Galway International Rally postponed due to storm damage 

"Our principal concern is for the residents and farming communities along the rally route," organisers said. 

WILD WEST: Ballylickey’s Keith Cronin and his Killarney co-driver Mikie Galvin (Ford Fiesta Rally2) won last year's Corrib Oil Galway International Rally. Pic: Martin Walsh.

This weekend's Corrib Oil Galway International Rally has been postponed due to significant infrastructural damage along the rally route caused by Storm Éowyn. 

The organising Galway Motor Club issued a statement on Monday confirming their decision that was made in consultation with the sport's governing body, Motorsport Ireland. The 15-stage two-day event was set to mark the beginning of the NAPA Autoparts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

Clerk of the course Joe O'Donoghue told the Irish Examiner: "Our principal concern is for the residents and farming communities along the rally route in the Headford, Tuam and Monivea region, they are currently without power and water and those services need to be restored as quickly as possible. We have a great relationship with all these people and we want that to continue into the future and we fully understand the hardship they are experiencing at this time. Restoring those services is paramount at this time."

The club statement said, "Storm Éowyn has caused significant infrastructural damage along the rally route. 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." 

The Irish Examiner understands that mobile phone coverage has also been severely impacted, another important factor in the safe running of rally events.

The club thanked the event's title sponsors, Corrib Oil for their understanding and to all stakeholders and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly over the last number of months. They also thanked Motorsport Ireland for their support and guidance over the last number of days and are set to work with them to find an alternative date to run the event later in the year.

Over the next few days the club will be contacting the competitors that entered the event regarding refunds of entry fees.

The Irish motorsport calendar is, despite a reorganisation a number of years ago with some ten events running biennially, is still pretty congested and at a glance there's little room for juggling dates.