The new Irish rally season officially kicks off this weekend with the 46th running of the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally.
The event is one of seven rounds in the Irish Tarmac Rally season, with the second round West Cork Rally in March now rivalling June's Donegal international, moving as it is from a two to a three-day event.
All the usual rounds, including the Circuit of Ireland, the Donegal Rally of the Lakes, the West Cork, the Ulster Rally and the Cork 20 are on the seven-round calendar, with the Cork 20 now moved back and contested as a one-day event to wrap up the series.
Callum Devine is the defending champion and he will be in Galway for the opening round as the Derry ace looks to reclaim the title.
Devine will being joined by many other former champions and Galway winners, including Josh and Sam Moffett, Declan Boyle, Garry Jennings, Keith Cronin, Gareth MacHale and Austin MacHale.
MacHale hasn’t been rallying competitively in over 15 years but is relishing the thought of getting back on the Galway stages, with Brian Murphy back alongside him on the notes.
MacHale has won six Galway International titles as well as five Irish Tarmac crowns.
Cronin also has an Irish Tarmac title under his belt and appears to have give up on the idea of trying to win a record-equalling fifth British Rally Championship title as the Corkman has committed to a full domestic season.
Edwards will attempt an assault on the Irish Tarmac crown for the first time. The three-time British Rally champion has teamed up with C&M Motorsport to start the asphalt campaign.
The Welsh driver has impressed on occasional Irish rallies over the last few years, registering two Ulster Rally wins and a runner-up finish on last year’s Donegal International Rally.
Welshman Merion Evans, who was second to Josh Moffett in the 2023 edition of the race, is a notable absentee.
The national section includes drivers such as Kevin Eves, Frank Kelly, Mark Alcorn and Conor Murphy.
