The 2026 Donegal International Rally has been cancelled after a spectator fatality on the 12th special stage.
Round five of this year’s Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, Donegal had attracted a significant entry including five-time World Rally winner Kris Meeke and current M-Sport World Rally Championship driver Josh McErlean.
Driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, Meeke had led the event from the start with reigning Irish Tarmac champion Callum Devine chasing in his Škoda. McErlean was lying third ahead of SS12.
Devine and co-driver Noel O’Sullivan left the road on Saturday’s SS12 Gartan 1, and while the crew were uninjured in the accident, a spectator was killed. Irish national broadcaster RTE reported two further spectators were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
All competing cars were redirected to service after the accident before the decision was made to cancel the remainder of the event.
A statement on behalf of Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club read: “Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club are deeply saddened to confirm that a young male spectator has passed away following an accident on the twelfth stage of the Donegal International Rally.
“As a mark of respect the organizers have cancelled the remainder of the event.
“As the governing body for four-wheeled motorsport in Ireland, Motorsport Ireland together with An Garda Siochána, have begun a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident.
“Motorsport Ireland are aware that video footage of the accident is circulating on social media and would ask that anyone that sees it not to share it.
“Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club express their deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased and ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.”
