Donegal Rally: Kevin Gallagher out to defend his National crown

Kevin Gallagher topped the national charts at the 2022 Donegal International Rally, but the Rathmullan man only had to glance around Letterkenny's Main Street on Thursday to realise the stiff challenge to retain the crown.

Gallagher finally got his mitts on the prize last year after going close twice previously.

Gallagher goes again in the Darrian T90 GTR with Ryan Moore on the notes.

“There's plenty of good competition, but we'll give it a good shot,” Gallagher said.

“We had a great run last year and we were delighted. It's a long weekend and a long way to Sunday evening.”

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Gallagher and Moore will be the first two-wheel car on the road on Friday and are back in Donegal after winning their class at the Circuit of Kerry and having a third-place finish at the Midlands Rally.

In a change to the usual schedule, the Friday stages are heading south of Barnesmore Gap with two loops of three stages – Donegal Bay, Rockhill and Copany – done twice.

Gallagher won't be too perturbed if the Darrian is trailing some of his rivals on Friday evening. It is on the open roads of Saturday and Sunday where Gallagher can make hay.

He said: “There are loads of quick cars and quick drivers. There'll not be too many hanging around.

We're happy enough with the pace; we know it's there.

“The Friday stages won't suit the car. They're narrow and gravely. If we can get to Saturday anywhere near close we'll be happy enough”