Devine targeting special 'three-in-a-row' in Donegal

Callum Devine admits it's going to take something very special of he's to hold onto his Donegal International Rally crown and – in the process – seal a third successive win.

The excitement is building around those in motorsport circles as the event is just days away.

The 2025 edition, sponsored by Wilton Recycling, will begin this Friday, June 20 in Malin Head and finish on Sunday evening at the Mount Errigal Hotel.

With Kris Meeke pulling out as his planned co-driver Brian Hoy was injured in a serious crash at the Cavan Stages Rally along with Garry Jennings, the top three cars are now Callum Devine, Jon Armstrong, and William Creighton.

Back-to-back winner Devine will be aiming for three in a row with Noel O’Sullivan and the Derry man is expecting another tough battle.

“It’s an event I have such fond memories of, going back to my first rally in 2011 in the Junior section.

“It’s the highlight of the whole rally calendar, and it has been so good to me in the past with Class wins and the highlight for me is the two overall wins in the last two years.

“There will be a couple of new guys coming this year as well so it should be exciting. We can’t wait to get at it on the 20th of June.”

One of those drivers making a first appearance at the Donegal International Rally is Jon Armstrong.

Currently competing in the European Rally Championship, the Kesh man is competing with Bruckless native Shane Byrne.

“It’s my first time competing there, but I have lots of good memories of watching my local heroes, Garry Jennings and Alistair Fisher.

“We’ll have to be fast learners and it’s a long event too, with three days so we’re looking forward to it.”

Byrne added: “I’ve lots of great memories of it, from Garry and Rory Kennedy winning it, then the great years of Manus Kelly and Donall Barrett winning it.”

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Another man who hasn’t competed in Donegal since 2017 is the 2023 Junior World Rally Champion, William Creighton from Down.

“The opportunity to compete closer to home and at an iconic event like Donegal is very special, and when the idea came up it was something that excited both Liam and I.

“It attracts a lot of buzz and a lot of spectators, but also a lot of competition so it’s nice to throw our hat in the ring and see how we fare against some local guys we know will be very fast.”