The Motor Sport Council seems fractured - will it heal? 

John Naylor,, who was at the centre of a Court of Inquiry established by the president of Motorsport Ireland Aiden Harper into complaints received against Mr Naylor, who was Chair of the Stewards at the 2025 Rally of the Lakes. Picture: Michael Chester.

Motorsport Ireland are back in the spotlight this week after an appeal to a recent Court of Inquiry was lodged within the allowed time frame. It's an unprecedented situation for the governing body of Irish Motorsport - with some members of its Motor Sport Council acting as witnesses for Motorsport Ireland (who initiated the inquiry through its president Aiden Harper) and other MSC members witnesses for the respondent John Naylor, who was the chair of the stewards on the 2025 Killarney Rally of the Lakes and is also vice-president of Motorsport Ireland.

The 11-page report on the MI website concluded: "The Court has decided unanimously that the Respondent apologise in writing to Ciara Griffin, provides an undertaking to not use such intemperate language whilst carrying out his duties as a Senior Licenced Official or Council member of the Motorsport Council. This decision serves as a written reprimand pursuant to GCR 142.1.2. The Respondent is reminded of his Right to Appeal."