Cool as ice: Donegal rally ace Oisin McShane gets 'chance of a lifetime' in Norway

Donegal rallying prospect Oisin McShane enjoyed an “unbelievable” experience in Norway learning under some greats of the sport.

The 15-year-old from Letterkenny spent two days in training at the John Haugland Winter Rally School.

While in Geilo, McShane and Cork driver Ross Ryan were put through their paces on a frozen lake in a chance of a lifetime opportunity.

The trip was set up by the Craig Breen Foundation, in honour of the late World Rally Championship driver who died while competing in 2023.

The pair were under the watch of Haughland, a former works driver for Skoda who has been running the school for 30 years, and Norwegian rally star Andreas Bakkerud, a professional rallycross driver known for his dynamic racing style and multiple victories in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

“From the start, the whole thing has been class,” McShane said. “It was just unbelievable.”

McShane was behind the wheel of a Nissan Almera GTi on his first day and on the second day went to a 4WD Subaru Impreza.

Last month, Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series J1000 champion McShane started the defence of his crown on a winning note.

At the Boggeragh Sprint, hosted by the Cork Motor Club, Oisin and Fabian McShane, a father-and-son duo, took victory in a VW Up!

Last year, they secured the Sligo Pallets Forest Rally Championship J1000 and MIJRS.ie Junior Rally Series J1000 Championship title and were crowned as the first winners of the Craig Breen Foundation Award.

Read next: Donegal quartet set to begin quest for National Youth titles

“Very good progress,” Haugland said. 

“I can see very good improvement on them from they started. The conditions for them are very new. We can see how they are improving and I am very happy.

“They are listening to what we are telling them and they are changing and improving their driving according to what they have been told.”