The Donegal Forestry Rally is set to return in February

The Donegal Forestry Rally will return to Donegal Town, promising an exciting day for motorsport enthusiasts and locals alike.

Organised by the Donegal Motor Club, this thrilling event on Sunday, February 16, is the first round of the highly anticipated Sligo Pallets Irish Forestry Championship.

The Forestry Championship has gained popularity, with eight events scheduled across Ireland for 2025.

Once again, Johnny Baird will take on the role of Clerk of the Course for this year's rally. Baird, who has managed the event for several years, is eager to collaborate with local authorities in Donegal Town and Pettigo to ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved.

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His dedication and passion for rallying are evident as he plans an exhilarating route that promises to challenge competitors and entertain fans.

"We have an exciting and challenging route planned for the competitors, featuring forest roads in excellent condition," he said. "It's a route that will test the crews' skills and create a thrilling spectacle for spectators."

One of the highlights of this year's rally is the announcement that McCafferty's Bars will be the lead sponsor. The Boyle family, owners of McCafferty's Bars, are well-known for their strong ties to the rallying community and have long been involved in the motorsport scene. Their support underscores a commitment to both the local community and the sport.

Declan Boyle, owner of the McCafferty Bar group, expressed his enthusiasm about supporting the event.

"We expect a great turnout, which will bring an extra buzz to the town," he said. "When the Donegal Motor Club approached us to support the event, we were delighted to get involved. Rallying is a sport we cherish as a family, and this partnership is the perfect way to promote our business."

The Donegal Town location of McCafferty's Bar will host the podium celebrations on Sunday afternoon, ensuring that the rally finish is memorable.

With so much local support and enthusiasm surrounding the event, the Donegal Forestry Rally promises to be an exciting start to the 2025 Sligo Pallets Irish Forestry Championship. Johnny Baird encourages fans planning to attend to make arrangements early, as Donegal is expected to be buzzing with excitement.

"We have already seen significant local interest in this event, and I encourage anyone planning to visit Donegal in February to book their hotels early," Baird said. "The rally will present a unique challenge through Donegal's forest roads, and we can't wait to see you there."