THE opening round of the NAPA Irish Tarmac Rally Championship has been postponed as a result of “significant infrastructural damage” being caused to parts of the route by Storm Eowyn.
A capacity entry headed up by 2024 winners Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin in a new Citroen C3 Rally2 had been secured for the meeting, which was due to take place this Saturday and Sunday.
However, following discussions with officials from Motorsport Ireland – motorsport’s governing body in the Republic of Ireland – organisers from Galway Motor Club have decided to reschedule it for a later date.
Efforts continue to reinstate mobile phone coverage, and get electricity restored to houses as the west coast of Ireland bore the brunt of the storm, with some of the strongest winds recorded there as Eowyn made landfall last Friday.
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Irish weather service Met Éireann confirmed speeds of 114mph at Mace Head – and as the rally would prevent contractors from accessing public roads and cause additional delays to their work.
Giving his response to the news, former Galway International Rally winner Meirion Evans told The Irish News: “It is obviously very disappointing that the rally is postponed as the excitement was starting to build and I think it was the best entry that we have seen in some considerable time.
“But looking at what people have said, the storm has done some big damage and the well-being of residents and getting people back up and running with power and water is the main concern.
“I feel for the club as they always do their best to put on a good rally and are often up against the weather and pull through,” continued Evans, who was seeded at number three in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. “Hopefully they can find a new date but if not I’m sure we will all be keen to go again in 2026.”
A spokesperson for Galway Motor Club said postponing the rally was only made after careful consideration. “For the overall welfare of those living in the Headford, Tuam and Monivea areas, it is the right decision,” they said.
“We wish to thank Motorsport Ireland for their support and guidance over the last number of days and we’ll work closely with them to find an alternative date to run the event.
“We also wish to express our gratitude to our sponsors – Corrib Oil – for their understanding and to all stakeholders and volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the last number of months.
“Galway Motor Club also wish to thank all those who had entered the event and will communicate with all entrants regarding refunds of entry fees in the coming days,” they added.
