Kevin Gallagher bows out of the Donegal Rally after car trouble in Fanad

There was also huge drama in the modified section in Fanad as leader Kevin Gallagher had to retire with a mechanical issue, his car coming to a halt on the stage meaning the two in-a-row champion has lost his Donegal crown. 

That now puts Declan Gallagher in a commanding lead of the modified race in his Toyota Starlet. 

With three stages to go, it’s all to play for in the overall and modified section with the teams going around Gartan, Atlantic Drive and Fanad Head again. 

“Going into Fanad, we knew we had to go for it. Kevin pushed us hard the whole way, he actually cleaned us in the first two stages today, so we had nothing to lose so we went out and gave our all,” said Declan Gallagher following his race around Fanad. 

“I feel sorry for Kevin, there’s a good chance we wouldn’t have beat him if he kept going. We just need to hold our heads now and keep going.” 

Meanwhile, at the head of the field, Callum Devine leads the way with over 40 seconds, while Meirion Evans from Wales is in second and produced the fastest time in Fanad. 

Former leader Matt Edwards has come off Fanad despite hitting a wall at the Atlantic Drive.