2026 Donegal International Rally: Speed, Drama and Sadness in Letterkenny
Kris Meeke and Liam Regan topped the final classification, but the 2026 Donegal International Rally will be remembered as much for its sombre conclusion as for its fierce pace on the stages.
The 2026 Donegal International Rally once again brought the Irish rallying spotlight to Letterkenny from 19 to 21 June, attracting a deep field of Rally2 machinery, local heroes and visiting stars. Across the opening stages, the event delivered the familiar Donegal mix of commitment, narrow margins and high-speed confidence, with five-time World Rally winner Kris Meeke and co-driver Liam Regan setting the benchmark in their Toyota Yaris.
Meeke led from the start and ultimately headed the final results on a total time of 1:22:01.8. Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy finished second in a Ford Fiesta, 31.6 seconds behind, while Philip Allen and Craig Drew completed the podium in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, 1:01.1 off the lead. Behind them, Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes were fourth, narrowly ahead of Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty, with just tenths and seconds separating several of the front-running crews.
One of the defining sporting threads was the pace of Callum Devine and Noel O’Sullivan. Devine, chasing a fourth Donegal International Rally victory in succession, kept Meeke honest throughout the early running. The pair even set identical times on Stage 4, while Devine later went fastest on Drumhallagh to reduce Meeke’s advantage to just 11 seconds. His charge underlined how little room there was between the leading crews, with Meeke’s experience and speed matched by Devine’s determination and local confidence.
The competitive story was shaped by a strong RC2 entry and a steady run of stage-winning pace from the leaders. Donegal’s demanding roads rewarded precision and bravery in equal measure, and the leaderboard reflected the quality of the field: established Irish Tarmac Championship contenders, Donegal regulars and international names all fought for position in one of Ireland’s most prestigious rallies.
However, the event was overshadowed on Saturday when an accident on the twelfth special stage resulted in the death of a young male spectator. Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club cancelled the remainder of the rally as a mark of respect, and an investigation was opened with An Garda Síochána. Crews, organisers and supporters were left united in sympathy for the spectator’s family and those affected.
Top Five Overall
1st: Kris Meeke / Liam Regan — Toyota Yaris RC2 — 1:22:01.8
2nd: Josh McErlean / Eoin Treacy — Ford Fiesta RC2 — +31.6s
3rd: Philip Allen / Craig Drew — Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 — +1:01.1
4th: Josh Moffett / Andy Hayes — Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 — +1:04.8
5th: Cathan McCourt / Barry McNulty — Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 — +1:26.6
Image - Kevin Shields Motorsport Photography / Donegal International Rally