In the Historic category, a nostalgia-heavy field provided one of the standout storylines of the event, as classic machinery once again proved its relevance in modern rallying.
With treacherous conditions greeting crews across the Galway stages, drivers were forced to strike a delicate balance between commitment and mechanical sympathy, and it was those who respected both the roads and the cars who ultimately prospered.
Despite their age, the historic machines showed plenty of bite, rewarding smooth inputs and punishing the slightest lapse in concentration.
Jason McSweeney and Liam Brennan rose to the challenge with a composed and intelligent drive, immediately settling into a strong rhythm while others faltered.
As conditions evolved throughout the rally — from slippery, mud-strewn sections to faster, more flowing stretches — the pair adapted seamlessly, extracting performance where it mattered while avoiding the costly mistakes that caught out several rivals. Their pace was matched by consistency, with clean stage times steadily building a commanding position at the head of the category.
Brennan’s precise and unflustered pacenotes allowed McSweeney to push with confidence, and the trust between driver and co-driver was evident as they negotiated the most demanding sections of the route.
While others struggled with reliability issues and changing grip levels, McSweeney and Brennan kept their campaign on track, managing both the conditions and the pressure with maturity.
By the time the rally reached its closing stages, their advantage was firmly established, and a measured final push sealed a thoroughly well-deserved victory.
It was a performance that highlighted not only their skill and experience, but also the enduring appeal and competitiveness of historic rallying, making their triumph at the Galway International Rally all the more satisfying.
In the Modified section, the action was typically breathless, with the category once again living up to its reputation for spectacular, no-holds-barred competition.
Amid treacherous conditions and ever-diminishing grip, Michael Cahill delivered one of the drives of the rally, muscling his Ford Escort Mk2 to a stunning class victory.
Despite the slippery surfaces and relentless pressure, Cahill maintained remarkable control, balancing aggression with precision as the Escort danced through the stages at improbable angles.
While the conditions punished the slightest misjudgement, his confidence never wavered, and stage after stage he underlined both his pace and car control.
John McQuaid and Thomas Treanor would take maximum points though seeing there eligible in the ITRC Championship.
In the Juniors category, it’s Graham Roche and Trevor Roche who take the first Irish Tarmac Rally Championship win of the 2026 season.
