Kerry co-driver Noel O'Sullivan and driver Callum Devine aiming for Donegal hat-trick
Callum Devine and Noel O'Sullivan after their unprecedented fourth consecutive victory at the Rally of the Lakes, are now focused on a third straight win at the upcoming Donegal International Rally.
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Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Organisers of Donegal International Rally proud to deliver one of Ireland's biggest racing events
The Donegal International Rally is now underway, starting on Friday morning until Sunday afternoon, when the winner will be crowned at the renowned ramp in Letterkenny. The Donegal Motor Club, along with Donegal County Council and An Garda Síochána have been working hard to make sure it's a weekend to remember for competitors and fans. Over the years, the Rally has become one of the biggest events in the country. Brian Brogan, Chairman of Donegal Club, said there is over 200 entries to this year's rally with another 40 plus in reserves. 'There is probably nowhere with as big a number of entries as we have here in Donegal. "This has happened historically and it is a very important thing for us. "It happens on the third week in June and it takes place in various parts of the county so it is beneficial for the entire county,' said Mr Brogan. The race travels around Donegal covering 270km with different routes incorporated each year. "We work with the Council to determine the routes,' said Mr Brogan. "There might be different tarring programmes in place so we don't always get to use the same stages all the time. "It is important to work with the council and the local residents too. "We have a good working relationship with a lot of people and understandably, there can be a lot of movements to different places,' said Mr Brogan. With the large crowds coming to the county for the weekend, Mr Brogan has urged everyone attending to act responsibly on and off the roads. "Donegal Motor Club promotes motor sport in a safe environment on closed roads. "Everything we do is done very professionally and every plan is in place to benefit the competitor who is competing in the event. "In regards spectators, all we can do is ask them to abide by the rules of the road and keep the race in its place so everyone gets home safe after the weekend,' said Mr Brogan. An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have launched a Cross-Border Traffic Management Plan for the event while additional resources will be in place to ensure the safety of people attending the rally and visiting Donegal over the weekend. This includes increased checkpoints, high-visibility patrols and additional marked and unmarked vehicles, Garda motorcyclists and the Garda Air Support Unit. Mr Brogan said Donegal Motor Club is extremely grateful for the support of the gardaí, PSNI, Donegal County Council and other agencies who assist in the safe running of the rally. "We are meeting with these agencies for the past four months and we get around the table every year and we all share measures that need to be shared. Follow Independent Donegal on Facebook "We work very well together in relation to road closures and correspondence over the weekend on how we can help each other,' said Mr Brogan.
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- RTÉ News
Donegal International Rally set to attract 70,000 spectators
The Donegal International Rally, a cornerstone of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is set to attract more than 70,000 spectators this weekend. The three-day tarmac rally covering 270km, the only one of its kind in Ireland and the UK, will see more than 200 crews compete over 20 stages. Derry driver Callum Devine and his co-driver Kerryman Noel O'Sullivan will be hoping to win the major prize for a third year in a row in a field that includes current European Champion Hayden Paddon and former World Junior Champion William Creighton. Since its inception in 1972, the event has grown into one of the most respected rallies in Europe backed by a tight knit Irish rally community. Two time winner of the two-wheel drive category Kevin Gallagher of KGP Motorsport in Rathmullan, Co Donegal says it's the busiest time of the year for his company. It has provided engines for many competitors. "There's huge variation and such good quality in the stages around the Inishowen Peninsula through to Malin Head, Mamore Gap and then around into the Fanad Peninsula; Fanad Head, Knockalla and then on round to Atlantic Drive and Glen. They're all iconic stages," he said. Mr Gallagher will compete in the two-wheel drive, class 14 category. This year marks 20 years since he first entered as a competitor in the junior ranks. "We first competed in 2005, but we haven't competed every year. t's a three-day event - there's a lot more preparation involved than a normal rally to keep your concentration right. "We live near Knockalla. You learn the stages over the year. The crowds come when there's a good quality entry. It's always very busy. It's very good for the county and it's growing every year," he added. Those attending the weekend rally are advised to watch from designated safe viewing areas. Details of road closures across the county can be found at As anticipation builds for the motorsport event, key stakeholders have launched a joint 'Keep the Race in its Place' road safety message. The campaign supported by Donegal County Council, An Garda Siochana, Donegal Motor Club and local agencies urges all road users to drive with care and responsibility over the rally weekend. Donegal Motor Club said it is imperative that the road safety message is followed and all road users to drive with care and responsibility over the rally weekend. Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin urged everyone travelling in the area to plan journeys, drive with caution and be mindful of their own and others' safety. Garda Inspector Sean McDaid said gardai's priority will be public safety as they have set-in place a major operation for the motorsport event. "All those attending the rally and visiting Donegal over the weekend are asked to comply with Garda directions and to behave with respect and care to other road users. "Gardai will be out in force throughout the weekend with a robust operation. Dangerous driving or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated," Inspector McDaid said.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Kerry co-driver Noel O'Sullivan and driver Callum Devine aiming for Donegal hat-trick
Callum Devine and Noel O'Sullivan after their unprecedented fourth consecutive victory at the Rally of the Lakes, are now focused on a third straight win at the upcoming Donegal International Rally.
