Galway Summer Rally announces The Gavin Glynn Foundation as official charity partner

Photo: Sinead Canny of the Motorsport Ireland Women’s Commission, co-driver Ciara Duggan, Galway Motor Club member Gemma Hallinan and Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship manager Laura McMennimin at the finish of the Monaghan Rally on Sunday. Photo: Kerry Motorsport News/FREE TO USE

Galway Summer Rally announces The Gavin Glynn Foundation as official charity partner

With just three under weeks remaining until the 2026 Bluebird Care Galway Summer Rally, Galway Motor Club has announced The Gavin Glynn Foundation as the event’s official charity partner.

The foundation was established in memory of Gavin Glynn, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma at just 18 months old. Its mission is to support families of children fighting cancer who must travel abroad for specialised medical treatment not available in Ireland by covering transportation, accommodation, and living expenses.

The partnership carries a deep personal connection for the club, as the foundation previously provided vital support to the family of a local Galway Motor Club member during a difficult period.

Clerk of the Course Gary Leonard said:

“We are honoured to dedicate the 2026 Bluebird Care Galway Summer Rally to raising funds and awareness for The Gavin Glynn Foundation. The work they do for families facing incredible hardships is incredible, and having directly helped one of our own club members, it means a huge amount to everyone involved in Galway Motor Club to give back to them this year.”

Taking place on Sunday, August 23, with headquarters based at the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe, the event is set to deliver a major economic and tourism boost to East Galway. With a maximum capacity entry of 150 cars, hundreds of competitors, support crews, officials, and spectators will flood into Ballinasloe and the surrounding areas for the weekend, filling local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

Gary Leonard added:

“Preparations are entering the final stretch for what will be one of the largest sporting events in East Galway this year. The economic spin-off for Ballinasloe and the wider region is substantial, and the atmosphere around the town over the weekend will be fantastic.”

Crews will tackle approximately 110 kilometres of competitive stages throughout the region. Bluebird Care Galway returns as title sponsor for a third consecutive year under Managing Director Sean Lyons, who first competed in Irish rallying in 1988 and will drive the official Safety Car on the day.

The event is also backed by four local associate sponsors, all run by Galway Motor Club members: GRP4 Fabrications, Spain’s Coach Hire, Craughwell Tyres, and Adrian Quinn Car Sales.
Meanwhile, Galway Motor Club member Gemma Hallinan will head into her home event following a Class 2A victory at the Monaghan Stages Rally over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Hallinan and co-driver Ciara Duggan brought their Ford Fiesta home to take the class win and finish as the top all-female crew. The result marked a first class win for both competitors, ending a run of three non-finishes and marking Duggan’s 52nd rally start.
With the Bluebird Care Galway Summer Rally serving as a round of several major series, including the Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship, Craughwell-based Hallinan will look to carry that momentum onto home tarmac on August 23.