Motorsport Ireland keen to find new place for Galway International in calendar

Motorsport Ireland say they are "anxious" to run the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally at some point this year after the event was postponed due to the after-effects of Storm Eowyn.

The rally had been slated to take place this weekend, kicking off the 2025 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship (ITRC).

It had attracted 135 cars and crews including defending champion Keith Cronin, the three-time British Rally champ Matt Edwards, as well as world championship regulars William Creighton and Jon Armstrong.

The 2025 ITRC will now begin with the West Cork Rally in March.

"Storm Eowyn has caused significant infrastructural damage along the rally route," said the Galway Motor Club in a recent statement.

"Having consulted with Galway County Council and utilities providers it is clear that a large number of residents will still be without power and water into next weekend.

"Priority must be given to workers bringing back crucial services to those living along rally route and the club are acutely aware of not causing additional delays in the restoration of these services."

Now the club will have to apply to the governing body Motorsport Ireland for a new date.

"We would be anxious for the event to be running in 2025, but the focus for the moment has to be on the local community and the clean-up operation," said John Naylor, the chief steward of Irish international rallies and Motorsport Ireland vice president.

"I was in constant contact with all those involved, and I believe the right decision was made and now we hope that the club can run the event later in the year and remain part of the 2025 ITRC.

"Those working on the stages have radio transmission, but if they went down, the back-up is the mobile phone and in many areas, there simply is no