
Storm Éowyn Forces Postponement of 2025 Galway Tarmac Rally Championship
Ardee News and Sport – Storm Éowyn Forces Postponement of 2025 Galway Tarmac Rally Championship
The highly anticipated opening round of the 2025 NAPA Irish Tarmac Rally Championship has been postponed due to the significant infrastructural damage caused by Storm Éowyn. Originally set to take place this weekend, the Galway Tarmac Rally Championship was called off following consultations between Galway Motor Club and Motorsport Ireland.
The storm, which battered the west coast of Ireland with record-breaking winds of up to 114 mph recorded at Mace Head, left widespread destruction in its wake. With ongoing efforts to restore power, water, and mobile phone coverage in areas such as Headford, Tuam, and Monivea, rally organizers determined that proceeding with the event would hinder contractors’ access to public roads and delay essential restoration work.
A capacity entry list, featuring last year’s champions Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin in a brand-new Citroën C3 Rally2, had been secured for the event. Other top names included Meirion Evans, former Galway International Rally winner, who was set to compete in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
Despite the disappointment, Evans supported the decision, stating:
“It is obviously very disappointing that the rally is postponed as the excitement was starting to build, but the well-being of residents and restoring essential services is the main concern. Galway Motor Club always does its best, and I’m sure they will pull through again.”
In a statement, Galway Motor Club emphasized that postponing the rally was made with the overall welfare of residents in mind:
“We wish to thank Motorsport Ireland for their support and guidance over the last number of days. We’ll work closely with them to find an alternative date to run the event. Our gratitude also goes to our sponsors, Corrib Oil, and to all stakeholders, volunteers, and entrants for their understanding and patience.”
Refunds for entry fees will be processed in the coming days, and updates on the rescheduled date will be announced soon.
The west coast of Ireland continues to recover from the storm’s aftermath, with contractors working tirelessly to restore normalcy. For now, motorsport fans will have to wait for the Galway Tarmac Rally Championship, but the resilience of the rallying community ensures the event will return stronger than ever.