Irish Tarmac season starts with mammoth West Cork Rally
After a Storm Eowyn inflicted false start, the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship finally gets underway this weekend on the West Cork Rally.
Three days of ultimate asphalt rallying starts on Friday with 18 quality stages awaiting the maximum entry of crews.
Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin top the West Cork Rally’s entry list but the Cork-Kerry crew face stiff opposition to defend both their 2024 West Cork Rally win and their Irish Tarmac title.
Hot off the back of a strong runner-up finish on the Midland Stages Rally, Matt Edwards returns for a second attempt at the Irish Tarmac title. Podiums in West Cork, Killarney, and the Cork 20 along with winning the Circuit of Ireland proved Edwards and David Moynihan as a true Irish Tarmac contender.
Two-time Irish Tarmac Champions Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes will be looking to bounce back from a challenging Irish Tarmac campaign in 2024. Moffett is hoping to find the same post-covid dominance he displayed in the unlikely Hyundai i20 R5 as he continues to get to grips with Citroen’s equivalent.
With Jon Armstrong, Eddie Doherty, and Cathan McCourt also in the mix, those heading to West Cork’s St. Patrick’s weekend spectacular will be treated to a memorable Irish Tarmac encounter.
An influx of leading modified, historic, and junior crews will produce some intriguing battles throughout the three-day event’s field.
Onthepacenote’s Killian Duffy takes us through West Cork’s nine unique stages, it is going to be a serious challenge.
Friday
Ballinascarthy (12.8 km) – SS1/3
The 2025 West Cork Rally gets underway with a busy Ballinascarthy stage. The near-13-kilometre test is particularly intense through the final three kilometres with undulating terrain. The crests will be extra tricky in the darkness of Friday evening.
Rossmore (11.7 km) – SS2/4
Another busy stage that will be familiar to most West Cork competitors. The only difference is that it is run in reverse this year and its challenging nature will be an epic night-time test.
Saturday
Ring (12.9 km) – SS5/7
West Cork’s iconic Ring stage kicks off Saturday’s action as the Historic crews enter the fray.
Fast, and committed, it is no wonder that this is the rally’s feature stage – it doesn’t get any better than this.
Kilbrittain (15.6 km) – SS6/8
A slightly longer stage than those encountered so far, Kilbrittain starts off very fast but is split into some tricky narrow sections. There are a few bumpy patches too before speeding up before the finish-line.
It is a lovely stage but one of West Cork’s most demanding.
Dunworley (12.8 km) – SS9/11
Don’t let the shortest of this version of Dunworley trick you, this is one intense challenge. The first five kilometres seem to last forever, there is so much driving in these sections.
Clogagh (18.8 km) – SS10/12
The longest stage of the rally caps off West Cork’s penultimate day of action. Clogagh is as difficult as it is long, there is nothing simple about the 19-kilometre test.
Like the others, there are plenty of corners that will demand the crews’ constant focus.
Sunday
Ardfield (13.7 km) – SS13/16
Ardfield offers a fast start to Sunday’s itinerary. The first few kilometres have a few gravelly parts so caution will be needed there before picking up speed and commitment as it heads for its scenic seashore finish.
Glandore (17.5 km) – SS14/17
The demanding stages continue with this corner-after-corner Glandore stage. Perhaps the difference here is a higher proportion of slower-speed junctions filtered into the 17.5-kilometre test.
Sam’s Cross (14.9 km) – SS15/18
The West Cork Rally finishes with another of its iconic stages – Sam’s Cross. It might just be one of the most difficult stages in the country. There will be time to find on the 18-stage finale but who will be prepared to stick their neck out and risk it all, that will be the question come Sunday afternoon!
Photos by D Harrigan Images
