Latest news with #DonegalInternationalRally
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Driver doing doughnuts & 'fishtailing' before Gardaí at rally event avoids jail
A young driver caught doing doughnuts before 'fishtailing' in front of Gardaí and trying to outrun them by heading for the border to escape has been given a suspended jail sentence. Ben Murray appeared before Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal charged with dangerous driving. The court heard that Murray, now 25, was attending his first Donegal International Rally in June, 2024. Gardaí had called to Drumbarnett, Manorcunningham after complaints from the public that the road had been blocked and a number of cars were doing doughnuts just before midnight. When Gardaí arrived, they observed a Lexus is200 performing doughnuts and activated their blue lights. The driver of the car then fishtailed (defined as a vehicle making an uncontrolled sideways movement) in front of the patrol car, forcing Gardaí to reverse their patrol vehicle to avoid being hit. The Lexus sped off but was apprehended in the early hours of the following morning heading for the border. The driver, Ben Murray, aged 25, was arrested and was apologetic to Gardaí. His solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said Murray was attending his first rally and was "showing off for friends". He had made admissions and the car was lifted and his father and uncle had to come and collect the student, added the solicitor. Judge Ciaran Liddy asked the court if Murray, of Carlton Drive, Strabane, Co Tyrone, had any previous convictions. Sergeant Jim Collins said he had one previous conviction for drug driving and had been disqualified for one year. Judge Liddy noted that Murray was only back on the road for five months when this incident occurred. "This man is looking at a jail sentence," said the Judge. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week Mr Gallagher said he was asking the court to take a more diplomatic approach, adding that it was "one stupid mistake". His client has now adopted a serious attitude to the incident and 'he should have acted more appropriately', he added. Mr Gallagher said that there was an impression given that Murray was 'aiming for the border', but told the court that it was not an evasive situation. 'There was no chase or otherwise,' he said, adding that the is200 has been moved on. He said Murray is doing a traineeship for cranes and has his preliminary tests done and planned to go to Scandinavia to finish that process. Mr Gallagher asked the court to consider reducing the charge to one of careless driving and to consider Murray's early plea. 'The shock of being here has had a very awakening effect on him,' Mr Gallagher said. Judge Ciaran Liddy said that the road was blocked deliberately to 'facilitate boy racer activity involving this man performing a fishtail manoeuvre on the public highway'. Judge Liddy noted that a Garda patrol car had to take evasive action to avoid being struck and that Murray proceeded to drive towards Derry. He said Murray was only just back on the road having concluded a driving ban for drink-driving only six months previously. Judge Liddy said: 'It is clear that he learned very little from his experience in court on the previous occasion.' Judge Liddy said that only for Murray having been 'well advised' to plead guilty, he would be imposing an immediate custodial sentence. Murray was handed a six-month prison sentence that was suspended for two years. Murray was also disqualified from driving for two years and fined €300.
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major ‘will not be tolerated' warning ahead of Donegal Rally as gardai team up with PSNI & 4 roads set to close
AN URGENT warning has been issued ahead of the popular event in Donegal as thousands of visitors are expected to attend. The annual 2 Donegal Rally is set to kick off this weekend, with thousands of visitors expected to attend Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription 2 There will be road closures during the event As part of the measures to ensure the public is safe during the event, An Garda Síochána and the This means that there will be increased For tourists who are planning on attending the event by driving up, The driver are urged to plan their READ MORE ON NEWS The road closures may also impact Participants and spectators are encouraged to follow advice and guidance from Gardai and race marshals. People are urged to buckle up, put the Lastly, the cops ask spectators to watch the rally from the designated safe viewing areas. Most read in Irish News Speaking at the launch, Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan of the Donegal Garda Division said: "An Garda Síochána will be working in partnership with our colleagues in the PSNI where we will be out in force this weekend promoting road safety on both sides of the border. "The Donegal International Rally is a major event which attracts thousands of visitors to our county. We are calling on all road users and rally fans to enjoy the event responsibly and to prioritise road safety above all else. The RSA explain e-scooter rules in Ireland "Our appeal is simple: Keep the Race in its Place. "An Garda Síochána will have a highly visible presence across the county over the weekend, with checkpoints, speed enforcement, and patrols targeting dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone and seat belt offences. "Reckless and irresponsible driving on public roads will not be tolerated. Our focus is on keeping people safe." PSNI Chief Inspector for Derry City & Strabane, Cherith Craig, said "We know the roads will be busier than usual this weekend due to the Donegal International Rally, which is a huge motorsports event and attracts massive numbers of spectators. ROAD CLOSURES FOR DONEGAL RALLY Gardai revealed that they will be closing down roads to accommodate the event, and provided information on the diversions to help tourists plan their trip in advance. This includes Port Road, Cullion Road, Ballyraine Road/Ramelton Road and Carndonagh Relief Road, with different closure hours assigned for each roads. PORT ROAD: The L-1004 Port Road from 4:15pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, June 19, for the ceremonial start. CULLION ROAD: The Cullion Road from 2pm on Friday 20th to 2am on Saturday 21st; from 10am on Saturday 21st to 2am on Sunday 22nd and from 10am to 10pm on Sunday 22nd. This involves the closure of the L1094/2 Cullion Road in the townland of Drumnahoagh from the junction with the L1114/2&3 Leck Road to the junction with the N56/82 Four Lane Road. The diversion route will be via the L1114/2 (Leck Road), the N13/8 (Letterkenny Stranorlar Road) and the N56/82 (Four Lane Road). BALLYRAINE ROAD/RAMELTON ROAD: The R-940-1 Ballyraine Road/Ramelton Road closed on Sunday, June 22 from 4:00pm to 8:30pm. Alternative route: N56 Ramelton Road – N56 Business Park Road – L1009 Gortlee Road. CARNDONAGH RELIEF ROAD: The Carndonagh Relief Road from SuperValue junction to the L-12611 will be closed on Friday 20th from 9:30am to 7:00pm. Local access to shops and businesses will be maintained at all times. There will be local diversions via the R-240-1, L-1271 and L-12611-0. "With the expected increase in cross-border traffic from people travelling to and from the event, we'll be working in partnership with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, focusing on road safety. "You'll see our officers on patrol conducting checks to ensure everyone on the road is legal, that their vehicles are roadworthy and that everyone is playing their part in keeping our roads safe. "We all share the responsibility of road safety and to work together to reduce the number of people injured or killed on our roads. "Our plea is to slow down, stay safe and have an enjoyable weekend. Remember the fatal five - don't drink or drug-drive, slow down, don't get careless, wear your seat belt and stay off your phone."
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- 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.
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Motorist was driving with EIGHT people on bonnet and roof of car during rally weekend
The solicitor added that the accused man's family are distraught at what has happened and said it was inexcusable Gardai and PSNI at the launch of a road safety plan for Donegal Rally weekend last year A young man who had EIGHT people on the roof and bonnet of his car while he was driving in Co Donegal has been ordered to make a €750 donation to charity. Brian Mordaunt appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with dangerous driving during the weekend of the Donegal International Rally on June 21, 2024. Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that a number of videos emerged on Snapchat of the bizarre incident. Gardai became aware of the incident and stopped Mordaunt in his car at a later stage. Gardai and PSNI at the launch of a road safety plan for Donegal Rally weekend last year News in 90 Seconds - June 17 The 19-year-old, who has no previous convictions, made full admissions and was apologetic to gardai, the court was told. Pictures of the car with the eight people hanging out of it were handed into court. Solicitor for the accused, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client's family are 'distraught' after the incident. Mordaunt, who is from Clerihan, Clonmel in Co Tipperary, is an apprentice electrician. He was in Co Donegal for the Donegal International Rally when the incident occurred at Pearse Road on June 21 last year. Mr Gallagher said he had viewed the videos and said it was difficult to know if Mordaunt's car was actually moving or not and it certainly was not driving at any speed. He suggested the case was at the lower end of the dangerous driving levels and that his client does realise that what he did was stupid and that he had had full and frank conversations with his family about the matter. The solicitor added that the accused man's family are distraught at what has happened and said it was inexcusable. "It is certainly not a situation where the family are taking this lightly," added Mr Gallagher. Replying, Sergeant Collins said the evidence was that the car was certainly moving but not at any great speed. Judge Ciaran Liddy said he would adjourn the case until September 15 to allow Mordaunt to make a donation of €750 to Cara House and pay a fine of €250. If that is done, he said he will consider reducing the charge to one of careless driving and will also consider not disqualifying the accused.
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Teen (19) was driving with eight people on car during Donegal rally weekend, court hears
A young man who had eight people on the roof and bonnet of his car while he was driving in Co Donegal has been ordered to make a €750 donation to charity. Brian Mordaunt appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with dangerous driving during the weekend of the Donegal International Rally on June 21st, 2024. Advertisement Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that a number of videos emerged on Snapchat of the bizarre incident. Gardaí became aware of the incident and stopped Mordaunt in his car at a later stage. The 19-year-old, who has no previous convictions, made full admissions and was apologetic to gardaí, the court was told. Pictures of the car with the eight people hanging out of it were handed into court. Advertisement Solicitor for the accused, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client's family are 'distraught' after the incident. Mordaunt, who is from Clerihan, Clonmel in Co Tipperary, is an apprentice electrician. He was in Co Donegal for the Donegal International Rally when the incident occurred at Pearse Road on June 21st last year. Mr Gallagher said he had viewed the videos and said it was difficult to know if Mordaunt's car was actually moving or not and it certainly was not driving at any speed. Advertisement He suggested the case was at the lower end of the dangerous driving levels and that his client does realise that what he did was stupid and that he had had full and frank conversations with his family about the matter. The solicitor added that the accused man's family are distraught at what has happened and said it was inexcusable. Ireland New legislation means all adults in Ireland will b... Read More "It is certainly not a situation where the family are taking this lightly," added Mr Gallagher. Replying, Sergeant Collins said the evidence was that the car was certainly moving but not at any great speed. Judge Ciaran Liddy said he would adjourn the case until September 15th to allow Mordaunt to make a donation of €750 to Cara House and pay a fine of €250. If that is done, he said he will consider reducing the charge to one of careless driving and will also consider not disqualifying the accused.
