RALLY fans are in pole position to enjoy the best ever instalment of the county’s world famous motoring event that started over a half a century ago, say organisers.
But gardai have warned them: “The road is not a playground.”
Seven people have tragically lost their lives on Donegal’s roads this year and gardai this week cautioned that practices such as “diffing on public roads” will not be tolerated and vehicles will be seized.
Pubs are tipped to be busy from tonight (Thursday) for the ceremonial launch before the rally cars rev up for tomorrow’s first stage with the winners being crowned in Letterkenny on Sunday.
Donegal rally fans are counting down to the starting line.
KEEP RACE IN ITS PLACE
Donegal’s Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan spoke in Lifford during a joint policing launch with the PSNI to urge fans to “keep the race in its place”.
A public order plan is in place to deal with anyone who contravenes the law at the rally, which has soared in scale since it began 54 years ago in 1972.
Chief Supt Sheridan said: “The competitors are skilled drivers. They will do their driving on the stages.
“Anybody outside of the stages must abide by keeping the race in its place. The road is not a playground for driving.
“We’ll be looking at life-saver offences, we will be looking at people not wearing their seat belts, drivers who are using their mobile phones, speeding, drinking, and using drugs while driving.”
Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan with PSNI Chief Inspector Ian Ferriby is attached to this release. Photo Brian McDaid.
She added: “We will also be looking at vehicles to see are they abiding by legislation, whether they’re fit for purpose.
“Those vehicles, if they are defective, will be seized, where appropriate.
“An Garda Síochána and the PSNI will work together to try and make the roads safe.”
Police warned that the five factors in road deaths as “speeding, drink and drink driving, driving without your seat belt on, careless and inconsiderate driving.”
IRELAND’S BIGGEST RALLY
Eamon McGee marking out the start of a special stage at Donegal International Rally as fans and crews arrive. Photo Brian McDaid.
Around 80,000 spectators will watch 200 crews navigate the 275-kms tarmac rally over 20 stages during the county’s biggest annual event of the year.
The 2026 Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally is “Ireland’s biggest, attracting drivers from all over Ireland” and watched by “millions” of fans, according to Donegal Motor Club.
Warnings about safety have been highlighted by An Garda Siochana, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), other emergency services, Donegal County Council, and Motorsport Ireland.
Garda Inspector Sean McDaid said: “Donegal International Rally is the largest motorsport event in Ireland.
“Gardaí will be conducting a robust enforcement operation throughout the weekend.
“Dangerous driving, anti-social behaviour and any actions that place the safety of others at risk will not be tolerated.”
Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan (centre), with (L-R) Garda Barry Gallagher, Superintendent Siobhán Mollahan, Sergeant Elaine Gordon, and Inspector Seán McDaid.
Rally fans enjoying the Gartan stage at a previous Donegal Rally.
SPEED TRAPS
PSNI Chief Inspector Ian Ferriby warned of “speed traps throughout the area approaching Lifford”.
He said: “Leave the racing to the rally drivers. Have a great time, watch the rally, but don’t be speeding.”
Donegal County Council chief John McLaughlin said: “We encourage everyone to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, drive with care, and always adhere to the speed limits.”
The council launched a dedicated webpage and interactive map ahead for the rally.
ROAD CLOSURES
It includes details of road closures such as tonight’s closure ofthe Port Road in Letterkenny from 4.15pm to 9pm for the rally’s ceremonial start.
Cullion Road in the town will be closed at various times over the weekend to facilitate a clear access route for the emergency services.
Full details of allroad closures and traffic management arrangements can be found one the donegalcoco.ie/rally webpage.
The award-winning Donegal News sport team will carry comprehensive coverage of the rally online, on our donegalnews.com website, and in print in our Monday edition.