132 grid positions have been assigned. 6 Galway teams now preparing to get their marks

30th May 2008

Galway will be strongly represented at this year’s Topaz Donegal International Rally which takes place from Friday 13^th – Sunday 15^th June. Six Galway teams are counting down the days until the waving of the chequered flag marks the beginning of the Topaz Donegal International Rally in Letterkenny.

Having finalised their entry lists, the Donegal Motor Club confirms that a total of 175 teams will participate over the 3 race categories. The main race, the International Rally will host 151 cars while 29 teams will take part in the Historic Rally, on Saturday 14^th, and 43 teams in the Junior Rally, on Sunday 15^th.

The International Race sees Ian Hynes and Des Sherlock, from Galway City, rallying in their Honda Civic, competing against Mike Bird and Kevin Keane from Oranmore, in a Subaru Impreza, and finally John Joe Fleming, and Robbie Ward, from Salthill, competing in a Ford Focus.

The Junior Rally will see Patrick and Gerard Divally from Ballinasloe, competing in their Toyota Corolla against Donagh and Clair Hogan, from Kinvara, rallying in a Honda Civic.  Ballinasloe will be represented in the Historic Rally by Niall Keane and Sean Heneghan, in a Hillman Avenger.

Clerk of the Course, Danny Gormley, commented:  “Every year the Rally grows in popularity and this year is no exception.  We have had a large number of enquiries from both crews and spectators throughout Ireland, and internationally. I hope to see the people of Galway coming out to show support for their teams, and enjoy all that the weekend has to offer.”

The Topaz Donegal International Rally Ireland will see over 50,000 spectators line the route as Ireland’s premier rally drivers compete for championship points.  Gormley continued: “We have had a huge reaction from the success of last year’s Rally and I can tell that the 2008 Rally is going to be the best yet.”

The event is estimated to be worth more than €30 million to the Donegal economy each year. [Figure from the Donegal Motor Club].  However, the future of the Rally, which is one of the country’s oldest annual rallies, had been in doubt until Topaz took over the sponsorship of the event this year.  The fuel and convenience retailer will invest almost a quarter of a million euro in sponsoring and supporting the event over the next 3 years.

Danny Murray, CEO, Topaz, said, “This event is an important fixture in the motor sport calendar and can be enjoyed by the entire family.  We know that the Rally will continue to go from strength to strength, attracting people from all over the country and from abroad to the beautiful surrounds of Donegal.”