The 2026 Donegal International Rally, the fifth round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, has been cancelled entirely following a tragic accident on stage 12 in which a spectator lost their life.
One of the most prestigious events in the region, this year's race brought together notable names such as five-time World Rally winner Kris Meeke and active M-Sport WRC driver Josh McErlean. Kris Meeke, in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, led the race from the start, while the reigning Irish Road Champion, Callum Devine, followed closely in his Škoda. Josh McErlean was in third place in the general classification before the tragic accident in stage 12.
One person died and two were injured in the accident.
During the “SS12 Gartan 1” stage held on Saturday, the car carrying Callum Devine and his co-driver Noel O'Sullivan went out of control and veered off the track. While the competing team managed to escape the accident unharmed, a young male spectator standing at the edge of the stage lost his life. Irish national broadcaster RTE reported that two other spectators injured in the incident were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital and their injuries were not life-threatening. Immediately after the accident, all the race cars were directed back to the service area, and then the final decision was made to cancel the remainder of the event.
Official Statements and Social Media Warning
Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club issued a joint statement which included the following: “Motorsport Ireland and the Donegal Motor Club confirm with deep sorrow the death of a young male spectator following an accident during the twelfth stage of the Donegal International Rally. In respect for our deceased fellow motorsport fan, the organizers have cancelled the remainder of the event. Motorsport Ireland, the governing body of four-wheeled motorsport in Ireland, has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the accident in conjunction with law enforcement (An Garda Síochána). Motorsport Ireland is aware that video footage of the accident is circulating on social media and we urge anyone who sees it to refrain from sharing or disseminating it. We offer our deepest condolences to the family of our deceased fellow citizen and ask everyone to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”.“