Birr car rally is back in town!
After a 20 year break, the annual Birr & District Motor Club Car Stages Rally makes a welcome return to Birr town and surrounding areas on Sunday, April 3.
In the intervening years the rally was based in Portlaoise, Roscrea, Abbeyleix, Nenagh and Templemore. When it was last in Birr back in 2002, the rally was a single stage format and over the years it has evolved into multi-stage rally and a round of the Triton Showers National, Hugo Loonam Motors Cloghan Midlands East, Top Part West Coast and Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championships.
So for 2022 what can we expect? The rally has grown to be one of the most popular one day rally event on the Irish rally calendar and it reflects this in the entry with over 180 entries received. Only 150 cars are permitted to start.
The HQ will be Garahys Garage in Fortal where Kieran and Eithne are the most splendid hosts. The Garahy family are well known in the transport sector with Kieran’s brother Michael operating a successful tractor sales business nearby at the Mile Tree.
The event main sponsor is Pat Horan Motors, the Camper Centre of Ireland based in Aglish near Borrisokane. Pat is one of the club founding members and is married to Nuala, a Birr Native. Pat’s daughter Noelle is currently our very efficient club secretary, son Tristan is Assistant Clerk of the course, while Pat’s brother-in-law Michael Parkinson is our current Club President.
In addition the stages are being sponsored by Sola Energy Solutions and RAE Auto Factors along with the Service Park being sponsored by Transpec Truck & Trailer Spares.
The event format will be two stages run three Times. The first stage is located in the Ballyboy, Knockhill, Money and Cooke areas, while the second stage is in the Clareen, Longford, Glenafelly and Aghancon areas.
Both stages provide the crews with an interesting mix of roads and terrain. The service park will be located in J Grennan & Sons in Rath. Spectators intending to watch are asked to use the parking provided in the vicinity of Rath village and not to park on the household verges or entrances in the vicinity of the service park. Any illegally parked vehicles will be towed away.
Marshals are required to run the event safely and all enthusiasts are asked to assist if possible. Contact Ger Brophy Chief Marshal 087 6931369 for further details.