The future of long standing race, The Galway International Rally, is reportedly in jeopardy following indications from Motorsport Ireland that the city will not be hosting any stage rally in 2024.
Galway, up to now, been the home of the country's longest standing international rallies, The Galway International Rally, which has been running since 1971 as well as The Galway Summer Rally which was established in 1974 and is traditionally based in county towns; Loughrea, Athenry, Ballinasloe and Gort. As well as entertaining local racing enthusiasts, the rallies bring an estimated €6 million into Galway's tourism and hospitality sectors and benefits across the city and county, shining the spotlight on towns that might not be visited otherwise.
For last year's winner of The Galway International Rally, Welsh driver Meirion Evans, the loss of the rally would be a 'loss for the sport and for the city'.
"The Galway Rally will always mean a lot to me, with it being the first rally I won in the Republic of Ireland and a rally with so much history too. It presents a unique challenge every year for everyone competing. It would be a loss for the sport and for the city and the surrounding areas in general.
"With it being the first proper rally of the year in Ireland, it always draws a big crowd and a big entry with it. The start in Eyre Square is a tradition by now and it would be a shame to lose it.
"Galway is always a challenging event even when the weather is favourable. It is a very unique event that provides some challenges we don't see over the rest of the year and it is a rally that I enjoy coming to every year."
In a statement issued by the Galway Motor Club on Friday, June 9, the organisation do not indicate specific causes for the omission of Galway in next year's rallys, but state that they are in 'open communication with Motorsport Ireland'.
"The Directors of Galway Motor Club confirm that it has recently received correspondence from Motorsport Ireland indicating that it will not be allocating a date to the club for any stage rally in 2024. The club is in open communication with Motorsport Ireland in relation to this decision, and other matters.
"The decision by Motorsport Ireland puts both events in jeopardy in 2024.
A further update is expected following a discussion with Galway Motor Club's stakeholders about what the future holds for the beloved Galway rallies.
Black clouds continue in the horizon
In an updated statement issued by Galway Motor Club on the evening of Wednesday, June 14, states that there has been no resolution to the debacle in the days since, but that the club continues to engage with The Council of Motor Sport Ireland.
"The recent decision by the Council of Motor Sport Ireland that it will not be granting any rally dates to Galway Motor Club in 2024 has been sending shock waves throughout the motorsport community and also within the west of Ireland’s business, tourism and hospitality sectors.
"The club has been overwhelmed with expressions of concern and has received offers of assistance from elected representatives and local authorities, sponsors and many others impacted by the decision.
"The Council of Motor Sport Ireland are engaging with the Directors of Galway Motor Club to discuss the concerns."
Galway Motor Club's next event is a National Championship Autocross taking place on Sunday, July 2 at Dartfield Equestrian Centre Loughrea. On the same date the club will be supporting Classic Fest at Galway Racecourse – one of the largest classic and vintage events in the country, supporting various charities.
The club are also exploring other grass roots clubman events with a Multi-Venue Auto Test event being planned for September 17 next year.
