM

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver David Kelly will embark on a season in the highly acclaimed Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2022, driving his Glebe Builders backed Ford Fiesta R5.

Kelly, just 26 years old from Donegal and co-driver Dean O’Sullivan will tackle seven rounds of the all-asphalt calendar, starting with this weekend’s Galway International Rally [5-6 February].

After contesting the prestigious Junior British Rally Championship in a two-wheel-drive Fiesta Rally4 in 2021, Kelly’s blistering pace and top stage times were mixed with bad fortune and a string of mechanical woes.

With championship hopes dashed at the mid-point of the season, Kelly upgraded to the top-flight Fiesta R5 and contested a handful of events to get a better understanding of the all-new machine.

Fifth place in Wexford was a highlight for the progressive youngster and now Kelly will commit to the ITRC in 2022 and aim to battle towards the front of one of the most hotly contested championships in Europe.

“I'm really excited to be embarking on such a fascinating season of the ITRC and stepping up full-time into the R5 category,” says Kelly.

“For the last two season’s it’s been tough to get a full plan together thanks to the pandemic but finally 2022 feels like it's going to be able to provide a proper calendar of events. Competing at home will be really exciting too and give me the chance to settle in properly to the new car and improve our pace as the season progresses. We are remaining realistic about our prospects in such a high-quality field but are eager to gain valuable mileage and experience of the events and the car.”

The 2019 Billy Coleman Award finalist has an impressive CV of events under his belt, with a conscious effort to gain experience on all surfaces leading to a Fastnet, Cavan and Midland Stages Rally Junior win and runner-up Junior in the Irish Championship that year.

Kelly then contested the opening round of the 2020 Junior BRC and secured an impressive podium before COVID forced the cancellation of the series, returning in 2021 with some success in the closely fought championship.

“Although we showed a lot of promise in the Junior BRC, the stars didn’t quite align in terms of results” he continues.

"But it gave us a wealth of understanding and experience of tackling top-class events and fighting at the front which will undoubtedly help going forward with the Fiesta R5. Whilst I don’t have that many stage miles under my belt, I certainly feel ready for the challenge this season and that’s testament to the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and all their support for divers who want to progress their careers. Their support has been invaluable and means I can pretty much hit the ground running this weekend in Galway.”

Kelly is also eager to return to the UK to sample some of the gravel events in the British Rally Championship during the season, but for now, will get his 2022 campaign underway with the number 12 on the doors.

“It's two days of some of the best Irish asphalt stages, which will be a great but difficult experience. The pace out front will certainly be rapid, but we will do our own thing and build the speed over the course of the weekend. I have to say a huge thank you to our valuable partners Glebe Builders, Donegal Hardware, B. Bonner Painting, Cherry More Kitchens, Sweeney Scaffolding, Gortlee Tool Hire and Briton Tarmac for their support and enabling us to embark on such an exciting season ahead.”

Titanic ITRC tussle expected on star-studded Galway Rally

Posted: February 1, 2022 4:48 PM

The Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is back. Galway International Rally's return to its two-day format provides a fitting opener and one that is sure to challenge the best rally drivers Ireland has to offer.

Any visit to Galway in February is a test for driver, co-driver, and rally car but the 240 competitive kilometres of countryside asphalt Galway Motor Club has laid on is as tough as they come.

Galway has prepared the perfect season opener and the competitors have more than obliged. A jam-packed entry, Galway's reward for its 15-stage itinerary.

Rally2:

2020 Galway Rally winners Alastair Fisher and Gordon Noble lead the way on ITRC’s opening seeded entry list of the year. It will be Fisher’s first rally since his victory two years ago. He once again pilots the increasingly popular Volkswagen Polo R5.

Callum Devine and Brian Hoy follow close behind. After a challenging Ulster Rally experience, they’ll hope to return to the winning form shown in Cork, Sperrins, and Donegal last Autumn. Continuing in their Ford Fiesta Rally2, Devine and Hoy are mounting a sustained ITRC bid this year.

Meirion Evans, Josh Moffett, Jonny Greer, Cathan McCourt, and Donagh Kelly will showcase Volkswagen, Hyundai, Citroen, and M-Sport machinery in a Rally2 line-up that is set to provide a scintillating Irish Tarmac battle.

Over 25 R5 and Rally2 cars will embark on Galway’s opening Irish Tarmac round.

Rally4:

Up and coming international drivers Eamonn Kelly and Jason Dickson lead the Rally4 category. Andrew Burke, James Boland, and Joseph Kelly are amongst the other leading front-wheel-drive runners.

With ITRC’s recently announced European Rally Championship prize on offer at the end of the season, the battle between Rally4 Fiesta crews in this category is sure to be intense.

Modified:

Galway provides a modified entry as strong as we’ve ever witnessed in Ireland. 2018 Modified Irish Tarmac Champion Kevin Eves leads the way in his Toyota Corolla. Gary Kiernan, Damien Tourish, and Chris Armstrong follow behind in Ford

Escort Mk2s. 2019 Modified Champion Damien Toner is seeded 32nd in his Mk2 Escort such is the strength of Galway’s entry.

Declan Gallagher and James Stafford will look to shake up the Escort regulars in their Toyota Starlet and Darrian T90 contenders.

Galway’s two-wheel-drive winners two years ago, Jason Black and Karl Egan top Class 13 in their popular Starlet.

Richard Whelan, Wesley Patterson, Tom Flaherty, and Daniel McKenna are yet more big names to expect in Galway’s modified battle.

Historic:

ITRC’s Historic crews return for their second round of the season after Neil Williams picked up an early win in Killarney last November. Williams fought off set-up issues and an energy-sucking flu to secure top points on the six-stage event.

There will be a different Historic winner in Galway as Williams is unable to make the event. But there will be plenty of contenders including Luke McCarthy, Duncan Williams, Philip Wylie, and Maurice Meskell who will continue their friendly rivalry from Killarney.

Over 15 Historic cars will tackle this year’s Galway International Rally.

Junior:

14 Junior crews will kick-off their championship in Galway. The Honda Civic filled entry is led by Cork 20’s Junior winner, Jack Brunton. The Juniors will compete on Sunday’s six stages.

There really is no shortage of variety, quality, and popularity in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship’s opening event of the year. With two days of demanding stages on offer, Galway is promising to take rallying to a new level in 2022.

Championship Launch:

The Tarmac Rally Organisers Association welcomes everybody along to the Acesigns Irish Tarmac Rally Championship launch on Friday 4th February. The launch will be held at rally headquarters, The Connacht Hotel, at 19:00.

Corrib Oil Galway International Rally 2022 Press Release 5 - Full Event Preview

Posted: February 1, 2022 4:40 PM

The 2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally takes place over the coming weekend, 5th and 6th February.

Once again, a strong quality entry has been received for the first major rally of the year and as always, the Galway International Rally is the opening round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship & the Second Round of the Irish Tarmac Historic Rally Championship. Entries have come from all over Ireland as well as several overseas entries. The competing teams, their sponsors and crews, and the thousands of spectators that will line the route will bring a welcome early season boost of visitor numbers to Galway City and County. The event has retained its full weekend format and is expected to generate over 2,000 bed nights for hotels and guest houses. The rally is estimated to generate approximately €3 million of revenue for the local economy.

Clerk of the Course, Aiden Connolly, said
“Galway Motor Club is indebted to the staff of Galway City and County Councils, An Garda Siochana, Fáilte Ireland, the Road Safety Authority and the HSE, the Directors and Staff of Corrib Oil, the 300 volunteer marshals from all over Ireland, and most of all the residents along the route for their assistance with temporary road closures to ensure the safe running of the event.”

The rally will get under way with scrutineering of cars Galway Racecourse from 1.00pm on Friday 4th February, followed by a Ceremonial Start in Eyre Square later that day at 8.00pm. Both are ideal opportunities to see the rally cars and drivers prior to the start of the competition.

Headquarters for the event is the Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway. The rally route will cover 9 closed road stages on Saturday 5th February and a further 6 closed road stages on Sunday 6th February. The stages are all based around the town of Loughrea with the action getting under way at 8:50am on the Saturday. The rally Service Park will be in the IDA Loughrea Technology and Business Park, Loughrea, by kind permission of the IDA. Sunday evening will see the ceremonial finish back at Connacht Hotel from approximately 4.30pm. Admission to all events is free over the weekend.

Road Safety:
The Corrib Oil Galway International Rally is an event that is sanctioned by the FIA under an official Permit issued by Motorsport Ireland and supported by the RSA – The Road Safety Authority of Ireland. All competing cars will carry its logo and message, and signage to promote this road safety message will be visible.
Aiden Connolly, Clerk of the Course, encourages fans travelling to the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally to heed the message from the organisers to ‘Keep the Race in its Place’, to slow down, never drink and drive and to always wear a seatbelt. All spectators on the closed road stages must always obey the Marshals, as they will be implementing a comprehensive Safety Plan. A traffic management plan is in place with the support of the Gardai.

Cavalcade of competing cars and Ceremonial Start:
A Ceremonial Start will take place in Eyre Square on Friday 4th February at 8.00pm, where Mayor Collette Connolly will flag away the leading cars. Prior to that, from 7.00pm to 8.00pm, a cavalcade of the leading rally cars, along with Historic Rally cars from past years will travel from Galway Racecourse along Lough Atalia, Dock Road, Spanish parade, Flood Street and Merchants Road to Eyre Square.

Traffic Diversions:
To facilitate the safe running of the event there will be temporary road closures on certain roads around East County Galway on Sunday 6th February. All road closures will be clearly sign posted and marshalled. All residents have been informed of the times and temporary road closure arrangements and the details have been advertised by Galway County Council. There will be additional traffic in the Eyre Square area from 6.00pm to 9.00pm on Friday 4th to facilitate the Ceremonial Start, also in the vicinity of the Connacht Hotel and in Loughrea and surrounding areas during both days.

Rally Programmes:
The Official Rally Programme contains full listings of stage times, service area times, detailed Ordnance Survey Route Maps and all the information required to locate the many spectator access points. The Programme costs €10 and is available from the Connacht Hotel and from various Corrib Oil filling stations, newsagents and outlets in the city and county, listed on the Rally.ie website, and on the Galway International Rally Facebook page.

Media Coverage:
Results, regular updates and more detailed information will be available on the Galway International Rally Facebook page.
Galway Bay FM will be reporting from all 15 stages throughout the two days with regular updates and driver interviews.
Galway Motor Club has secured TV coverage on TG4 and other sports channels, with programmes to be broadcast in the coming weeks.

2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally Timetable:

Friday 4th February 1.00pm to 6.00pm. Scrutiny at Galway Racecourse.
Friday 4th February 8.00pm: Ceremonial Start in Eyre Square, Galway.
Saturday 5th February all day: 9 Special Stages in East Galway.
Sunday 6th February all day: 6 Special Stages in East Galway


Saturday and Sunday 5th- 6th February Service Park at IDA Loughrea
8.00am to 6.00pm: Business & Technology Park.

Sunday 2nd February 4.30pm: Finish at Connacht Hotel, Galway.

Devine to begin Irish Tarmac campaign on tough Galway Rally

Posted: January 28, 2022 1:59 PM

County Derry’s Callum Devine will start his first full assault on the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship on February's Galway International Rally. Ireland's leading motorsport series is Devine's priority in 2022 having spent the past two seasons in the European Rally Championship.

Devine continues to drive the Ford Fiesta Rally2 he used to win three rallies at home last year.

Galway's two-day event marks the Irish Tarmac Championship's return after a two-year break. The occasion has brought with it a string of Ireland's best rally drivers. Devine along with co-driver Brian Hoy are seeded in second position behind 2020 rally winner Alastair Fisher. British Rally Champion Matt Edwards, Northern Ireland Rally Champion Jonny Greer, and 2018 Irish Tarmac Champion Josh Moffett are among the other leading contenders heading to Galway.

“The competition will no doubt be strong this year,” said Devine. “Just like it was in 2019 when Craig Breen was doing the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
"Alastair [Fisher] always goes hard, and hopefully I won't be too far away either.
"I would be happy to see Matt Edwards over too, he is a top class driver with plenty of speed." Devine and Hoy claimed three ITRC podiums in 2019 to grab third in the overall championship. Devine missed the season opener in Galway that time around which means this year will be his first time competing on the gruelling stages in four-wheel-drive machinery. 2016 was the last time Devine tackled the Galway International Rally. Driving an Opel Adam R2 he claimed a class win to kick start what was a successful campaign in ITRC's front-wheel-drive championship.

Six years on, the 27-year-old is looking forward to revisiting Ireland's notorious curtain raiser. "It is always great to be rallying back home on these top class rallies that are right on our doorstep.
"I'm looking forward to Galway and hopefully I can get into the rhythm of the rally quick enough.
"I have gained good experience at this stage, in Junior WRC and ERC, to try out different events.
“But to be honest there is a lot to be said for rallying on proper Irish Tarmac stages.
“The craic is always good between the other crews and with the whole team throughout the rally weekend.
“I’m looking forward to getting at it again and competing in a full season if all goes to plan.” Devine has had some time since the start of the year to enhance the performance of his Rally2 Fiesta on Ireland's unique roads. With 15 stages and 240 kilometres on offer, Galway will prove the ultimate test of speed, skill, and endurance as Irish rallying embarks on a promising 2022 season.

The Galway International Rally gets underway with nine stages on Saturday 5th February before six tests conclude the action on Sunday.

Seeded Entry List

Posted: January 26, 2022 4:24 AM

Seeding Driver/Navigator (Car) [Class]
1 Alastair Fisher/Gordon Noble (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
2 Callum Devine/Brian Hoy (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [RC2]
3 Matt Edwards/ TBA (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
4 Meirion Evans/Jonathan Jackson (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
5 Josh Moffett/Andy Hayes (Hyundai i20 R5) [RC2]
6 Jonathan Greer/ TBA (Citroen C3 Rally2) [RC2]
7 Cathan McCourt/Liam Moynihan (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [RC2]
8 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
9 Declan Boyle/James O'Reilly (Ford Fiesta WRC) [5]
10 Garry Jennings/Rory Kennedy (Ford Fiesta R5) [24]
11 Daniel Cronin/Shane Buckley (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC5]
12 David Kelly/Dean O'Sullivan (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
14 Tim McNulty/Paul Kiely (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [24]
15 David Guest/Jonathan McGrath (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
16 Paul Barrett/Kevin Reilly (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
17 Keith Lyons/Niall Burns (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
18 Enda O'Brien/John Butler (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
19 Jason Mitchell/Paddy McCrudden (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [RC2]
20 Aidan Wray/Niall Burns (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
21 Brendan Cumiskey/Connolly Martin (VW Polo GTI R5) [RC2]
22 Cal McCarthy/Derek O'Brien (Citroen DS3 R5) [RC2]
23 Jason McSweeney/Liam Brennan (Ford Fiesta R5) [24]
24 Stuart Biggerstaff/Anthony Nestor (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
25 Stephen McCann/John McCabe (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
26 Kevin Eves/Chris Melly (Toyota Corolla Twincam) [14]
27 Gary Kiernan/Daren O'Brien (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
28 Damien Tourish/Domhnall McAlaney (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
29 Declan Gallagher/John McCarthy (Toyota Starlet RWD) [14]
30 James Stafford/Amy Stafford (Darrian T90 GTR) [14]
31 Chris Armstrong/Darren Curran (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
32 Damien Toner/Denver Rafferty (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
33 Jason Black/Karl Egan (Toyota Starlet RWD) [13R]
34 Richard Whelan/James Whelan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
35 Wesley Patterson/Johnny Baird (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
36 Tom Flaherty/Patrick Curley (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
37 Simon Reid/John Murphy (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
38 Daniel McKenna/Andrew Grennan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
39 Stuart Darcy/Liam McIntyre (Proton MEM S2500 Millington) [20]
40 Pat Kelly/Jonathan Kelly (Ford Fiesta) [20]
41 Brian Brogan/Damien McGettigan (Skoda Fabia S2500) [20]
42 Peter Wilson/John McCarthy (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
43 Sean Sharkey/Martin Byrne (Ford Fiesta R5) [RC2]
44 Marty Toner/Kyle Diffin (BMW 1 Series) [14]
45 Colin Byrne/Stephen Quin (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
46 Conor Murphy/Sean Collins (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
47 John Warren/Ruthann O'Connor (Toyota Corolla Twincam) [13R]
48 Mark Dolphin/Brian Quinlan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
49 Eugene Meegan/Sarah Whelan (BMW M1) [14]
50 John McQuaid/Thomas Treanor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
51 Gareth Black/Connor Dunlop (Toyota Starlet RWD) [13R]
52 Jer O'Donovan/Sean Hayde (Skoda Fabia S2000) [RC2]
53 John Lynch/Micheal Coady (Skoda Fabia S2500) [20]
54 David Quigley/Des Sherlock (Honda Civic EG6) [11F]
55 Michael Boyle/Dermot McCafferty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [RC2]
56 Trevor Bustard/Kenny Bustard (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [15]
57 Dylan Donoghue/Stephen Joyce (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [RC4]
58 Conor McCarthy/Gavin Sheehan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
59 Tom Holton/Stephen Reynolds (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [20]
60 Eamonn Kelly/Conor Mohan (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
61 Jason Dickson/TBA (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
62 Des Lyons/Ashling McArdle (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
63 Patrick McHugh/Pauric O'Donnell (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
64 Gerard Browne/Keith Bovaird (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
65 Daniel Breslin/Ben Teggart (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
66 Neil Phelan/Keith McCarthy (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
67 Richard Hickey/Eddie Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
68 Stephen Faughnan/Amy Faughnan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13R]
69 Justin Comer/Adrian Comer (Ford Escort Mk2) [13R]
70 Richard Harney/Brian Harney (Toyota Starlet RWD) [13R]
71 Alan Shiel/Des Daniels (Honda Civic) [11F]
72 Corey Eves/Pascal McCarney (Toyota Corolla Twincam) [11R]
73 Patrick O'Connor/Brendan Dowling (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [20]
74 Sam Johnston/Colin Duffy (Honda Civic) [11F]
75 Andrew Burke/Colin Keegan (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
76 Luke McCarthy/Brian Duggan (Ford Escort RS1800) [ K]
77 Duncan Williams/Declan Casey (Ford Escort RS1800) [D5]
78 Philip Wylie/Lewis Dunlop (Ford Escort RS1800) [ K]
79 Maurice Meskell/Stephen Meskell (Ford Escort Mk1) [C5]
80 Vincent Collins/Jane Collins (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
81 James Cassidy/Domhnall Lennon (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
82 Paul Horan/Enda O'Leary (Ford Escort G4) [13R]
83 Michael Brazil/Ray Fitzpatrick (Peugeot 205 RWD) [13R]
84 James Boland/John McCay (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC4]
85 Ryan Caldwell/Grace O'Brien (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [RC2]
86 Joseph Kelly/Shane Byrne (Peugeot 208 Rally4) [RC4]
87 Fraser Anderson/Dylan Doonan (Ford Rally 4) [RC4]
88 John O'Rourke/Ronan Comerford (Opel Adam R2) [RC4]
89 Simon Chapman/Peter Foy (Proton MEM S2500 Millington) [20]
90 Frank Rafferty/Sean McCaffrey (Ford Sierra Cosworth) [14]
91 Kevin Cole/Bernard Farrell (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
92 John Coughlan/Aron Connaire (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
93 Mervyn Deane/Trevor Burke (Ford Escort Mk2) [13R]
94 Justin McCauley/Michael O'Donnell (Ford Escort Mk2) [13R]
95 Aoife Raftery/Enda Hallinan (Ford Fiesta R2) [11F]
96 Gavin Sheill/Ken Blanche (Ford Fiesta ST) [22]
97 Cyril Casey/Elaine NÍ Shé (Ford Fiesta R2) [22]
98 Seamus O'Grady/Kieran Rafter (Renault R3 Maxi) [13]
99 Keelan Grogan/Ayrton Sherlock (Peugeot 208 R2) [22]
100 Mark O'Connor/Dean Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) [13R]
101 Quentin Park/Shane Farrel (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
102 Eoghan Fogarty/Podge Newe (Toyota Corolla Twincam) [E2]
103 John O'Reilly/Nick Sparks (Ford Escort Mk1) [C5]
104 David Goose/Brian Rowan (Ford Escort RS1800) [D5]
105 Drew Wylie/Stephen McAuley (Ford Escort RS1800) [D5]
106 James Ford/Neil Shanks (Ford Escort RS1800) [D5]
107 Andy Heekin/Sara McFadden (Subaru Impreza) [15]
108 Patrick Bonner/Brian Commons (Ford Escort RS2000) [12]
109 Paul McHugh/Brian Lavelle (Honda Integra Type R) [13F]
110 Berian Richards/Frank Curtin (Ford Escort RS1800) [D5]
111 Craig Macwilliam/Guy Macwilliam (Ford Escort RS1600) [C5]
112 Alan Watkins/Eoghan McCarthy (Ford Escort RS2000) [D3]
113 Aidan Doyle/Damian Doyle (Honda Civic EK4) [10]
114 Aaron Martley/ TBA (Toyota Corolla Twincam) [13R]
115 Fergal McGuigan/Mark McGeehan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13R]
116 David Healy/Stephen McGing (Honda Civic EG6) [11F]
117 Michael Ormond/Paddy King (Honda Civic R3) [22]
118 Darren Hayes/Gary Bolger (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [22]
119 David Quinn/James McDermott (BMW M3) [14]
120 Eddie Kennelly/Paul McGlinchey (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
121 Brendan Behan/Michael Bermingham (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
122 TJ Shiel/John Kilmartin (Toyota Corolla Twincam) [11R]
123 Colum Browne/Andy Purser (Honda Civic) [11F]
124 Barry Doogan/Keith Neary (Honda Civic) [11F]
125 Anthony Masterson/Tommy Clinton (Ford Escort RS1600) [11R]
126 Ben Walsh/ TBA (Ford Escort) [11R]
127 Philip McKibbin/Tommy Commane (Ford Escort Mk1) [C3]
128 Peter McCullagh/Flint McCullagh (Ford Escort RS2000) [D3]
129 Kenneth Treacy/Michael Walsh (Morris Mini Cooper S) [B2]
130 Ian Davies/Mark Crisp (BMW M3) [ K]
131 Noel Doyne/James Murtagh (Ford Escort) [D3]
132 Colin O'Toole/Charlotte Egan (Proton Satria) [22]
133 Robert Leech/Denny Greaney (Proton Satria) [22]
134 Peter Neville/David Mannion (Citroen Saxo) [11F]
135 Seamus Rogers/Oisin Joyce (Talbot Sunbeam) [10]
136 David Donegan/Alan Keena (Toyota Starlet RWD) [11R]
137 Sam Leech/Barry Attridge (Opel Corsa) [10]
138 John Newman/Pat Caulfield (BMW M3 E30) [ 7]

JUNIORS J1 Jack Brunton/Sean Brunton (Honda Civic) [16]
J2 Ryan McHugh/Declan Boyle (Honda Civic ) [16]
J3 Jack McKenna/Anthony McDonald (Honda Civic) [16]
J4 Jason Farrell/Robert Duggan (Honda Civic) [16]
J5 Cathal Mullins/Shane Mullins (Honda Civic ) [16]
J6 Mickey Joe Browne/Danny Cannon (Honda Civic) [16]
J7 John Michael Kennelly/Eoin Corcoran (Honda Civic) [16]
J8 Dylan Eves/Damien Sheridan (Honda Civic) [16]
J9 Jason Gorham/Jason Murphy (Honda Civic) [16]
J10 Ken Power/Andrew McCormack (Peugeot 106 GTi) [16]
J11 Robbie O'Hanlon/Liam Egan (Honda Civic) [16]
J12 Jamie O'Rourke/Patrick Brislane (Honda Civic) [16]
J14 Ronan Lacey/Anthony O'Driscoll (Honda Civic) [16]
J15 Cian Hynes/ TBA (Toyota Yaris) [16]

2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally Press Release 4

Posted: January 26, 2022 4:22 AM

The Corrib Oil Galway International Rally 2022 is almost upon us and reverting to a two-day international rally seems to have paid dividends with an excellent entry received. As usual the rally is the opening round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, sponsored for the first time this year by Acesigns, and it is the time of year where drivers reveal their new and updated machinery. Over 140 entries have been received in the main field while a further fifteen juniors will take part from Sunday morning. Entries are still being accepted for anyone who still wishes to take part in the opening International Rally of the year.

Top seeds are Alastair Fisher & Gordon Noble whose last appearance on a rally was two years ago when they won the Galway International Rally, Fisher’s maiden international win in Ireland. Once again, the pair are in a VW Polo Gti R5, and Fisher will be looking to repeat the dominant performance of 2020. Callum Devine & Brian Hoy will provide stiff opposition from the number two slot, with a number of victories during the latter half of 2021 once rallying came back. Devine was the Cork 20 winner in a Ford Fiesta R5 and will relish the challenge. Number three seed Matt Edwards is certainly someone who likes a challenge, and he is hoping to tackle this year’s tarmac championship if funds permit. The multiple BRC champion is looking to attempt Galway in a Polo R5 and if all goes according to plan, will provide a huge test to the drivers in front of him having shown an impressive turn of pace on Irish roads in the past.

Welsh driver Meirion Evans with Jonathan Jackson on the notes as usual starts at four in another Polo R5, and as his experience of Irish tarmac has increased over the past couple of years, a first victory over here should not be too long in coming round. The highest seeded former Tarmac Champions John Moffett & Andy Hayes are at five in the lone Hyundai i20 R5 on the list, and after an inconsistent couple of years will be looking forward to regaining the form that saw them take the 2018 championship.

Jonny Greer at six is entered in a Citroen C3 R5, the only example on this event and he will be competitive as he has a lot of experience in Galway over the years. Cathan McCourt & Liam Moynihan (Fiesta R5) at seven are always quick and if they can get more consistency into their stage times could be up there challenging. Donagh Kelly reunites with his old co driver Kevin Flanagan hoping to get off to a good start to the Tarmac Championship. Galway was a springboard for the pair back in 2015 with a win setting them up for a successful championship campaign. 2014 Tarmac Champion and Galway winner Declan Boyle starts at 9 in a Ford Fiesta WRC and has James O’Reilly on the notes while Garry Jennings the 2013 Tarmac Champion who won Galway in 2016 & 2017 rounds off the top ten in his RHD Ford Fiesta R5. Rory Kennedy as usual calls the notes for the Fermanagh driver.

The quality doesn’t end there with Daniel Cronin, David Kelly, 2011 Galway winner Tim McNulty (making his first rally appearance in six years) and David Guest also among the list. The national rally is very well supported, and the likes of James Stafford, Gary Kiernan, Damien Tourish, Daniel McKenna, Kevin Eves and Declan Gallagher are just some of the names that will be jostling for the top spot by the end of the rally. Luke McCarthy, Ryan Barrett, Philip Wylie, and Duncan Williams are among those to have entered the Historic Rally and these are seeded into the main field and will complete the full route of fifteen stages.
There are fifteen crews entered for the Junior Rally, a marked increase on recent years and the Honda Civic is the car of choice for most competitors. The top seeds are Jack & Sean Brunton followed by Jack McKenna & Anthony McDonald with John Michael Kennelly & Eoin Corcoran completing the top three, all in Civics. The Juniors will get all of Sunday’s stages which is two stages attempted three times.

2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally Press Release 3

Posted: January 8, 2022 10:56 AM

Entries for the 2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally have passed the 140 mark and competitors are reminded to get an entry in to avoid disappointment. There is a strong interest across all the categories to date with most classes well represented.

Among the leading contenders are those competing for the tarmac championship with Callum Devine, Meirion Evans, Declan Boyle and Cathan McCourt just some of those who have entered in the R5 category. Former Tarmac Champion and Galway winner Tim McNulty makes a welcome return to the stages in a RHD Ford Fiesta R5, with Garry Jennings also entered in a RHD Fiesta.

The national field is also shaping up well with Declan Gallagher, James Stafford, Chris Armstrong, Kevin Eves, Gary Kiernan, Damian Toner, Wesley Patterson and Daniel McKenna entering to date. The Historic category sees Duncan Williams, Neil Williams, Luke McCarthy & Andy Johnston ready to do battle on the stages.

Locally there is much interest with Richard Whelan & James Whelan looking to defend their Brian G Thornton trophy for best Galway crew. Tom Flaherty, who came so close to winning it in 2020, Dylan Donoghue, Justin Comer, Des Lyons, Tommy Cahill, John Coughlan, Pat Kelly, David Quigley, Paul McHugh and recent nominee for the Motorsport Ireland Rally Driver Academy, Aoife Raftery.

It's shaping up to be a cracking event in just over four weeks time!

Sportity Password

Posted: December 14, 2021 1:56 PM

On Line Entry:

Posted: December 14, 2021 1:55 PM

Shannon Sports IT (EVO On line Entry)

2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally Press Release 2

Posted: December 14, 2021 1:51 PM

Galway Motor Club are pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally. The two-day, fifteen stage event which takes place on February 5th & 6th next, will have just short of 240km of competitive driving.

The entry fee for Main Field and Historic crews is set at €1195 which represents excellent value for money. The Junior Category will get all six stages on the Sunday with over 100km of competitive driving and the entry fee for this section is €695.
Entries will only be accepted on receipt of full payment of the entry fee. Competitors are encouraged to get their entry in early as indications are that it may fill before the closing date.

Scrutiny and Parc Ferme will be at Galway Racecourse while the service for both days will be at the IDA Loughrea Business & Technology Park. Competitors will have the option of recceing two days from four, but due to the low road mileage between stages and only five stages to cover it could be possible to complete a recce in one day. The Connacht Hotel on the Old Dublin Road, Galway is the Rally Headquarters this year.

The rally will be using the Sportity App for online documentation and event information

2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally Press Release 1

Posted: November 12, 2021 5:22 PM

Galway Motor Club are pleased to announce that the Galway International Rally will revert to a two-day event in 2022. Corrib Oil are back as title sponsors yet again and the club is incredibly grateful for their continued support. Corrib Oil have been the sponsor of the event since first coming on board in 2016. It has been a long break for rallying in Galway since Alastair Fisher & Gordon Noble won the 2020 Galway International Rally, and there is a lot of support within the club for the idea of going back to a two-day rally.

The 2022 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally will take place on 5th & 6th February and the action for the 15-stage, two-day event is centred on the town of Loughrea with short road sections between the stages. It will as usual be the opening round of next seasons Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, and the second round of the Irish Tarmac Historic Rally Championship.

Aiden Connolly takes over as Clerk of the Course for next year’s event with the vastly experienced Gary Leonard who was at the helm for the past number of years filling in the role of Deputy Clerk of the Course alongside Aiden. There is also a change in Headquarter for the 2022 Rally, and the club are delighted to have the Connacht Hotel as the base for the event in February.

Located just minutes from Galway city centre, the Connacht Hotel prides itself on its award-winning customer service and comprehensive sustainability programme. The Connacht Hotel is well on the way to being named the Greenest Hotel in the West of Ireland. It recently receives the Failte Ireland Safety Charter and boasts a clean promise to all its guests.