Irish Rallying: A Global Takeover This Weekend
Irish rally competitors are truly flying the flag across the world this weekend in what is an unprecedented level of international participation. While over 150 crews prepare for the Monaghan Stages Rally on Sunday, a massive contingent of Irish drivers and co-drivers are competing across the WRC, Spain, Wales, the Netherlands and as far afield as New Zealand.
Here are our top picks of the crews to watch abroad over the next few days:
WRC Croatia Rally
The world stage sees a heavy Irish presence in the top tiers and support categories:
- Aaron Johnston: Co-driving for Takamoto Katsuta in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1.
- Jon Armstrong & Shane Byrne: Making a highly anticipated appearance in the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1.
- Josh McErlean & Eoin Treacy: Continuing their campaign in the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1.
- James Fulton: Navigating for Yuki Yamamoto in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
- Craig Rahill & Conor Smith: Flying the flag in the Ford Fiesta Rally3.
Rallye de la Llana (Spain)
A strong Irish group is using this Spanish event to prepare for the upcoming ERC season:
- Philip Allen: Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
- William Creighton/Liam Regan: Citroën C3 Rally2 (Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy).
- Casey Jay Coleman/ Killian McArdle Ford Fiesta Rally3.
- Cian Caldwell/Paul McPhillips : Ford Fiesta Rally3.
- Kalum Graffin: Ford Fiesta Rally3.
Severn Valley Stages (Wales)
The opening round of the British Rally Championship features:
- Hannah McKillop: Co-driving for Garry Pearson (Ford Fiesta Rally2).
- Marty McCormack & Barney Mitchell: BMW E30 M3 (Historic).
- Damien Tourish & Kevin Duggan: Ford Escort (Historic).
- James Wilson: Skoda Fabia Rally2.
- Dan O’Brien: Ford Fiesta Rally2.
- Ben McFall makes his BRC debut
Otago Rally (New Zealand)
The 50th anniversary of this legendary gravel event has drawn a star-studded field, including a significant Irish “invasion” in the classic and main ranks:
- Kris Meeke: Leading the international field.
- Noel Moloney: Co-driving for Quentin Palmer (Skoda Fabia Rally2).
- Richie Dalton & Mac Kierans: Ford Escort RS1800.
- Michael O’Hagan & Eoin Moynihan: Ford Escort.
- Glenn Alcorn & Jonathon Charlesson: Ford Escort.
- Rory Lawn & Matty Sayers: Toyota Starlet.
- Add in University of Limerick student Betsy Nguyen who I heading to the Netherlands to compete on the Van Wieren Zuiderzeerally alongside Tiffany McDonald in a Peugeot 206 on Saturday.
There are probably more – apologies to those we missed by accident… 😊
Just as newspapers and magazines are paid for, digital editorial content will also have to be paid for.
Please subscribe and help us keep this machine running!
It’s only €50 per year – subscribe now
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
Kerry Motorsport News 