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 coverage at present. On grounds of safety, the decision to postpone was the right one."
The Galway International Rally is the oldest rally still running in Ireland, with its first event held in 1971.
Its not the first time that the event has cancelled or postponed - it did not take place in 2000, 2001 or 2003, while the 2018 version was cancelled due to lack of funding and the 2021 event didn't get off the ramp because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the Galway International has run successfully since 2022. Cronin was due to compete this weekend in his newly-acquired Citroen in a bid for back-to-back wins in the west.
The county of Galway will also take a financial hit with its postponement, as the event brought in well over a seven-figure sum to the city and its surrounds.
"As yet no new date has been spoken about as individual rally clubs must apply to Motorsport Ireland for any change of calendar, but for the moment that’s not the priority," added Naylor.
"The most important aspect now is the clean-up and the restoration of power to those affected, especially from the club’s point of view.
"However, we will be helpful in that regard when that request comes around as Motorsport Ireland are hopeful that the Galway International goes ahead some time later this year."
