The 2026 Donegal International Rally has been cancelled following a tragic incident on the 12th special stage (SS12), where a spectator lost their life during the event.
The rally, a key round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, had attracted a strong international entry, including five-time World Rally winner Kris Meeke and M-Sport World Rally Championship driver Josh McErlean. Meeke, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, had been leading the event from the opening stages, with reigning Irish Tarmac champion Callum Devine and co-driver Noel O’Sullivan in close pursuit. McErlean was running third prior to the incident.
The tragedy occurred during SS12 Gartan 1 on Saturday when Devine and O’Sullivan left the road. Although the crew were uninjured, a spectator was fatally injured at the scene. According to reports from Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, two additional spectators were also taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Following the incident, all competing vehicles were initially directed back to service as officials assessed the situation. Shortly afterward, organizers made the decision to cancel the remainder of the rally.
In a joint statement, Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal Motor Club expressed deep sorrow over the fatality and confirmed that a full investigation has been launched in cooperation with An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service.
Officials also urged the public not to share circulating video footage of the incident, asking instead for respect for the deceased and their family during this time of grief.
The statement described the event as a “deeply tragic accident” and extended condolences to the family of the deceased spectator, emphasizing the need for privacy as investigations continue.
The cancellation marks a somber end to one of Ireland’s most significant motorsport events, as the rally community comes to terms with the loss and authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.