Organisers of the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally have said the decision to postpone this weekend’s meeting as a result of Storm Eowyn is not one that was taken lightly by them.
The closed-road fixture was due to host the opening round of the new-look NAPA Irish Tarmac Championship – but promoters have had to reschedule it to a date sometime later in the year.
It follows discussions with Motorsport Ireland, with these taking place against the backdrop of on-going efforts to reinstate electricity to homes along the competitive route of the rally.
Record wind speeds were recorded on Ireland’s west coast during the height of last Friday’s gale, with Met Eireann, the nation’s weather service provider, confirming speeds of 114mph.
A top-class field was set to line up in Galway, including triple British champion Matt Edwards who is returning to the cross-border series for a second season with Dave Moynihan. “It was the only real option,” Edwards told Belfast Telegraph Sport.
“Of course it is disappointing for all concerned, however, from my perspective, it does give us a little more time to prepare in terms of budget and getting familiar with the new Hyundai i20 N Rally2 that we are going to be using.”
A spokesman for Galway Motor Club said the health and well-being of those homeowners still without power and mobile phone coverage took precedence over any motorsport event.
They added: “For the overall welfare of those living in the Headford, Tuam and Monivea areas, it is the right decision. We wish to thank Motorsport Ireland for their support and guidance over recent days and we will work closely with them to find an alternative date to run the event.”
The development means the Saint Patrick’s weekend West Cork Rally will herald the start of the NAPA Irish Tarmac Championship.