Birr Stages Rally is launched
The popular Birr Stages Rally returns on Sunday, 21st April, sponsored by the Garahy Family - T.J. Garahy Ltd., Garahy's Garage and Garahy Tractors.
The Rally is a counting round of the Triton Showers National, Top Part West Coast, Hugo Loonam Motors Midlands East, and Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championships.
The Rally launch took place last Friday evening, and in spite of the poor weather, a fantastic turnout of sponsors, club members, supporters, media, and championship representatives gathered at Garahy's Garage, Birr. The venue was a fitting one as it is the site of the Rally Headquarters, where Rally Crews from all over the country will gather and from which a maximum of 165 cars will start the event.
The Club was delighted to see so many Garahy Family members were present. Chairperson David Forde welcomed all and introduced Kieran Garahy, who on behalf of the Garahy family, spoke to welcome and thank all for attending the launch. He noted this was the second occasion that the rally has been hosted by the Garahy's and wished the club and the event every success.
David Forde then introduced Clerk of the Course, Eoin Longworth. He explained that the rally is made up of many stakeholders, without whom the event could not be successful. He noted the best Rally HQ in Ireland is at Garahy's Garage, another key element is the Service Area at Grennan’s of Rath, alongside the three stages picked for the event.
Representatives from each of the Rally Championships were then introduced and invited to say a few words: Declan Tumilty of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship, Brendan Flynn of the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship, John Tynan of the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship and Sean Henehan of the Hugo Loonam Motors Midlands East Rally Championship. They each spoke about their individual Championships.
Help is always greatly appreciated, big or small, not just on the day of the rally but in the days leading up to and after, and anyone available is to contact Birr & District Motor Club or Chief Marshal for the Rally, Ger Brophy.
Eoin Longworth has set three stages to be repeated three-times as part of a compact route to the East of Birr, including a classic mountain stage. The first stage is Lisduff just south of Kilcormac, followed by Glendine near Kinnitty and finally Moll Joy's Hill, near Camross.
Each stage has its own traits and terrain to test the crews. On board as the stage sponsors are Paul O'Brien of Sola Energy Solutions, Eoghan Fogarty of R.A.E. Autofactors, Doolan’s Service Station Kilcormac, and Kelly Tyre Service Kilcormac. The Service Area at Grennan’s of Rath by the kind permission of the Grennan family, is kindly sponsored by Transpec Truck & Trailer.
A new initiative at the Birr Stages Rally is the training programme created by Motorsport Ireland for Youth Marshals and Youth Officials. This training will enable those aged 12 to 18 years old to learn from experienced Marshals and Officials as they undertake their duties. The training takes place on Saturday, 20th April at Dooly's Hotel, Birr from 5.30 to 6.30pm. To register, email training@motorsportireland.com, but note a Parent or Legal Guardian must attend the training with the Youth.
On sale in the days leading up to the Rally is the eagerly anticipated Rally Programme packed full of articles, Championship information and the all-important Stage Maps and Times. Programme outlets will be published on the Birr & District Motor Club social media channels and the online Sportify App (Password: BirrRally24).
At the Rally, Birr & District Motor Club asks spectators to obey the Marshals & Officials instructions. Spectators should give themselves plenty of time to arrive at their viewing point, only stand in a safe area and between stages and after the event, to always Keep The Race In Its Place.
Birr & District Motor Club is grateful for the support of the Residents, Farmers, Landowners, Sponsors, Club Members, Motor Clubs, Marshals, Officials, Competitors, and local businesses, as without them, this event cannot be successful.
Further information on the Rally and other Club events can be found on the Birr & District Motor Club social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X, in addition to the Club website www.birrmotorlub.com.