GALWAY Rally fans have been left gutted after the event was cancelled due to damage caused to the route during Storm Eowyn.
The rally was due to take place over the coming weekend throughout Tuam, Monivea and Headford.
Galway was among the worst-hit counties by the devastating storm that has left 246,000 households still without power across Ireland.
Schools across the country also remain shut this week, left without power or water supply.
And strong winds left infrastructural damage along the route, forcing organisers to make the decision to call off the event.
In a statement Galway Motor Club said the move is also in the interest of “not causing additional delays” to workers attempting to restore essential services in the areas.
The rally’s 15 special stages were due to be split, with nine on the Saturday in the Headford and Tuam areas, while the remaining six would take place Sunday near Monivea.
In the statement the motor club said: “Galway Motor Club, having consulted with Motorsport Ireland, regret to announce the postponement of the 2025 Corrib Oil Galway International Rally which was scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday.
“Storm Eowyn has caused significant infrastructural damage along the rally route. Having consulted with Galway County Council and utilities providers it is clear that a large number of residents will still be without power and water into next weekend.
“Priority must be given to workers bringing back crucial services to those living along rally route and the club are acutely aware of not causing additional delays in the restoration of these services.
“In addition to this, mobile phone coverage has also been severely impacted in the region which would impact the safe running of the event.
“This is not a decision Galway Motor Club has taken lightly, but for the overall welfare of those living in the Headford, Tuam and Monivea areas, it is the right decision.”
However, finishing their statement the club confirmed they are hoping to host the event later in the year – but did not confirm a date.
They said: “We wish to thank Motorsport Ireland for their support and guidance over the last number of days and we will work closely with them to find an alternative date to run the event later in the year.”
Fans of the car event have been left gutted by the news it will not be going ahead.
STORM AFTERMATH
THE aftermath of Storm Eowyn has left devastation across the country, particularly in the West Coast and Midlands
Areas across Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath, Donegal and Longford have been told they could be without still be without power more than a week after the storm made landfall.
And nearly 100,000 are still without water after the devastating storm however, 112,000 people being supplied by generators that have been deployed by Uisce Eireann crews.
Ireland has borrowed large scale generators from Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands with generators being flown to areas in need by the Irish Coast Gaurd.
And technicians from across the UK and France have been brought over to help restore essential services, while support crews are flying from Finland and Austria too.
As counties across the country continue to struggle with no power or water people are being forced to shower in local GAA clubs or charge devices at local businesses lucky enough to have a generator.
Large water tankers have been placed across counties still struggling with no water supply to allow locals to access to fill containers.
In response to the going crisis after the terrible winds on Thursday night Emergency Response Hubs are being set up in worst impacted areas.
The the National Emergency Co-ordination Group has said local authorise will establish these spaces but warned they may not be set up everywhere.
These hubs will allow people access to water, charging stations, hot drinks and hot meals.
In these hubs locals will also be able to have a shower, wash clothes and use broadband.
However, the resounding response was that the right decision had been made given the situation in Galway.
Posting on social media one person said: “That’s very disappointing for all – especially Galway MC but the right decision.
“Hope you can get a suitable date if you can run it in 2025.”
Another said: “Sad but the right decision.”
Someone else added: “With what we witnessed on the stage’s yesterday and power may not be restored to residents until possible the 5th of February it definitely was the right decision.”
And another said: “Difficult call but the correct one hope the alternative date will be well supported.”
