Motorsport: Galligan clinches Peugeot drive

One of the hottest properties in Irish rallying Rory Galligan has clinched a works drive with Peugeot in next season’s British Rally Championship.

Galligan (28), from Oldcastle, County Meath, won the Peugeot Super 106 Cup in a thrilling final round decider against rivals, Garry Jennings (Fermanagh) and

Briton, Ryan Champion.

The prize was the use of a Peugeot 206 Super 1600 car for the British Rally Championship season, plus £25,000 and a recce car.

Now, Rory, a former class winner in the Irish national championship and the first winner of the Billy Coleman Award, will take his place as teammate to Justin Dale as a full Peugeot works team driver.

Galligan, who can keep the recce car, commented: "The regulations had a terrific prize, but what we’ve got is well beyond our wildest dreams.

"Every car I’ve driven has been a Peugeot and we’re delighted to be associated with them and do them proud next year. I’m very honoured."

He added: "I think I’m the only person who has contested every single round of the Super 106 Cup over the last three years, just so that I could learn and get more experience.

"Maybe I wasn’t the fastest on every stage, but I never gave up.

"On reflection, I was perhaps a quicker and better driver last year, but I’ve driven more sensibly this year, and that’s given me the championship.

"I’ve had many phone calls of congratulation, I’m just amazed there are so many

people behind us. I just want to make the most of this incredible opportunity and do my best."

Rory, who began rallying in 1993, has yet to select a co-driver for his assault on the British Rally Championship.