'This event is the Jewel in the Crown in Ireland' - Brogan

The eagerly awaited Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally is set to be the first fully subscribed major rallying event in Ireland this year when it begins in three weeks time, according to Brian Brogan, Chair of the Donegal Motor Club.  

The event’s prestige is evident from its reserve list, which features over 70 crews, something that hasn’t happened in a long time and something Brogan admits he is immensely proud to see. 

“We’re looking at something that hasn’t been seen for a long time, for the top boys, to the modified guys, right down to Class 12, 13, and 14, there’s competition there, no matter what vehicle you’re in, and it’s going to be a tough battle, it won’t be easy,” Brogan said at the official launch at Diver’s Hyundai garage in Letterkenny. 

On the opening night, June 20, the participants and their cars will arrive in Letterkenny for scrutiny and a ceremonial start. 

On the Friday, the crews will compete on roads that haven't been rallied for 13 years when they travel to the Inishowen peninsula, while Saturday and Sunday will feature more traditional areas with a twist. 

“It’ll be interesting heading to Inishowen on the Friday because a lot of people haven’t done those stages, so it’s encouraging to see people coming to do that for the first time and see where they’re going to end up on Saturday morning,” Brogan said.  

“That’ll be interesting because I would say even most of the top 10, outside of Coolcross have never done the other two stages. 

“It’ll be a good test and we look forward to seeing who will have done the most preparation for the Friday.” 

Having the Inishowen stages may level the playing field throughout the weekend with Brogan expecting intense competition. 

“It’s going to be some battle, every class will be in the mix, it’ll be nice and competitive, and again, there’ll be a huge crowd of top-class cars, with a big reserve list too.  

“Even the top guys who are in the reserves, they’ll be in a tight battle too, so it’ll be a fantastic weekend and we’re looking forward to it now.” 

With the large numbers expected to partake, it only highlights the popularity of the event, with Brogan referring to the Donegal International Rally as the jewel in the crown in Ireland. 

“I don’t think there’s been a rally in Ireland that has done a full entry this year,” Brogan admits.  

“We have 71 in reserve, and it takes a lot to do this, it takes a big effort for this to happen. Everyone here is eager and chopping at the bit to get at it and that just shows that Donegal is the jewel in the crown, there’s no doubt about it. 

“There’s a lot of volunteers that work day and night to get this going. They have the sport at heart, and they want to be involved. I remember up in Inishowen a few weeks ago, we planned a small meeting and I say about 50 people turned up, which is very encouraging in a place like Inishowen where this event hasn’t been in for some time. 

“So that’s great that there’s a team in those places that are running the sport down there, it’s really encouraging.”