The 2026 Donegal International Rally has been cancelled following a tragic incident that claimed the life of a spectator during the 12th special stage (SS12), prompting organizers to halt the event immediately.
The incident occurred on Saturday during SS12 Gartan 1, when a competing vehicle left the road. While the crew involved, Callum Devine and co-driver Noel O’Sullivan, were uninjured in the incident, a spectator was fatally injured at the scene. Two additional spectators were also taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
At the time of the incident, the rally featured a highly competitive field as part of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Five-time World Rally winner Kris Meeke, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, had been leading the event from the early stages. M-Sport World Rally Championship driver Josh McErlean was running in third place before the race was suspended.
Following the crash, all competing vehicles were initially instructed to return to service as officials assessed the situation. Shortly afterward, Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal Motor Club confirmed the cancellation of the remainder of the rally.
In a joint statement, the organizers expressed deep sadness over the fatality and confirmed that a full investigation has been launched in cooperation with An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service. Authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing video footage of the crash, asking instead for respect, privacy, and dignity for the deceased and their family during this difficult time. The statement described the event as a “deeply tragic accident” and extended condolences to all those affected.
The cancellation brings a somber end to one of Ireland’s most prestigious motorsport events, as the rally community mourns the loss and investigators continue their work to understand what led to the tragedy.
