DONEGAL COUNTDOWN: Cullen returns to inspire next generation of women in motorsport – remembering Ellen Morgan

DONEGAL COUNTDOWN: Cullen returns to inspire next generation of women in motorsport – remembering Ellen Morgan

Two-time Donegal International Rally winner James Cullen is making a sensational return to the stages after a ten-year competitive absence. While fans will welcome his return this weekend, June 19-21, the drive carries a much deeper purpose: a dedicated tribute to his late co-driver, Ellen Morgan, aimed at encouraging more women to get involved in the sport.

Cullen and Morgan formed an extraordinary 14-year partnership, yielding multiple podium finishes and two historic outright victories in Donegal in 1991 and 1999. To this day, Morgan remains the only female co-driver to win the Donegal International Rally outright.

Beyond her partnership with Cullen, Morgan was a global pioneer. She was a factory-contracted works co-driver for Nissan, Peugeot, Vauxhall, and Ford. Her international pedigree included winning the Coupe des Dames in Monte Carlo and co-driving for Louise Aitken-Walker across her career, including 13 WRC events.

For Cullen, bringing Ellen’s legacy back into the spotlight is entirely about sending a powerful message to women that there is a definitive place for them in the sport.

“I’m thrilled to bring back the iconic car to the stages of Donegal,” Cullen said. “This is a truly special moment for me and a way of remembering Ellen who sadly is no longer with us. We shared an incredible partnership together that spanned 14 years. Ellen proved that anything is achievable in this sport, and I want this weekend to remind young women that the opportunities are out there for them to go all the way to the top. I couldn’t think of a better way of remembering her.”

In a clear nod to Ellen’s pioneering legacy, Cullen has enlisted top Irish co-driver Sinéad Canny to guide him through the Donegal stages. Canny is the PRO for Clare Motor Club and a member of the inaugural Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission. Raised in a strong rallying family, Canny brings over 20 years of co-driving experience to the cockpit. Though now based in Singapore, she regularly travels home to compete, support other women in the sport, and is deeply honoured to step into the legendary co-driver seat.

“The legacy that Ellen Morgan left reminds us that women can not only participate at the highest level but win at the highest level,” Canny said.