Krunching Gears: Recent Episodes
Kevin Glendinning
🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 33🎤
In this episode, we bring you the reaction from an action-packed Monaghan Stages Rally, fresh from the finish line with overall winner Josh Moffett and runner-up Sam Moffett reflect on a thrilling battle as they share their thoughts on the "Monaghan Grand-Prix".
We also dive into the fiercely contested two-wheel-drive category, hearing from winner, Gary McPhillips, second-placed crew Dessie Keenan and Jason "Wee Pete" McKenna, plus third-placed co-driver Ronan O'Neill and also Chris O'Callaghan, who was in the hunt for a podium finish.
To round things off, we look ahead to this weekend's highly anticipated Ulster Rally as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Grace and Mark King join us to preview the landmark event, discussing the stages, and what fans and competitors can expect as event joins the FIA European Historic Rally Championship.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Josh Moffett 00:03:20
Sam Moffett 00:06:08
Monaghan 2wd Competitors 00:09:55
Ulster Rally Preview with Grace & Mark King 00:48:55
End 01:15:53
🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 32🎤
On this episode, we catch up with Jon Armstrong to discuss his World Rally Championship campaign with M-Sport, reflecting on the highs, challenges, and what it's like competing at the very top level of the sport.
We also hear from Jonny Greer after securing an incredible sixth Northern Ireland Rally Championship title, looking back on another successful season and what the achievement means to him.
Hugh Hunter and Andy Marchbank join us to share their experiences from Rallye Lecale, discussing the event, the competition, and how their rally unfolded.
Finally, we turn our attention to the upcoming Monaghan Rally as Sean McCaffrey previews one of the highlights of the Irish rally calendar, discussing the stages, the expected competition, and what fans can look forward to.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Jon Armstrong on his season to date 00:02:45
Jonny Greer - 6 times Northern Ireland Rally Championship, 00:41:45
Hugh Hunter & Andy Marchbank on Rallye Lecale 01:03:05
Sean McCaffrey - Monaghan Rally Preview 01:29:18
End 01:55:47
🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 32🎤
In this episode, we’re joined by three-time British Rally Champion Matt Edwards to discuss the current state of Rally2 machinery and its future as the incoming top-tier category in the FIA World Rally Championship. Matt shares his insight into the performance, appeal and challenges of Rally2 cars.
We also catch up with Gavin Campbell, Clerk of the Course, and Brian Crawford, Deputy Clerk of the Course, for a preview of this weekend’s BADMC Rallye Lecale. As a brand-new event taking place on 25 July and based in Downpatrick, they take us behind the scenes to explain what competitors and fans can expect, the work involved in launching a new rally, and why Rallye Lecale promises to be an exciting addition to the Northern Irish motorsport calendar.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Matt Edwards 00:03:45
Rallye Lecale preview with Gavin Campbell & Brian Crawford 00:47:20
End 01:20:54
🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast | 2026 Season, episode 31 | 🎤
This week on the podcast, we look back at an action-packed Nicky Grist Rally with the event's overall winners, Jordan Hone and Sion Williams. They join us to reflect on their standout performance and what the win means for the rest of the season.
We also catch up with Jason Black and Karl Egan after a busy weekend behind the wheel. The pair discuss competing on back-to-back events, tackling the Loughgall Rally before celebrating victory at the Kerry Mini Stages, and the challenges of maintaining momentum across two demanding rally's.
Finally, we hear from the Stonethrowers Rally Clerk of the Course Susan Sheehan and Deputy Clerk of the Course Declan O'Keeffe, who explain the difficult decision to cancel this weekend's event. They share the factors behind the call, the disappointment for everyone involved.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Nicky Grist Stages Review with winners Jordan Hone & Sion Williams 00:03:45
Catchup with Jason Black & Karl Egan 00:28:08
Stonethrowers News with Susan Sheehan & Declan O'Keefe
End 01:14:20
Krunching Gears - |The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 30|
This week on the podcast, we catch up with Jonny Greer and Niall Burns following their victory at the Loughgall Rally the latest round of the Northern Rally Championship.
We also catch up on the latest round of the FIA European Rally Championship (Rally di Roma Capitale) with Craig Rahill, Conor Smith, Casey Jay Coleman, and Killian McArdle who bring us up to speed on their ERC3 and M-Sport Fiesta Trophy campaigns, sharing the highs, challenges, and excitement from a demanding weekend of international competition.
Rounding off the show, we hear from the crews who finished second and third overall at the Kerry Mini Stages, Chris O'Callaghan and Coleen O'Brien, along with Johno Doogan and Paul Lennon, as they reflect on their performances, fierce competition, and memorable moments from an action-packed event.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Loughgall Rally with Jonny Greer & Niall Burns 00:03:15
Rally di Roma Capitale - Craig Rahill, Conor Smith, Casey Jay Coleman & Killian McArdle 00:25:58
Kerry Mini Stages - Coleen O'Brien, Chris O Callaghan, Johno Doogan & Paul Lennon 00:54:50
End 01:33:24
rally #podcast #motorsport #autopodcast #irishrally #PaddyPower
🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 29🎤
On this episode of the Rally Podcast, we look ahead to one of the biggest and most anticipated events on the Irish rally calendar, the Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally.
We catch up with Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy, who have been released from their World Rally Championship duties with M-Sport to tackle the famous Donegal hills in a Rally2 Fiesta. They discuss the opportunity, the challenge of competing at home, the quality of the entry list, and the excitement of taking on one of Irish rallying’s most iconic events.
We’re also joined by Clerk of the Course Eamon Magee, who gives us an insight into the preparation, organisation, and challenges involved in delivering the legendary Donegal stages. Event sponsor and competitor Rodney Wilton shares his thoughts on supporting the rally and taking on the roads himself.
Plus, Eugene Ferry joins us to talk about the Rally Stages App which is working in partnership with the Donegal Motor Club to help competitors and spectators stay informed throughout the rally weekend.
🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 28🎤 🩷
On this special episode we celebrate the return of one of the most iconic cars in Irish rallying history, the legendary “Pink Panther” Ford Sierra RS Cosworth that carried James Cullen and Ellen Morgan to victory on the Donegal International in 1991. We speak with Paul Murphy and Declan McBrearty, part of the dedicated team behind the painstaking restoration of this famous machine, as they reveal the work involved in returning the car to its original 1991 specification as part of The Stables Motorsport Centre collection.
We’re also joined by James Cullen and Sinead Canny, who look ahead to their special appearance on the Donegal stages as they mark the anniversary of that unforgettable victory and honour the legacy of Ellen Morgan, James’ co-driver for 14 remarkable years.
The return of the iconic pink Sierra RS Cosworth to the 2026 Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally.
🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2026 Season, episode 27🎤
This week, we get under the bonnet and take a look behind the scenes of rallying with three special guests who bring unique perspectives from the sport. First we catch up with Colin Turkington, four-time British Touring Car Champion and BMW’s most successful racing driver, following his recent venture into rallying at the Tyrone Stages Rally. Alongside him is co-driver Rory Kennedy, who shares his experience of guiding one of touring cars’ most decorated drivers through the challenges of special stage competition. Together, they discuss the transition from track to rallying, the demands of the sport, and what they learned from the experience.
We also follow up on the recent Toyota Yaris Rally2 test in Donegal with Lewis Allen, Lead Engineer on Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Rally2 project. Lewis provides a fascinating insight into the development of the Toyota Rally2 programme, explaining how Toyota supports its customer teams around the world. From continuous development to delivering the latest upgrades, he reveals how no expense is spared to ensure competitors have access to the very best package available.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Colin Turkington & Rory Kennedy 00:06:15
Lewis Allen - Gazoo Lead Engineer Rally2 Programme 00:35:00
End 01:04:00
🎙️ Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2026 Season |Episode 26|
In this episode, we look back at an action-packed Circuit of Munster Rally with Daniel Breslin and Damian Doherty, the leading rear-wheel-drive crew, who chat about their impressive run. We also hear from second-place overall finisher Keelan Grogan, who reflects on a strong result against tough competition. Rally4 winner Oran England joins us to discuss his class-winning performance and his plans for the season ahead.
We also shine a spotlight on the future of motorsport with Reanna Gillis and Erin McKenna from Cookstown Motor Club. They share their experiences of getting involved in rallying and discuss what clubs and competitors can do to encourage more people—particularly newcomers—to take their first steps into the sport.
Looking ahead, Mike Marshall joins us to preview the inaugural Killarney Classic Tour, a brand-new event celebrating the rich heritage of rallying in Killarney and the stunning Beara Peninsula. Tune in for rally insights, competitor reactions, grassroots motorsport discussion, and a look ahead to an exciting new event on the Irish motorsport calendar.
KrunchingGears #TheRallyPodcast #CircuitOfMunsterRally #IrishRallying #MotorsportPodcast #rallying
Chapters Start 00:00:00
Circuit of Munster Daniel Breslin & Damian Doherty 00:05:2
Circuit of Munster Keelan Grogan & Oran England 00:27:55
Cookstown Motor Club, Youth Development Erin McKenna & Reanna Gillis 00:53:20
Killarney Classic Tour - Mike Marshall 01:02:55
End 01:19:46
Krunching Gears ┃The Rally Podcast 2026 Season┃ Episode 25.
On this week’s podcast we’re joined by the top two finishers from the recent Jim Clark Rally. Winner Max McRae reflects on a standout victory, while Meirion Evans looks back on the challenges of one of the UK’s most iconic events.
We also discuss the recent Toyota Gazoo Racing test session in Donegal with Eamonn Kelly and Rory Kennedy, who give us the inside story on the visit and what it means for Irish rallying.
Looking ahead, Circuit of Munster Clerk of the Course Kieran Ambrose joins us to preview this weekend’s action, key stages and leading contenders.
Plus, the team from Cookstown Motor Club, led by Clerk of the Course Simon MacRory, chat about preparations for the upcoming Tyrone Stages Rally and what competitors and fans can expect from the event.
rallying #irishrally #rallypodcast #brc #gazooracing #rallychat #goodtotalk
Chapters Start 00:00:00
Jim Clark talk with Max McRae & Meirion Evans 00:00:45
Gazoo Toyota Racing Chat with Rory Kennedy & Eamonn Kelly 00:34:40
Circuit of Munster Preview with COC Kieran Ambrose 01:02:20
Tyrone Stages build up with Simon Macrory, Sean & Barry
End 01:39:06
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast [2026 Season] episode 24.
Fresh from their impressive victory at the Carlow Stages Rally, Michael Boyle and Dermot McCafferty join us to break down their winning performance along with Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty, who secured an excellent second place as they reflect on a hard-fought battle at the front of the field and the pace needed to challenge for victory and looking forward to the Donegal International Rally.
Rounding out the episode is Jonathan Pringle, winner of the ever-competitive MKII Challenge (and over all two-wheel-drive winner) talks about his event. From dramatic stages and tricky weather conditions plus plenty of rally insight, stories, and analysis from a memorable weekend in Carlow.
motorsport #rallying #carlowrally #podcast #irishrally
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Michael Boyle, Dermot McCafferty, Cathan McCourt & Barry McNulty 00:04:05
Johnny Pringle 00:32:20
End 00:48:21
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast | 2026 Season - Episode 23Sean Moriarty joins Kevin and Conor for a deep dive into why Vodafone Rally de Portugal remains one of the most iconic rounds of the World Rally Championship. An experienced automotive journalist and founder of Kerry Motorsport News, Sean shares first-hand insight into the culture, history, and atmosphere surrounding Rally Portugal. From the legendary Fafe jump (Pedra Sentada) to the carnival energy of the gravel stages, the trio explore why the event holds such a special place in rallying folklore. They discuss the passion of the fans, the spectacle of Pedra Sentada, and the electric atmosphere created by flares, fireworks, chainsaws, and packed spectator banks. If you love rallying at its rawest and most atmospheric, this episode shows why Portugal remains the beating heart of the WRC. #WRC #RallyPortugal #VodafoneRallyPortugal #FafeJump #PedraSentada #Rallying #Motorsport #WorldRallyChampionship #kerrymotorsportnews #podcast #rallypodcast
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast | Season 2026 | Episode 22This week on Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast, we recap a dramatic Killarney Rally of the Lakes, with Rob Duggan joining us after clinching victory in the Modified category.We revisit the Manx Rally, with overall winners Ryan Loughran and Robb Fagg recalling their standout performance and claiming victory on the iconic island stages.Rising Irish talent Kyle McBride joins the show to discuss his exciting announcement for the 2026 Junior European Rally Championship and what lies ahead for the season.We preview the upcoming Carlow Rally with Clerk of the Course Michael Comerford, who gives insight into the preparations, stages, and what competitors and fans can expect from one of the most anticipated events on the national rally calendar.Plenty of rally chat, analysis, and behind-the-scenes insight throughout the episode.Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Rob Duggan - Rally of the Lakes - 00:03:35
Ryan Loughran & Rob Fagg - Manx National 00:24:40
Kyle McBride - JERC announcement 00:49:52
Mick Comerford - COC Carlow Rally 01:05:05
End 01:17:46
#KrunchingGear #RallyPodcast #IrishRallying #RallyOfTheLakes #KillarneyRally #ManxRally #CarlowRally #ModifiedRallying #JuniorERC #EuropeanRallyChampionship #ERC #Motorsport #Rallying #IrishMotorsport #KyleMcBride #RyanLoughran #RobDuggan #RobbFagg #BehindTheStages #NationalRallying
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2026 Season, episode 21.
In this episode, we’re joined by Christophe Jacob, one of the organising team and Frank Kelly, MKII Escort hero, to talk about The Escort Rally Special in Chimay, Belgium, on 11th –13th September. A rally that delivers a pure, no-compromise celebration of Ford Escort rallying on fast, technical asphalt. Designed exclusively for Escort machinery, this niche event has quickly become a focal point for iconic Ford Escort enthusiasts. This rally caters for all types of RWD Escorts, but FWD or 4WD cars may also be considered. Set across demanding stages in the Hainaut region, the rally promises close competition and a strong community atmosphere. Frank and Christophe offer firsthand insight into the challenges and charm of competing in a single-marque rally. Whether you’re a driver, fan, or historic rally devotee, this is one you won’t want to miss.
FordEscort #rallyfans #onebrand #irishrally #motorsport #fastford #FrankKelly #babyblue
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 20.
Luke Barry, award-winning journalist with DirtFish, joins us to break down the WRC season so far, covering the standout performances, surprise results, and key storylines shaping the championship battle. With expert insight and behind-the-scenes perspective, Luke helps us unpack what’s happening across the WRC.
We also turn our attention to the Killarney Rally of the Lakes, as Sean Moriarty from Kerry Motorsport News previews the action. From local contenders to event atmosphere, Sean sets the scene for a thrilling weekend in Kerry.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Luke Barry on the WRC Season 00:00:55
Sean Moriarty talks, Killarney, Rally of the Lakes 00:51:20
End 01:21:11
WRC #WorldRallyChampionship #Rallying #Motorsport #DirtFish #LukeBarry #RallyFans #RallyLife #KillarneyRally #RallyOfTheLakes #KerryMotorsport #IrishRally #MotorsportIreland #SeanMoriarty #RallySeason #Podcast #MotorsportPodcast #RallyNews
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 19.
This week’s episode takes a look back at an action-packed Moonraker Forest Rally, where standout performances defined the weekend. We are joined by Andy Hayes (who claimed top honours alongside Josh Moffett) and 3rd placed co-driver Martin Brady (who sat with Mark Donnelly). In the two-wheel-drive battle, Jack Harris emerged victorious after a fiercely contested event and talks to us about his run on the Moonraker. We also shift our focus to the international stage, as we’re joined by William Creighton (7th overall) and Casey Jay Coleman (winner of the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy) fresh from their campaign at the opening round of the European Rally Championship, the Sierra Morena Rally. They share insights from their experience competing against top-level European talent, the challenges of adapting to new conditions, and what this means for their season ahead.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Moonraker talk with Andy Hayes & Martin Brady 00:03:00
More Moonraker Chat with Jack Harris 00:33:48
ERC Sierra Morena chat with William Creighton & Casey Jay Coleman 00:47:00
End 01:13:04
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season Episode 18.
Fresh off an extraordinary double victory on two of the toughest rounds in the World Rally Championship, Aaron Johnston returns home to celebrate in style. In this special live episode, recorded in Omagh, we capture an unforgettable evening with Aaron alongside his family, friends, supporters, and sponsors as they reflect on back-to-back triumphs at the legendary Safari Rally and the demanding Croatian Rally. From Kenya’s unforgiving terrain to the tricky Croatian asphalt stages, Aaron shares insights into what it took to conquer both events. A sincere thank you to Ian Johnston and family, Matthew Alexander (Traction Media), Michael Devlin (the Adrian Newey of sound), and Darren Boot Music for their invaluable support in making this recording possible.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 17.
Guests this week bring a packed rally roundup and preview. We kick things off with Conor Edwards as we dive into Rally Croatia, breaking down the key moments, standout performances, and what it all means for the championship battle. From high-speed asphalt to dramatic stages, there’s plenty to unpack. Next, we shift focus to the opening round of the British Rally Championship, the Severn Valley Rally, where Damien Tourish & Kevin Duggan, and Ben McFall join us to share insights, stories from the stages, and their experiences tackling one of the most challenging events on the calendar. Finally, we look ahead to the Moonraker Rally with Gavin Walsh, previewing what to expect, whether you're following every stage or just catching up, this episode has everything you need to stay in the loop.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Croatia chat from Conor Edwards 00:01:10
Severn Valley Rally - Damien Tourish, Kevin Duggan & Ben McFall 00:16:45
Moonraker Preview with COC Gavin Walsh 00:43:10
End 00:58:20
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season Episode 16. We’re fresh off the stages of the Circuit of Ireland with a full breakdown of all the action.We’re joined by overall winners David Kelly & Shane Buckley as they talk us through their performance, the key moments of the rally, and what it took to come out on top in their stunning Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2. We also catch up with Barry Morris and Dylan Doonan, who claimed victory in the 2WD category in the awesome Darrian T90 GTR+, to hear about their impressive run and the challenges they faced along the way.Looking ahead, we turn our attention to the upcoming Monaghan Stages Rally. Local radio star Sean McCaffrey joins us to share his insights, expectations, and what fans should be watching for as the rally rolls into town this weekend.Plenty of stories, analysis, and rally chat as always—so buckle up and enjoy the ride.🎧 Don’t forget to follow and share Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast. ChaptersStart 00:00:00David Kelly & Shane Buckley 00:02:20Barry Morris & Dylan Doonan 00:15:55Sean McCaffrey, Monaghan Rally chat 00:31:50End 00:54:41
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season Episode 15
In this episode, we sit down with Craig Rahill, Casey Jay Coleman, Cian Caldwell, and Kalum Graffin to discuss their upcoming campaign in the European Rally Championship Rally3 Trophy, a five-round, M-Sport Poland–run competition kicking off at Rally Sierra Morena in mid-April. Craig and Casey Jay return for their second season in the championship, bringing valuable experience and insight, while Cian and Kalum prepare to take on the challenge for the very first time. The crews share their expectations, preparations, and what it means to compete across some of Europe’s most iconic and demanding rally stages. From the gravel of Sweden to the asphalt of Spain and Italy, and on to Poland and the Czech Republic, the 2026 Fiesta Rally3 Trophy promises a true test of skill, adaptability, and endurance. With a Ford Fiesta Rally2 prize drive at JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion awaiting the overall winner, the stakes are high. Tune in for an inside look at the drivers, the competition, and the road ahead.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season, episode 14.This week’s episode features a conversation with North Wales Rally Historic winners Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell, who reflect on their performance and what it took to secure the victory in their stunning Mats van den Brand-prepared BMW M3.We also catch up with Shane Quinn following his impressive second-place finish in his Rally 2 Fiesta at the Birr Rally, discussing key moments from his event.Two-wheel drive category winner Aaron McIntyre joins us as well, offering insight into his winning drive in his 2.5 Starlet.Looking ahead, we preview the upcoming McKinney Competitions Circuit of Ireland in the company of Graeme Stewart, in what promises to be some enthralling battles for the weekend. Chapters Start 00:00:00 Marty McCormack & Barney Mitchell 00:03:15 Shane Quinn 00:36:23 Aaron McIntyre 00:54:25 UAC with Graeme Stewart 01:06:26 End 01:19:48
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Episode 14. East African Safari Classic Rally.In this episode, we talk with Keith McIvor and David Burns following their sensational 5th overall finish at the 2025 East African Safari Classic Rally. They take us behind the wheel of one of the toughest endurance events in motorsport, sharing the highs, challenges, and defining moments of their campaign.The journey goes far beyond competition—having raised over £30,000 to fund a clean water borehole in a Kenyan village, their story is one of real impact.We are also joined by Clerk of the Course Andy Gilmore, who offers a fascinating look at what it takes to organise and deliver such a monumental rally as he delves into the work that is done by an incredibly small team.
Welcome to Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast.In episode 13 of our 2026 season, we bring you the latest and most compelling stories from the rally world.First, we interview Andy Hayes, the winning co-driver from the West Cork Rally, who shares how he and Josh Moffett achieved their victory. This was the first win for the Toyota Yaris GR Rally 2 on a round of the ITRC.We also hear from Allan Harryman, who reflects on his WRC Rally3 success at the Safari Rally as he co-drove for George Vasilakis in the M-Sport Poland Rally 3 Fiesta. He and George won in the Rally3 category and the WRC Masters on an event that means so much to the Harryman family.Covering events from Irish stages to the challenges of African terrain, this episode offers insight and perspective from both competitors. Chapters Start - 00:00:00Andy Hayes - 00:05:30Allan Harryman - 00:29:30End - 00:52:35
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 12. This week’s episode looks back at the 2026 West Cork Rally with John Dalton and Eurig Davies, the top two-wheel-drive crew in their Darrian, who reflect on their victory and explain why competing in such an iconic car means so much to them. Frank Kelly joins us to recount how disrupted travel plans turned into an unforgettable West Cork adventure. We also hear from Sam Touzel and Max Freeman, who share their experience of competing in Ireland this season and their impressions of the West Cork stages. ChaptersStart 00:00:00John Dalton & Eurig Davies 00:03:10Frank Kelly 00:29:45Sam Touzel & Max Freeman 00:55:15End 01:27:03
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 11. In this episode, we look back at the opening round of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship in Bishopscourt with Jonny Greer and co-driver Niall Burns, who join us to reflect on their winning performance and a strong start to their championship campaign. We also catch up with Osian Pryce to discuss his outing at Rally Costa Brava in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, where he piloted a Ford Escort RS1800 run by Wales Motorsport. Plus, we look ahead to round two of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the iconic West Cork Rally, as Clerk of the Course Steve Davis joins us to preview what competitors and fans can expect. ChaptersStart 00:00:00Race & Rally Stages with Jonny Greer & Niall Burns 00:03:20Costa Brava Historics chat with Osian Pryce 00:29:50West Cork Rally Preview with COC Steve Davis 00:56:20End 01:15:23
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 10. In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Desborough, the original "voice of rally". Jon is a prominent sports journalist, veteran WRC commentator and author. Jon has spent years immersed in the highs, heartbreaks, and characters that define rallying.In this episode, he shares insights into his time commentating on the WRC for Channel 4 and ITV, as well as what led him to transition into writing rally fiction novels during the COVID lockdown. From behind-the-scenes stories to reflections on rallying’s greatest eras and personalities, this episode offers a fascinating look at the sport through the eyes of someone who has dedicated his career to telling its story
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season, episode 9.
In this episode, we’re joined by Niall McGonigle to reflect on his victory at the Fivemiletown Spring Stages Rally.
We also review the Mayo Stages Rally with overall winner David Kelly, plus the two-wheel-drive victors Brian Lavelle and Jack Kelly.
Finally, we look ahead to the upcoming Northern Ireland Rally Championship season with Championship Coordinator Gavin Campbell, discussing what competitors and fans can expect in the months ahead.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
FMT with Niall McGonigle 00:02:20
Mayo - David Kelly 00:19:50
Mayo Brian Lavelle & Jack Kelly 00:28:50
NI Championship - Gavin Campbell 00:45:40
End 01:02:09
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 8.
In this episode, we’re joined by Rich Millener, Team Principal of the M-Sport Ford, to discuss the team’s start to the 2026 World Rally Championship season and the challenges and opportunities that have emerged in the opening rounds. We’re also chat to Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne to reflect on their transition into Rally1 machinery and how they are settling into life at the top level with two rounds of the championship now complete.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Rich Millener 00:02:15
Jon Armstrong & Shane Byrne 00:37:50
End 01:13:56
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 7. In this episode, we sit down with William Creighton and Liam Regan to discuss their major announcement for 2026. Backed by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, Creighton will step up to contest a full campaign in the European Rally Championship with Tagai Racing Technology, representing Stellantis Motorsport across the seven-round series. The reigning British Rally Championship winner reflects on the significance of his first full ERC programme, as the long-standing partnership with Regan enters its 13th season. The pair will begin their campaign on the first round of the ERC in Spain, competing in a Citroën C3 Rally2 before transitioning later in the year to the all-new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 6.
In this episode, we look ahead to the Fivemiletown Spring Stages Rally, organised by Omagh Motor Club and forming a round of the NI Gravel Rally Challenge. We’re joined by Clerk of the Course Ronnie McAleer and Deputy Clerk of the Course Lewis Boyd to discuss the event preparations, the stages and what competitors can expect.
We also preview the Mayo Stages Rally, the opening round of the National Rally Championship, with insights from Clerk of the Course Stephen McGing, Event Secretary Ruthann O’Connor and PRO Andy Walsh as they outline plans for the season curtain-raiser.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Ronnie McAleer & Lewis Boyd from Omagh Motor Club 00:02:10
Stephen McGing, Ruthann O'Connor & Andy Walsh 00:21:40
End 00:54:00
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 5.
We look back at the opening round of the Irish Forestry Championship, the Yeats Ridge Forestry Rally, with winning co-driver Martin Brady, 2nd placed Keelan Grogan (competing for the first time on gravel in a Rally2 Fiesta), and 3rd placed Jordan Hone, who debuted his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.
We are joined by Declan O’Keeffe, Carrie Ryan, Lauren Doherty, Evan Stapleton and Eddie Byrne to reflect on the recent Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup open day at Mondello Park and to discuss how you can get involved as we look forward to the 2026 championship getting underway on the Mayo Stages Rally.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00 Yeats Ridge review with Martin, Keelan & Jordan 00:03:00
Dacia Sandero Challenge chat with Carrie, Lauren, Evan, Eddie & Declan 00:35:45
End 01:16:04
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 4.
In this episode, we look back at the dramatic Corrib Oil Galway Rally with overall winner Callum Devine, who shares his thoughts on the season opener. Galway has definitely set a high bar for the first round of the NAPA Irish Rally Tarmac Championship.
We are also joined by second-placed co-driver Tom Murphy and winning two-wheel-drive co-driver Killian McArdle, as they reflect on their rallies and key moments from the event.
We also chat to RallyTV commentator Mike Chen, who gives his expert analysis of the opening round of the World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo and the stories that shaped the season opener.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Callum Devine 00:04:25
Tom Murphy & Killian McArdle 00:18:40
Mike Chen 00:44:05
End 01:18:20
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 3.
Helen Tait Wright and Marcella Kirk talk to us about their recent exploits on the 2026 Dakar Rally, taking on more than 8,000 kilometres of punishing terrain, extreme temperatures, and relentless navigation challenges, against a field dominated by seasoned international teams, they secured an impressive finish in their class in their specially modified 1988 Land Rover Defender 110, affectionately known as “Purdey.”
Helen and Marcella wanted to thank: Chris Stodel, Felix Prendergast, Jonathan Lane, family & friends who have lived the adventure from Day 1 and the staff at Marcella’s business who kept things running while they were away.
Their sponsors include: Eurospare parts, Allisport Ltd, Exol Lubricants, Teng Tools, Giti Tire, Santana Trophy, World Storytelling Café, RJ Auto Electrical, 4 x Proyect, Flarespace, Mahker, Red Canoe Brands, Exmoor Trim, Deja Vu Bar and Tapas, Solihull Sisterhood, Safety Devices, Empire Tuning, Demand Engineering, Arrow Precision Engineering, Marsland Chassis, Blue Lizard Signs, Stauff UK, Coburn Fasteners, TM Pearson, GTF Automotive.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Season 2026, Episode 2.
In this episode, we look ahead to an exciting 2026 WRC season with Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon as he makes his return to the World Rally Championship after an eight year absence.
We also hear from award winning motorsport journalist Luke Barry then we speak to Hyundai Chief Engineer Jamie McMillan, each offering their unique insights as the season kicks off with the iconic Monte Carlo Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Episode One
The 2026 season kicks off with a celebration of European Historic rallying. In episode one, we turn the spotlight on the FIA European Historic Rally Championship alongside father and son Ernie and Will Graham, Fintan McGrady, Barney Mitchell, Tim Metcalfe, Dean Beckett, and Alan Bolton. Our guests share their experiences of competing on some of Europe’s most iconic historic rallies, reliving unforgettable events, cars, and the adventures that come with them. Beyond the machinery, the conversation captures the spirit of a different era of rallying — one defined by camaraderie, shared stories, and a service area where competitors socialised long after the stages were finished.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 54.
We sit down with Josh McErlean, Eoin Treacy, Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne following their confirmation as part of the M-Sport World Rally Team’s 2026 WRC line-up. The lads share their initial reactions, discuss what the opportunity means for their careers, and outline the preparation and expectations as they look ahead to the challenges of the 2026 World Rally Championship.
As we close out the year, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our guests who have been so generous with their time and insights on the podcast.
We are equally grateful to our listeners and viewers for joining us each week and for the continued support and encouragement. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Special guest appearance by Ollie Glendinning on the tin whistle.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 53.
Craig Rahill and Conor Smith talk to us about their exciting announcement to step up to the Junior World Rally Championship for the 2026 season in a Fiesta Rally3. Craig & Conor’s rookie season in this year’s Junior European Rally Championship saw them finished third overall, voted FIA ERC Rookie of the Year, and also secure the first international win for the Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF.
Also on this episode, we are joined by the renowned motorsport journalist Tom Howard to review the 2025 World Rally Championship. Tom is best known for his coverage of the WRC for Autosport magazine and Motorsport.com.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 52.
A special episode this week as M-Sport confirms its driver line-up for the 2026 World Rally Championship. Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy return to the team following a breakthrough season, underlining M-Sport’s confidence in one of the championship’s most promising partnerships. We also look ahead to an exciting new chapter as Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne step up to contest all 14 rounds of the WRC with the M-Sport squad. We chat with Rich Milliner, John Coyne, Josh McErlean, Eoin Treacy, Jon Armstrong and Shange Byrne to explore the implications for M-Sport, the drivers, and the future of Irish talent on rallying’s biggest platform.
We are also joined by Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper to look back on the 2025 season for Motorsport Ireland and touch on the future of rallying in Ireland.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 51.
Part two of ‘In conversation with Gerry McGarrity’.
We continue our deep dive into the career of one of Irish rallying’s most influential figures. In this episode, Gerry reflects on his work with emerging talent and the pivotal role he played in the development of drivers, including Kris Meeke, Garry Jennings, Gareth McHale, Alastair Fisher, and Sam & Josh Moffett. He also discusses his involvement in the Northern Ireland Sprint Championship and the special place that competition plays in Gerry’s life. Recorded in front of a live audience, this conversation offers unique insight into Gerry’s contribution to Irish motorsport beyond the driver’s seat. With thanks to everyone who helped make this special evening with Gerry McGarrity possible.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 50.
In conversation with Gerry McGarrity, part one.
Gerry is known for his dedication, skill, and tenacity. Based in Fermanagh, he has spent decades earning respect as a rally driver, a motorsport preparation expert, and a mentor for young talent. Among the many drivers he guided, none felt his influence more strongly than Mark Fisher. Gerry played a quiet but significant role in shaping Mark’s early approach to the sport—helping to refine his technique, build his confidence, and instil the discipline that would eventually carry him onto the international stage. He has tutored young drivers all the way up to competing in the World Rally Championship, and Mark’s rise remains one of the clearest examples of Gerry’s ability to spot potential and nurture it with care. Whether he’s competing or working behind the scenes, Gerry truly represents the spirit of grassroots rallying.
Kruncing Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 49.
Winners of the Killarney Historic Rally, Donagh Kelly & Rory Kennedy, join us to talk about their win in the BMW M3 – a poignant victory for Rory, who won the Killarney Rally of the Lakes 35 years ago alongside Bertie Fisher in a similar BMW M3.
Modified winners in Killarney, Colin O’Donoghue & Kieran O’Donoghue chat about their MKII adventures at the event.
Joining us to relive the recent Roger Albert Clarke Rally (RAC) is second-place finisher Paul Barrett, and sharing their RAC experiences in a classic Morris Mini are Colin McDowell & Geraldine McBride.
Chapters Start 00:00:00
Donagh Kelly & Rory Kennedy 00:05:08
Colin & Kieran O'Donoghue 00:30:55
Paul Barrett 00:51:20
Colin McDowell & Geraldine McBride 01:05:30
End 01:37:46
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 48.
We look back at the recent Roger Albert Clark (RAC) Rally with Gordon Noble, who finished 2nd overall.
Marty McCormack, Barney Mitchell, and Mats van den Brand chat about their tilt at the 2025 RAC crown in the Mats Performance-built BMW M3.
Allen Treacy, Mark McCaffrey, Richard Hogg and Mark Hanna join us to chat about their exploits over the five-day RAC adventure.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Gordon Noble 00:02:34
Marty McCormack, Barney Mitchell & Mads van den Brand 00:26:30
Richard Hogg, Mark Hanna, Allen Tracey & Mark McCaffrey 01:00:40
End 01:53:00
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 47.
We catch up with Jordan Hone and his co-driving father, Paul, to talk about winning the Brown & Brown NI Forest Rally Challenge.
Shane McGirr & Denver Rafferty tell us about their Fivemiletown Rally exploits and taking the 2-wheel drive win at the event.
We look forward to the Killarney Historic Rally, featuring two stalwarts of rallying in the Kingdom, Sean Moriarty and Rory Kennedy.
Chapters Start 00:00:00
Jordan & Paul Hone 00:05:40
Shane McGirr & Denver Rafferty 00:22:50
Rory Kennedy & Sean Moriarty 00:45:00
End 01:22:13
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 47.
We look back at the Dacia Sandero Cup with Cillian Doherty, Tommy Cuddihy, Leah Doherty, Art McCarrick, Denis Ferry, Trevor Toner and Declan O’Keeffe. For more about the Dacia Cup, visit the website. www.daciasanderochallengecup.com
We catch up with Ben McFall to chat about his year-to-date and his exciting plans for next year.
Ronnie McAleer and Lewis Boyd from the Omagh Motor Club talk to us about the upcoming Fivemiletown Rally.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00 Dacia Sandero Cup Chat 00:04:33
Ben McFall 01:00:40
Samsonas Fivemiletown preview with Ronnie & Lewis 01:14:02
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Series, episode 46.
Eamonn Kelly chats to us about stepping into the Skoda Rally2 for the first time and taking his maiden victory on the McCafferty’s Bars Donegal Forestry Rally.
Winner of the 2-wheel drive on the Donegal Forestry, Marty McCormack joins us to talk about the ongoing development of the gravel spec BMW, along with M3 rally preparation wizard Mats van den Brand.
We also have Daniel Breslin on this week to tell us about rallying on gravel for the first time in Shane McGirr’s mighty Lada.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Overall winner Eamonn Kelly 00:05:30
Marty McCormack & Mats van den Brand on the gravel development of the BMW M3 00:25:30
Daniel Breslin on his first time in a Lada and on Gravel 00:51:32
Krunching Gears -The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 45. Kyle McBride & Darragh Mullen join us to talk about their Junior British Rally Championship and Stellantis Cup campaigns. McCafferty’s Bars Donegal Forestry Rally Clerk of the Course Johnny Baird chats about this year’s event. Gareth McKay (formerly Waylander Rally Clips) discusses historic rallying, including the Killarney Historic Rally, the Roger Albert Clark Rally, and the 2026 Ulster Rally, which is set to become a round of the FIA Historic Rally Championship.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 44.
William Creighton & Liam Regan, our 2025 British Rally Champions, join us to chat about their BRC campaign and what winning the championship means to them.
Max McRae talks to us about his maiden BRC win on the Cambrian Rally and his grandfather Jimmy, his biggest fan, who turned 82 last week.
Patrick McHugh tells us about how much he is enjoying his brand new, KGP-powered Darrian T90 GTR+ and competing in the recent Fastnet Stages Rally.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
BRC Champions William Creighton & Liam Regan 00:04:50
Cambrian Rally winner Max McRae 00:24:08
Patrick McHugh talks about his Darrian 00:35:00
End 00:51:56
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 43.
Jamie McMillan, Chief Engineer to Ott Tanak at Hyundai, chats to us about the Central European Rally.
We hear about the recent Hemicuda Rally in Belgium from brothers Dale and Scott Singleton, who made the trip and came away with many positives.
Ronan Comerford joins us to talk about his role as Chief Marshal (Shadow) on the final round of the WRC in Saudi Arabia (Nov 25 – 29th).
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Jamie McMillan (Hyundai Motorsport Engineer) 00:04:36
Scott and Dale Singleton (Rally Hemicuda) 00:32:44
Ronan Comerford (WRC Saudi Arabia - Chief Marshal shadow) 00:51:25
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 42.
Review of the Dogleap Rally with Niall Devine, who took his first win, 2nd placed co-driver Barry McCarney, and Alan Smyth, who finished 3rd on his Rally2 debut.
We talk to Mull Rally's nine-time winner, Callum Duffy, and 2nd place finisher and previous winner, Fergus Barlow, to find out what makes this event so magical, with its combination of tarmac stages, narrow roads, night rallying, and community engagement.
Chapters Start 00:00:00
Niall, Barry & Alan chat Dogleap 00:04:09
Calum Duffy on the magic of Mull 00:32:10
Fergus Barlow Mystical Mull 00:55:40
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 41. Jon Armstrong & Shane Byrne, the winning crew, and second-placed Lorcan Moore chat to us about the Croatia Rally, the final round of the 2025 European Rally Championship. Niall McGonigle joins us to talk about his win on the recent Chris Kelly Memorial Rally on the Isle of Man, his first closed road rally. Chapters Start 00:00:00Jon, Shane & Lorcan 00:06:13Niall McGonigle 00:29:35
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 40.
Roy Alcorn shares the story of being reunited with LIB 1800, a car with a deep history in rallying and personal significance.
Following Roy's story, we delve into a special Rally Masters review that brings together legends Stephen Murphy, Rory Kennedy, James Cullen, James O’Brien, Denis Ferry, and Dessie Wilson to share their insights and memories of the event in Killarney.
To round out the episode, rising talents Aoife Raftery and Hannah McKillop join the conversation to discuss their 2025 rally season.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Roy Alcorn 00:02:10
Rally Masters Review 00:26:40
Aoife & Hannah 01:24:12
End 01:40:20
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 39. This episode focuses on the Bushwhacker Rally, featuring Patrick, Stephen, Kevin, and Frank O’Brien discussing their recent victory, making it five wins in five years. Robbie McGurk and Raymond Hill share their Bushwhacker experiences as they took part in a demonstration run at the head of the field. Donall Sweeney & Oisin Joyce discuss securing second place in the two-wheel-drive category, in what was an epic fight.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 38.
Michael Boyle & Declan Boyle look back at the Wexford Stages Rally and chat about their maiden victory. Continuing the Wexford theme, Frank Kelly chats to us about competing in the event and discusses the upcoming Rally Legend in San Marino.
Next, we catch up with Paul Barrett to chat about his family’s involvement with the Omagh Motor Club. Then, Ronnie McAleer & Lewis Boyd from Omagh Motor Club join us to preview the exciting plans for the 50th anniversary Bushwhacker rally.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Michael & Declan Boyle 00:02:15
Frank Kelly 00:17:02
Paul Barrett 00:38:35
Lewis Boyd & Ronnie McAleer 00:51:51
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 37.
In this episode, we first review Rali Ceredigion with Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne, who join us to discuss their maiden European Rally Championship (ERC) and British Rally Championship (BRC) wins. In the second part of the podcast, we are joined by Eamonn Kelly—Rally3 winner—along with Kyle McBride and Joe Kelly, to talk about their battle for top Junior BRC honours and Stellantis Cup points.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Jon & Shane 00:04:40
Eamonn, Kyle & Joe 00:39:00
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 36. Patrick and Stephen O’Brien, the winning crew from the Lakeland Stages, join us, along with 2WD 1st & 2nd drivers Sam Stewart & Paddy McToal. We also chat to the Clare Stages winner and newly crowned National Champion, Eddie Doherty, along with the Clare Stages 2WD winner, Brian Brady.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 35. This week, we look ahead to the Lakeland Stages Rally with Alan Cullinan, the CoC, and then we are joined by Sinéad Canny, PRO for the Clare Motor Club, to tell us about the upcoming Clare Stages Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 34. We are joined by Jason Black and Karl Egan to discuss Jason's recent victory on the GRP4 Fabrications Thomond Mini Stages Rally. We catch up with Jon Armstrong about his second-place finish on the latest round of the ERC, the Barum Czech Rally Zlín. ChaptersStart 00:00:00Jason Black & Karl Egan 00:04:05Jon Armstrong 00:23:19
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 season episode 33.
In this episode, we talk to Craig Rahill and Conor Smith about their fantastic Junior ERC win on the ERC Barum Zlin Rally.
Osian Pryce and Andy Hayes joined forces at the weekend to compete in the Ulster Rally, and what a partnership they formed. They took a strong second overall and valuable seat time ahead of Rally Ceredigion.
Aidan Long, one of the organisers of the upcoming Rally Masters, which will be based in Killarney Race Course, provides us with some information about the event.
To purchase tickets for Rally Masters, click on the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/rally-masters-killarney-tickets-1561967971249
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Craig & Conor 00:03:00
Osian & Andy 00:22:40
Aidan Long 00:51:52
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season Episode 32.
We talk WRC, BRC and Irish Forestry.
Aaron Johnston tells us about his fantastic second overall in Rally Finland alongside Takamoto Katsuta in their Yaris Rally 1.
Irish Forestry Championship latest round, the Jim Walsh Cork Forestry Rally, and there was an epic battle for the win. We interview the two crews who competed for the victory. Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty took the win from Jason Mitchell and Paddy McCrudden, and they relive the battle and look ahead to the next few rounds.
The British Rally Championship visited the Grampian Rally last weekend, and it was a fantastic result for crews from this side of the Irish Sea. William Creighton tells us about his superb win. Also, Joseph Kelly and Killian McArdle took the Junior BRC win as well as another victory in the Stelantis Cup.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Aaron Johnston 00:01:45
Cork Forestry 00:19:15
William Creighton 00:48:22
Joe & Killian 00:59:15
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 31.
Wynne Mitchell former Austin Rover Motorsport engineer joins us to chat about the development of the legendary Group B MG Metro 6R4. Wynne played a pivotal role in the development of the 6R4 overseeing testing, chassis development, and implementation of all mechanical systems; working with legends like Tony Pond, Marc Duez, Malcolm Wilson, Jimmy McRae, and Didier Auriol.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 30.
Eamonn Kelly & Conor Mohan join us to talk about their brilliant win Junior WRC on the Secto Rally Finland.
Declan O’Keeffe, Carrie Ryan, Denis Ferry, Elva Roe and Oscar Mangan join us to chat about the Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup a fantastic programme which started earlier this year.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Eamonn & Conor 00:03:45
Dacia 00:38:48
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 29.
Martin Brady joins us to chat about his rallying career. He is an accomplished and highly respected co-driver who recently celebrated his 600th rally start on the recent Sligo Stages Rally.
Rallying has allowed him to travel the world and meet some great people along the way.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 28.
Cathan McCourt & Barry McNulty join us on this episode to talk about their win on the recent R Kings Down Rally.
Eddie Doherty & Tom Murphy chat about the battle for the top honours on the Sligo Stages Rally.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Cathan & Barry 00:05:13
Eddie 00:30:35
Tom 00:43:15
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 27.
Jon Armstrong & Hollie McRae join us to chat about their year to date and the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.
We catch up with William Creighton fresh from his win on the Nicky Grist Stages Rally.
Tony O’Driscoll, Clerk of the Course for the Imokilly Mini Stages, chats about the upcoming rally.
Omagh Motor Club’s Gary Milligan tells us about the plans for this year’s 50th anniversary of the Bushwhacker Rally, taking place in September.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Hollie & Jon 00:01:46
William Creighton 00:40:44
Tony (Imokilly COC) 01:01:16
Gary (Omagh MC) 01:13:13
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 26.
We review the Rally2 battle from the Donegal International Rally 2025 with David Kelly & Arthur Kierans, Meirion Evans, Andy Hayes and Liam Regan.
Tony Shields joins us to discuss his impressive tribute to Vincent Bonner in a replica livery in his Manta 400, which had its first competitive outing at this year’s Donegal Historic Rally.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Rally2 Review 00:05:38
Tony Sheilds (Manta) 01:14:06
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 25.
Aoife Raftery, Casey Jay Coleman and Craig Rahill talk about their recent European Rally Championship adventures in Italy competing on the Rally di Roma Capitale.
From the Ravens Rock Rally, we catch up with Cian Caldwell, Oran England and Jack Brennan who were competing in the Rally4 class.
We hear from the top 3 drivers from the penultimate round of the NI Championship (the Loughgall Stages Rally) - Martin Toner, Aaron McLoughlin and Jason Black.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
ERC Review 00:04:29
Ravens Rock Rally4 00:43:34
Loughgall Rally 01:12:25
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast.2025 Season, episode 24.
We review the 2-wheel drive battle from Donegal with Class 14 winners Aaron McIntyre & Derry Long, who are joined by Gareth Irwin, Frank Kelly and Class 13 2nd placed Oli Benton.
Neil Roskell talks about competing in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship this year and the recent tragic passing of his good friend Dai Roberts.
Chapters:
Start 00:00:00
2wd Brigade 00:03:19
Neil Roskell 01:00:39
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 23.
Damien Gallagher, Robbie Peoples, Paul Gallagher, Karl Reid, and Damien McGettigan reminisce about their years of competition against each other during a live recording at the Stables Motorsport Centre.
Eugene Ferry discusses the Rally Stages App (www.rallystages.ie).
Keria Logan and Marie Furey explain the vital work of “Road Victim Support Northern Ireland-Donegal,” which assists individuals and families affected by road traffic collisions (www.rvsnid.com).
KeepTheRaceInItsPlace
Chapters Start 00:00:00
2wd crews 00:04:41
Rally Stages 01:04:45
RVSNID 01:16:32
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 22.
Hayden Paddon and Dave Moynihan join us for this special episode to chat about their entry for this year’s Donegal International Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 21. Colin O’Donoghue, David & Richard Moffett, the top three drivers on the Laois Heartlands Mini Stages Rally, join us on this episode to review the event.
M-Sport’s Josh McErlean and Hyundai’s Jamie McMillan chat about the WRC season to date.
Chapters 00:00:00
Start 00:04:00 Colin O'Donoghue, David & Richard Moffett
00:42:44 Josh McErlean
01:01:05 Jamie McMillan
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, Episode 20 In this episode, we review the recent Mayo Forestry Rally with our top three drivers: Jason Mitchell, Andrew Purcell, and Niall McGonigle. We also have Domhnall McAlaney, the winning co-driver in the 2WD category. Joining us is Pat O’Connor, the Clerk of the Course for the event, who discusses the upcoming Laois Heartlands Mini Stages Rally taking place this Sunday, June 8th. Chapters Jason, Andrew & Niall 00:03:33 Domhnall McAlaney 00:49:28 Pat O'Connor 01:07:07
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 19.
We discuss the Rally3 class with Eamonn Kelly, Johnnie Mulholland, William Creighton, Richard O’Lone, and Shane Quinn.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2025 Season, episode 18.
We chat with Ryan Caldwell and Stephen O’Brien, winners of the Maiden City Motor Club Stages Rally.
Kevin Eves and Chris Melly join us, fresh from their podium finish on the Cavan Stages Rally.
Chapters
Ryan & Stephen 4 mins 45 secs
Kevin & Chris 27min
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 17. Aaron Johnston joins us to talk about his WRC season so far this year co-driving Takamoto Katsuta for Toyota Gazoo Racing. Emma Hawley chats to us about rallying and social media. https://www.tiktok.com/@.emmahawley
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 16. Alan Bolton - from Maghera to Mombasa, adventure despite adversity. A childhood obsession with bikes and sideways cars ignited an unexpected passion and the local legends, schoolyard encounters, and unforgettable rally memories that sparked a lifelong journey into rallying club involvement, and international motorsport adventures.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 15.
Rob Duggan, Colin O’Donoghue and Andy Hayes join us to chat about the battle for modified honours on the recent Killarney Rally of the Lakes.
We talk to John Archer who is Field Engineer for Hankook Tyres about how this year’s World Rally Championship has gone so far for the Korean tyre manufacturer.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season Episode 14
Renowned motorsport journalist Luke Barry joins us to discuss the World Rally Championship following Rally Islas Canarias, round 4 of the 2025 season.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season Episode 12b
In this latest episode of the podcast, we review round two of the British Rally Championship, the Carlisle Stages. We talk with William Creighton and Mikie Galvin about their experiences of the famous Kielder stages.
Also, Joseph Kelly and James McBrearty tell us about claiming their maiden BRC Rally 4 win.
We also preview the upcoming Circuit of Ireland with Event Director Graeme Stewart. The Circuit is round two of the Irish Tarmac Championship.
Chapters Start 00:00:00 William & Mikie 00:03:47 Joseph & James 00:37:52 Graeme Stewart 00:52:32 End 01:03:54
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, Episode 12
In this episode; we review the Tour of the Sperrins Rally, featuring overall winners Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy. We also discuss the two-wheel drive victory: of Gareth Irwin and Justin McAuley as they took their first two-wheel drive win.
Additionally, we catch up with Craig Rahill and Keelan Grogan, fresh from their adventures at the first round of the European Rally Championship in Spain, the Rally Sierra Morena.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Season 2025, Episode 11.
Eddie Doherty and co-driver Tom Murphy discuss their maiden win on the Circuit of Kerry Rally, round two of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship.
Jack Harris also joins Kevin to talk about his maiden Rally4 class victory on the Circuit of Kerry Rally, where the young Donegal driver leads the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Championship.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 10.
In this episode, we speak with Andrew and Graeme Nesbitt about their recent outings on the Race & Rally Stages, which took place at the Bishopscourt circuit. Two-time Irish Tarmac Champion and rally legend Andrew competed in a Fiesta Rally2 for the first time.
Whilst Graeme drove his trusty Lancer Evo 10 and had Bryan Murphy on the notes.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Season 2025, Episode 9 In this episode, we chat with Ray Sherratt, a highly regarded rally engineer who is recognised for his significant contributions to motorsport engineering. Ray has worked across various engineering and motorsport-related fields. He is best known for his time at MCD, which later became Rally Engineering Development (RED), a renowned rally preparation outfit. Throughout his career, Sherratt has collaborated with numerous rally stars, including Roger Clark, Ari Vatanen, Malcolm Wilson, Mark Lovell, Louise Aiken-Walker, David Llewellin, Harri Toivonen, Didier Auriol, Jimmy and Colin McRae. His meticulous attention to detail and innovative engineering solutions have earned him a reputation as one of the top rally engineers in the industry.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 8.
Craig Rahill, Keelan Grogan, Conor Smith and Ayrton Sherlock join us to talk about competing on the 2025 Junior ERC championship. With support from the MI Rally Academy both crews will tackle all six rounds of the Junior ERC in Rally4 Peugeot 208s with the first round getting underway in Spain on April 4th.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2025 Season, episode 7. In a conversation with Kieran O’Neill, the renowned Irish rallying legend and entertainer, we explore his early days in Belfast and his involvement with Group Motors Rallying. Kieran shares the story of how he began driving his famous Opel Kadett and recounts his many achievements, including finishing fourth overall in the 1994 Circuit of Ireland. He also discusses his role in helping young co-drivers like Paul Nagle and Chris Patterson on their journey to world success. Additionally, Kieran shares his experiences in Barbados and his efforts behind the scenes to bring the World Rally Championship (WRC) to Northern Ireland, along with many other insights throughout our conversation.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 6.
We catch up with Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne, Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy athletes. They will be joining the M-Sport World Rally Team in a Rally2 Fiesta to compete in all eight rounds of the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).
Jon and Shane chat about the year ahead and how their preparations are going for round one of the ERC, which begins in Spain on the Rally Sierra Morena (3 – 6 April).
Before that, an entry on the upcoming West Cork Rally kickstarts their season.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 5.
We spoke to Dessie Wilson about his rallying career, which spans over five decades and includes winning the 1994 Circuit of Ireland alongside Stephen Finlay. Dessie's journey in rallying is remarkable—he has organised events, nurtured young talent, developed a numbered pace note system, navigated Bertie Fisher to his first stage rally victory and many more tales. He has an incredible story to share.
Krunching Gears: The Rally Podcast - 2025 Season, Episode 4
In this episode, we discuss Performance Psychology in Motorsport with Dr. Stephen Walsh and Sean Moriarty. Dr Walsh is a lecturer in psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University and an experienced motorbike racer. He combines his expertise in performance psychology with his motorsport knowledge to offer insights into the mental skills necessary for success in this challenging environment, where high levels of concentration and quick decision-making are vital. Sean Moriarty is one of Ireland's most seasoned motorsport journalists. He regularly contributes articles to various publications and manages the website Kerrymotorsportnews.com.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2025 Season Episode 3.
On this week’s Krunching Gears, we catch up with Becs Williams to chat about the 2024 WRC season and look ahead to the 2025 season that gets underway in Monte Carlo.
Becs is a distinguished commentator renowned for her extensive contributions to the World Rally and European Rally Championships. Beginning her WRC journey in 2002, she became a cornerstone of rally coverage, particularly as a key figure in the WRC All Live platform. With her profound knowledge of motorsport, engaging presentation style, and passion for rallying, Becs captivates audiences worldwide. She is renowned for her ability to seamlessly combine technical insights with storytelling, making rally action accessible and thrilling for fans.
The 2025 Season of Krunching Gears, episode 2.
In this edition of Krunching Gears—The Rally Podcast, we chat with Mats van den Brand, who specialises in building and preparing BMW M3 rally cars according to FIA historic rally specifications.
Mats is based in the Netherlands, and both Mats and his beautifully prepared cars are becoming a regular feature of Irish rallying.
The BMW M3 E30 is an iconic rally car developed by Prodrive. It first graced the stages in 1987 in the hands of Bernard Béguin. He went on to win the WRC round in Corsica that year.
In Ireland, the M3 dominated the stages during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its agility made it a perfect match for Ireland’s tight, twisty roads and was notably campaigned by Bertie Fisher, Austin McHale and Andrew Nesbitt.
The first podcast of the 2025 season from Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast - is a special episode dedicated to the Formula 2 Kit Car era of the British Rally Championship with Mark Higgins, Neil Simpson, Stephen Whitford, Martin Rowe, Ryan Champion, Howard Davies, Trevor Agnew and Alister McRae. The British Rally Championship Formula 2 era (1994–1999) featured front-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated cars. It emphasized cost-effective competition, producing thrilling battles and nurturing future rally stars. Iconic manufacturers like Peugeot, Renault, Volkswagen, Nissan, Ford, Seat and Vauxhall thrived, delivering innovation and unforgettable rallying moments. In October 2024, Donagh Kelly held a reunion at the Stables Motorsport Centre for those involved in the BRC Formula 2 days, which inspired this episode.
On this week’s Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – we speak to Rich Millener, Josh McErlean, Eoin Treacy, Sean McHugh and John Coyne about Josh & Eoin joining the M-Sport WRC Team to compete in the Rally1 Puma on all 14 rounds of the 2025 WRC. Noelle Horan and Rosemary Walsh join us to chat about the recent ‘Women With Drive’ women in motorsport summit that took place recently in Indianapolis.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Series 3, episode 51.
We hear from the 2025 Billy Coleman Award winner Craig Rahill.
We look back at the Killarney Historic Stages Rally, which featured Historic rally winners Donagh Kelly and Rory Kennedy and modified winner Rob Duggan, joined by Declan Gallagher and Andy Hayes.
We catch up with Aaron Johnston and Josh McErlean to relive the final round of the WRC, Rally Japan.
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast, Series 3, Episode 50.
This week, we speak with motorsport journalist Luke Barry about the 2024 WRC season finale in Japan.
We also hear from Anthony O’Connor, the Clerk of the Course for the Killarney Historic Stages Rally.
Series 3, Episode 49—This week on the Krunching Gears—The Rally Podcast.
Frank Kelly, who chats about his recent adventures in San Marino, Portugal, and Madeira.
We also speak to Jamie Edwards, the Manager for the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, about recent developments in that championship.
Notice—The KDMC Youth Programme is holding an evening with Paul Nagle, Mikie Galvin, Noel O’Sullivan, and Ger Conway on Friday, November 22nd, at 7:30 pm at Killarney Racecourse. The aim of the evening is to give guidance, advice, and encouragement to young co-drivers starting out on their co-driving careers or to any youngsters thinking of becoming co-drivers.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Series 3, episode 48.
In this week's episode, we talk with Ernie Graham about his silver medal win at the FIA Motorsport Games and his runner-up finish in the FIA European Historic Championship.
Phillip Young & Peter Dowds join us to discuss what it is like to compete again after a 20-year break.
We catch up with Niall Burns to understand the work behind the scenes as a top-line co-driver.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Series 3, episode 47.
On this week’s episode of Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – we look back at the Kerry Winter Stages Rally with winners Richard Moffet & Darragh Kelly.
We speak to Jason & Gareth Black about World Champion Kalle Rovanpera borrowing their Starlet to compete in the upcoming Killarney Historic Stages Rally.
Meirion Evans chats to us about going to WRC Japan with the Castrol Yaris.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Series 3, episode 46.
On this week’s Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – we catch up with William Creighton to discuss the Cambrian Rally and this year’s British Rally Championship.
We hear from the Rally4 Class competitors on the Cambrian Rally, Aoife Raftery, Ioan Lloyd, Robert Proudlock, Ryan McHugh and Craig Rahill.
Ruthann O’Connor and John Warren discuss the difference between competing in R5 and Rally2 Fiestas.
Sean Moriarty talks about the forthcoming Kerry Mini Stages Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Series 3, episode 45.
In this episode, we talk to Eamonn Kelly & Gordon Noble about their third-place finish on the Sanremo Rally Storico.
Jason Mitchell chats about winning the Maiden City Motor Club’s Dogleap Rally.
Hyundai Motorsport Engineer, Jamie McMillan explains the details of Ott Tanak's win at the Central European Rally and heard from Desi Henry and Shane Byrne, as well as Josh McErlean’s “Gravel Crew,” at the WRC event.
Matt Cotton joins us to preview the Cambrian Rally, the final round of the British Rally Championship.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Series 3, episode 44.
On this week’s episode of Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – we chat to Jon Armstrong & Eoin Treacy about the final round of the ERC in Poland.
We look back at the Harvest Rally with Callum Devine, Kevin Eves, Declan Gallagher, Jordan Jervis and James McBrearty.
Josh McErlean joins us to talk about his recent rally adventures and the penultimate round of the WRC, the Central European Rally.
Finally, CoC Ian Connolly looks ahead to the Maiden City Motor Club’s Dogleap Forest Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Series 3, episode 43.
in this week’s episode, we catch up with Irish Tarmac Championship-winning co-driver Mikie Galvin.
We look back at the Clare Forestry Rally by winners Ryan Caldwell and Stephen O’Hanlon, plus Ioan Lloyd, Keelan Grogan and Craig Rahill: they had a titanic battle for the 2wd win.
CoC for the event, John Crumlish, joins us to look ahead to the Donegal Harvest Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Series 3, episode 42. This week’s podcast features Frank & Lauren Kelly, two-wheel drive winners on the Cork 20 and 2024 ITRC Modified champions. Matt Edwards talks about his 2024 ITRC campaign and brings us up to date on his Suzuki Swift Sport / Harry Hockly Motorsport Junior Championship. We are joined by Dave Marsh, Head of Motorsport at Bowler, to chat about Petter Solberg participating in this week’s Clare Forestry Rally in a Bowler Land Rover Defender.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Series 3 Episode 41. We talk Bushwhacker Rally, with the event winner Patrick O’Brien, the 2-wheel drive winner on the day and the 2wd championship, Shane McGirr and Forestry Championship winner Derek Mackarel. Cian Donnellan, Forestry Championship PRO joins us to discuss this year’s competition.
We look forward to the Cork20 Rally with CoC Kevin O’Riordan. Finally, Gerry O’Brien and Denis Ferry discuss the Clare Forestry Rally and the Bowler Land Rover Defender series.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast - Series 3, episode 40. We talk to Declan, Michael and Matthew Boyle, the Boyle Motorsport family and Jonathan Pringle to look back at the Wexford Stages Rally. Lewis Boyd & Ronnie McAleer from Omagh Motor Club discuss the upcoming Bushwhacker Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast Series 3, episode 39. Patrick O’Brien, Derek Mackarel and Denver Rafferty join us to look back at the EMC Lakeland Stages Rally. We discuss WRC Acropolis Rally Greece with Hyundai’s Jamie McMillan and rally journalist Luke Barry. We meet Aoife Raftery to discuss her selection for the WRC Women’s Driver Development Programme.
If you wish to donate to Denver's round Ireland adventure, details for the ‘Hallion’s on Tour’ fundraising can be found at https://www.facebook.com/HallionsOnTour/
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Series 3, episode 38. In this episode, we look back at Rali Ceredigion a round of the ERC and BRC championships with Hayden Paddon, Jon Armstrong, William Creighton and Matt Cotton. We chat about the Galway Summer Rally with Daniel McKenna & Andrew Grennan, and we look forward to the Enniskillen Motor Club Lakeland Stages Rally with Brian D’Arcy.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast Series 3, Episode 37
We catch up with Mikie Galvin and Andy Hayes to look back at the Ulster Rally.
Sean Moriarity talks to us about the MI Academy ‘take-over’ on Rali Ceredigion, Aoife Raftery’s exciting WRC news and a special fundraiser for an injured biker, Anthony O'Carroll.
Kevin O’Driscoll joins us to preview the Galway Summer Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast – Series 3, episode 36. On this week’s episode, we speak to Hollie & Jimmy McRae.
Catch up with M-Sport Team Principal Rich Millener.
2024 Ulster Rally Junior winner Philip White joins us, and Kevin O’Driscoll brings us up to speed on the Irish Tarmac Championship standings following the Ulster Rally.
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – Series 3, Episode 35: We are back after the summer break.
We talk to Jason Mitchell and Niall McGonigle, who finished 1st & 2nd respectively at the Jim Walsh Cork Forestry Rally.
William Creighton talks about round 4 of the British Rally Championship, the Grampian Rally.
We chat with Josh McErlean and Eamonn Kelly about their exploits in WRC Finland.
We look ahead to the Ulster Rally with David Gray, Ulster Automobile Club Chairman.
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – Series 3, Episode 34: With Michael Carbin & Dean O’Sullivan speaking about their Tipperary Stonethrowers RWD win.
We discuss fathers and sons competing with Declan & Michael Boyle and John & Dermot McCafferty.
Aoife Raftery talks about ERC Estonia and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Gavin Campbell, the NI Rally Championship Co-ordinator, talks about the Championship as it comes to a close on the Tyrone Stages Rally.
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast: Series 3, episode 33. In this episode, we look back at Rally Estonia, Round 4 of the European Rally Championship (ERC) with Jon Armstrong & Eoin Treacy. Aidan Wray & Peter Ward discuss their victory on the Loughgall Stages Rally. We look ahead to the Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally with Clerk of the Course Adam Coffey and also catch up with WRC Rally TV’s Mike Chen, who is competing on the Stonethrowers in Andy Fanning’s immaculate Skoda Fabia S2500 with the support of NAPA Auto Parts. Finally, we speak to Gary Nolan about the recent launch of his online rally magazine Double Caution.
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast. Series 3, episode 32.
Another busy episode, we continue our review of the 2024 Donegal International Rally. We talk to second-placed Meirion Evans and the third-placed crew of David Kelly & Dean O’Sullivan and Adam Platt, who prepared the winning Skoda Fabia RS of Callum Devine and Noel O'Sullivan.
Matt Edwards talks to us about his experience and hopes for the rest of the season.
Rally2 competitors Rory Kennedy, Garry Jennings, Joe McGonigle, Paul Barrett, Andy Hayes and Niall Burns join us to discuss their Donegal experience.
Winners of the Historic category Meirion Evans & Anthony O’Sullivan join us along with Rally4 winners Ryan MacHugh and second-placed Rally4 competitor Kyle McBride.
Series 3, episode 31 of Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – In the first of two episodes, we review the 2024 Donegal International Rally focused on the modified competitors and catching up with modified section winner Declan Gallagher, second place Gary McPhillips and third place crew David Moffett & Martin Connolly. Hollie McRae joins us to talk about her first-ever visit to Donegal. We chat with Class 13 winner Conor Harvey and second place Oli Benton they are joined by Class 14 competitors Frank Kelly, Chris O’Callaghan, Conor Curley and Colin O’Donoghue.
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast. Season 3, Episode 30. In this second preview show for the 2024 Donegal International Rally we: speak with Clerk of the Course Eamonn McGee; catch up with competitors Matt Edwards, Meirion Evans, Mikie Galvin, Gary Jennings and Desi Henry. We hear from WRC Junior Champions Liam Regan & William Creighton who are competing in this year’s Donegal International Rally and finally we catch up with Eugene Ferry talking about the Rally Stages App the new online rally maps and information service.
Krunching Gears- The Rally Podcast. Season 3, Episode 29.
The first of two preview shows for the 2024 Donegal International Rally, we speak with competitors from the 2WD, RC4 and Historic categories.
2WD drivers: Kevin Gallagher, Gary McPhillips and Frank Kelly.
Followed by the Rally4 competitors: Ryan MacHugh, Ioan Lloyd, Keelan Grogan, Kyle McBride and Joe Kelly.
Wrapping up with the Historics crews: Declan Casey, Michael McDaid, Paul Mulholland, Tommy O’Connell and Jonni McDaid.
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – Series 3, Episode 28: In this episode, we hear from Chris O’Callaghan, Rob Duggan and Craig Rahill about competing on the Lyons Motorgroup, Circuit of Munster.
Jamie McMillan, Chief Engineer for Ott Tanak’s Hyundai Rally1 i20, talks to us about the recent round of the WRC in Sardinia. Finally, Pat Lordon looks ahead to the GSMC Mini Stages Rally.
Season 3, episode 27 of Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast - we catch up with Marty McCormack, Barney Mitchell and Mats van den Brand, who tell us about their recent win on the Rally de Asturias Historico in the Mats van den Brand built BMW M3 E30. We hear about last weekend’s Jim Clark Rally from rally journalist Luke Barry, winning co-driver Mikie Galvin and 2nd place crew William Creighton & Liam Regan, who are also leading the British Rally Championship along with the Rally 4 podium contenders Kyle McBride, Ryan McHugh and Mark McGeehan. We look ahead to the Limerick Circuit of Munster Rally with Press Officer Ivan Hurley.
Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast – season 3, episode 26: this week, we are joined by guest co-host Luke Barry, rally journalist, as we speak to Josh McErlean and Desi Henry about their battle on the Tour of The Sperrins. Hear from Jonny Greer on securing his 5th Northern Ireland Rally Championship title.
Lauren & Frank Kelly talk about their MKII Challenge win on the Carlow Stages Rally.
We look ahead to Luke Barry’s local event, The Jim Clark Rally, round 3 of the British Rally Championship.
On this week’s Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast, we chat to Josh McErlean about his fantastic result on WRC Portugal.
Hear from Gary McElhinney and Declan Casey, they competed in the Manx National Rally, a round of the British Historic Rally Championship.
Crawford Henderson from Magherafelt and District Motor Club tells us about the upcoming Tour of the Sperrins Rally.
We also hear from Aine Phelan about this weekend’s Carlow Stages Rally and the 20th Anniversary of the MKII Challenge.
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On the latest episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we catch up with Assess Ireland International Rally of the Lakes top three Callum Devine, Matt Edwards, and Eddie Doherty, plus Rally4 winners Ioan Lloyd & Sion Williams and two-wheel drive winners Colin & Kieran O’Donoghue. Kevin O’Driscoll brings us up to date on the Irish Tarmac Championship. We chat to Donagh Kelly and Rory Kennedy about the European Historic Rally Championship. Hear from Jon Armstrong, Aoife Raftery and Hannah McKillop as they bring us up to speed on their ERC adventures on the Rally Islas Canaries. Look back at the Enniskillen Motor Club’s St Angelo May Day Stages Rally with Aaron McLaughlin, Darren Curran, Gareth Sayers, and Philip White.
If you enjoyed this episode, remember to subscribe to the channel.
On this week’s Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. We talk to Josh McErlean who competed in the Terras D Aboboreira Rally as he debuted the TokSport Skoda Fabia Rally 2, finishing fifth overall.
Desi Henry, the overall winner of the Maiden City Stages Rally, plus Damien Tourish, the first rear wheel drive car home, tell us about their adventures.
Eamonn Kelly tells us about his work with MI Academy on the Rally Islas Canaries and his recent run at Deja Vu NorthWest.
Finally, we look ahead to the Killarney International Rally of The Lakes with Killarney & District Motor Club’s Sean Moriarty & Ger Conway. They will give us all the information about the rally.
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In this episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we have a busy show again.
We talk WRC with Rich Millener and how he feels the year has gone so far for M Sport.
William Creighton and Liam Regan give us their thoughts on Rally Croatia.
Closer to home round three of the National Rally Championship, the Birr Stages Rally took place last weekend. We hear from third-place driver David Kelly. John Warren and Ruthann O’Connor had their first event in a Fiesta R5, hear about the fun they had.
The Rally4 class saw an epic battle, hear from the winners Gareth Deazley and Oisin Joyce.
This weekend sees Deja Vu North West revisit some famous Rally Ireland, Sligo and Donegal stages. Plum Tyndall gives us an overview of the event.
In this episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we have an incredible lineup waiting for you! We begin by delving into the WRC with Rich Millener, who offers his expert opinion on M-Sport's performance this year. We also have William Creighton and Liam Regan, who join us to share their insights on the Rally Croatia.
But that is not all! We take a closer look at the Birr Stages Rally, which took place last weekend, and talk to none other than the third-place driver, David Kelly.
We also chat with John Warren and Ruthann O'Connor, who reveal their thrilling experience of driving a Fiesta R5 for the first time.
The Rally4 class witnessed an epic battle, and we speak to the winners Gareth Deazley and Oisin Joyce, who share their journey to victory.
And the excitement does not end there! Deja Vu North West is all set to revisit some of the most famous Rally Ireland, Sligo, and Donegal stages this weekend. To give us an overview of the event, we have Plum Tyndall, who will take us through the event highlights.
And finally, to wrap up the show, Sean Doherty helps us preview the Eakin Bros Rally, organised by Maiden City MC this is the third round of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship.
We know you will not want to miss this action-packed episode! So, if you have not already, please rate this episode and consider subscribing to our channel to stay updated on all things rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. In this episode, we catch up with the latest happenings in the European Rally Championship. There were three MI Rally Academy teams competing in Rally Hungary. We spoke with Jon Armstrong and Eoin Treacy, who competed in their M-Sport Fiesta Rally 2 and Junior ERC competitors Aoife Raftery and Jack Brennan.
Round two of the British Rally Championship, Rallynuts, took place last weekend. We hear from the winners Osian Pryce and Rhodri Evans.
We also spoke to Derek Mackerel and Ryan MacHugh after they had a great day in round two of the Irish Forestry Championship, The Willie Loughman Rally. Derek took his first outright win, Ryan scored another highly impressive Rally4 category win. We also hear from Shane McGirr and Denver Rafferty as they took the two-wheel drive victory in the mighty Lada.
Finally, Eoin Longworth joins us to give us all the details from round three of the National Rally Championship, the Birr Stages which takes place this weekend.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Series 3, Episode 20: Luke Barry joins us as a co-presenter.
We chat to the top three finishers from the Monaghan Stages Rally – Josh Moffett, Sam Moffett and Eddie Doherty, plus the top modified finisher Daniel McKenna.
We review the WRC Safari Rally Kenya with Toyota co-driver Aaron Johnston and Hyundai engineer Jamie McMillan.
Wrapping up this week’s podcast, we look forward to RallyNuts, ERC Hungary and the Willie Loughman rallies.
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Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast Series 3, Episode 19.
In the latest instalment, we look back at the Circuit of Ireland with overall winners Matt Edwards & Dave Moynihan. We also hear from the winners of the modified category Jason Black & Karl Egan plus the winner of the rally’s historic section Tomas Davies.
Joining us this week to discuss their exciting news for 2024 are Motorsport Ireland Academy, members Aoife Raftery and Jack Brennan. Finally, we catch up with Thomas Treanor and Kerry Stevenson as we look forward to this weekend’s Monaghan Stages Rally.
We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you have not already subscribed to the channel, it would be great if you could.
Krunching Gears - The Rally PodcastSeries 3, episode 18: This week joining us is Luke Barry to look back at the first round of the Probite British Rally Championship at the Legend Fires North West Stages. We speak with the podium finishers, Chris Ingram, Liam Regan and Meirion Evans.
Closer to home, we speak with Graeme Stewart, Event Director for the Circuit of Ireland. Also, hear from Kevin O’Driscoll on his thoughts ahead of the third round of the Irish Tarmac Championship at the Circuit of Ireland.
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Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Series 3, Episode 17: In this special episode, we chat with Jon Armstrong and Eoin Treacy. They will be undertaking the full European Rally Championship (ERC) during the 2024 season.
Jon and Eoin will be piloting an M-Sport Rally2 Fiesta in all eight rounds of the championship with the support of the Motorsport Ireland Academy. With a mixture of three gravel and five asphalt events, the ERC will get underway on April 12th in Hungary.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast episode 16 of Series 3, we look back at the West Cork Rally, round two of the Irish Tarmac Championship, with Mikie Galvin, Matt Edwards, William Creighton, Chris Melly, Ryan MacHugh and Kevin Horgan. We also look ahead to the first round of the British Rally Championship, the North West Stages, with Matt Cotton.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Series 3, Episode 15, sees us chatting with Niall Burns, Darren Curran and Kyle White about their Bishopscourt Rally escapades. Seb Perez & Gary McElhinney talk about their victory on Rally Clasico Isla de Mallorca. Sinead Canny tells us about the MI Women in Motorsport Commission event last week and about competing in the West Cork Rally. Mikie Galvin talks West Cork Rally and this year’s British Rally Championship campaign with Keith Cronin. Kevin O’Driscoll brings us up to speed on what we can expect in round two of the Irish Tarmac Championship in West Cork.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, episode 14, We hear from William Creighton on his 2024 British Rally Championship campaign.
Jonathan Pringle talks about his MK2 adventures on the first round of the National Rally Championship in Mayo.
Brian Crawford, CoC for the Bishopscourt Stages rally, tells us about the 2nd round of the NI Rally Championship.
We hear from Peter Dowds and Jordan Hone and their participation in the Micra Challenge.
Ronan Cox brings us up to speed on the Enniskillen Motor Club’s “Castle to the Summit” Targa Rally.
We hear from Patrica Denning & Gretchen Swinburne as they embark on Rally Jameel in Saudia Arabia.
We close with breaking news from Josh McErlean on his rally plans for 2024!
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In this episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we get a chance to hear some fantastic rally stories.
We review the Samonas Rally Fivemiletown, talking to overall winners Niall McGonigle and Caolan McKenna.
Hannah Davison tells us of her travels from across the world from the co-driver seat.
Finally, Laura McMenamin joins us to tell us about the Mayo Stages Rally that kicks off the National Rally Championship this Sunday.
In this latest episode William Creighton joins us to announce that Liam Regan and himself are competing on the West Cork Rally in their M-Sport supported Fiesta Rally 2.
In this episode, we look back at WRC Sweden with guest co-host Luke Barry and chat with Aaron Johnston on his and Takamoto Katsuta's event, Eamonn Kelly & Conor Mohan with Willie Mavitty about the start of their Junior WRC campaign and with WRC2 contenders William Creighton & Liam Regan.
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In the latest episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we review round one of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship and the Irish Forestry Championship. Strong entries and fantastic battles show the strength in depth of rallying across this island.
We also preview round one of the Northern Ireland Forest Challenge that kicks off this weekend at the Fivemiletown Rally, Denise McCanney from Omagh Motor Club shares the details.
From the NI opener in Kirkistown, we speak to overall winner Jonny Greer plus 2wd winner Colin Price. The Forestry opener began in Castle Island, in Killarney. We talked to overall winner Jordan Hone, 2wd and Rally 4 winners Shane McGirr and Kyle McBride respectively.
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In this episode, we chat with Adrian Hetherington and Ronan O’Neill about competing in the 1st round of the British Historic Rally Championship, the Riponian Stages rally.
As the Irish Forestry Championship gets underway, we hear from Cian Donnellan, the Championship’s PRO.
Gavin Campbell, Northern Ireland Rally Championship co-ordinator, brings us up to speed on the 2024 season.
Andrew Bushe talks to us about signing up for the 2024 Micra Challenge.
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In this episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we roll back the years. To me, the car that captured Irish Rallying in the 1980s was the Opel Manta 400.
In this episode, we rewind the clock to 1988. We attended the launch of a very special Manta, Vincent Bonner's Donegal Oil-sponsored Manta. Donagh Kelly is building an extraordinary collection of cars in his Stables Motorsport Museum, the 1988 Donegal Bonner Manta fits into the collection perfectly. We talked with Vincent and his co-driver Rory Kennedy who took the car to 4th overall in Donegal in 1988. Paul Murphy, along with Norman Burns assisted by his two sons Jordan and Darrell, were the team who created this masterpiece. Donagh also explains why it had to be this car!
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This week’s episode concentrates on the Galway International Rally, and we speak to Winning co-driver Mikie Galvin and third-place co-driver Andy Hayes. Frank Kelly, winner of the two-wheel drive section, regales us with his Galway story. We also catch up with Ryan McHugh, Keelan Grogan and Joe Kelly who battled for the Rally4 honours in Galway. Last but not least William Creighton and M-Sport Team Principal Rich Millener join us to discuss William & Liam’s upcoming WRC2 campaign.
We hope you enjoyed this episode; to keep up to date with all the latest from rallying in Ireland and beyond, please subscribe to our channel.
In this week’s episode, rally journalist Luke Barry joins us to co-host the podcast and give us his view on the recent WRC Monte Carlo rally. We also hear from Rory Kennedy on the passing of Austin Frazer, Kevin O’Driscoll brings us up to speed on this weekend’s Galway International Rally. Declan Casey talks about this year’s ITRC Historic Championship.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe to our channel. To keep up to date with all the latest Irish Rally news.
In this week’s episode, we speak to Paul Murphy from the Toyota Gazoo WRC team about the Monte Carlo Rally and the debut of the Yaris Rally2 car. We hear from Matt Edwards, three-time British Rally Champion and his plans to compete in this year’s Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Staying with the ITRC, we chat to Sean Hayde, the recently appointed Championship Manager. It would be fantastic if you could subscribe to the channel and get all the latest uploads.
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This latest episode of, Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast looks back at the 2023 East African Safari Classic Rally with John Coyne, Josh McErlean, Eoin Treacy, Paul Rowley and Richard Tuthill. Join us for a bucket list adventure in a classic Porsche 911 through the plains of East Africa for a tale of broken steering racks and gearboxes, flash floods, fesh fesh, secret route details, sketchy pace notes and wild animals over 2,100km of competitive stages.
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Join Krunching Gears for a one-to-one chat with Mark Higgins, whose accolades include three times British Rally Champion, British Junior Rally Champion, 2018 British Rallycross Champion, five times winner of the Manx Rally, winner of the Cork 20, Galway and Ulster internationals, Isle of Man TT lap record holder, works driver for Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai & Ford and not forgetting James Bond’s stunt driver!
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Krunching Gears reviews the 2023 WRC Season with Becs Williams and Luke Barry. With over 20 years spent working in the World Rally Championship, Becs Williams is one of the most respected and recognisable faces and voices of the WRC. Luke is an award-winning motorsport journalist (not to mention Junior BRC podium finisher on the 2023 Jim Clark Rally). Their unique insight into the WRC 2023 season and thoughts ahead of the 2024 are full of emotion and fun. If you enjoyed this episode, we would appreciate it if you could please subscribe to our channel.
Our third season kicks off with a WRC special. We celebrate some of the crews from this Island who have reached the pinnacle of our sport, the World Rally Championship.
Aaron Johnston is one of only six codrivers to have competed in all the rounds of the 2023 WRC in a Rally 1 car, he recaps his season and looks forward to 2024.
William Creighton and Liam Regan became the Junior World Rally Champions in 2023, along with fellow JWRC competitors Eamonn Kelly and Conor Mohan, they review their year and preview plans for 2024. Seb Scott, the former JWRC/Msport Coordinator also joins the conversation.
Final episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast for 2023. We look at what is behind the WRC Ireland rumour mill, plus a review of the year at Msport and finally catching up with one of the bright young talents from the MIRallyAcademy.
We hear from:
.Motorsport Ireland President Aiden Harper
.Msport engineer Jamie McMillan
. Aoife Raftery
There’ll be a few specials over the festive season and we are already excitedly planning for 2024
Latest Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. A Killarney Historic Rally special. We get a chance to catch up with the winners of the Historic and Modified sections of the rally. Plus, we chatted with a guy who made the trip all the way from America to compete.
Hear from:
. Jonny Greer, Kirsty Riddick, Rory Kennedy, Michael McDaid & Declan Casey
. Rob Duggan, Kevin Eves, Chris Melly and Declan Gallagher
. Derek James & Martin Brady
The Roger Albert Clark Rally has become one of the most demanding rallies in the world. It has captured the imagination of rally crews and spectators alike. In this bonus episode of the Krunching Gears Podcast, we look back at this fabulous event and speak to the overall winners, one of the bad luck stories of the event and some great stories from crews from this side of the Irish Sea.
We hear from:
. Marty McCormack & Barney Mitchell
. Seb Perez and Gary McElhinney
. Robert Woodside, Dean Beckett, Allan Harryman, Bryan Jardine, Declan Campbell, Fintan McGrady and David Burns
Latest episode out now. We preview the Killarney Historic Rally with Sean Moriarty. Look back at Rally du Var and the epic drive by Jon Armstrong. Also Casey Jay Coleman tells us about recent Italian adventures. We also talk Roger Albert Clark Rally, all this and more....
Brand new Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. In this episode we are in full Roger Albert Clark Rally Fever!! Also there are some exciting developments from Race and Rally ahead of the 2024 season.
We hear from;
. Ryan Champion
. Paul Woodford
. Raymond Moore
Brand new episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast out now. We look back at the Teac Bhillie Donegal Harvest Rally.
We catch up with;
. Callum Devine
. Eamonn Kelly
. Declan Gallagher
. Kevin McLaughlin
Brand new episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. We talk Junior British Rally Championship, The Malton Forest Rally and also Donegal Harvest Rally. All this and so much more…
We talk to
-
Kyle White & Sean Topping
-
Gary McElhinney & Martin Brady
A brand new episode, where we talk the final round of the British Rally Championship, the Cambrian Rally. The Final round of the Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship, the Fastnet Rally and look ahead to the Teac Bhillie Harvest Rally.
We hear from
. Max McRae
.Jack Brennan
.Ryan McHugh & Declan Boyle
. Paddy Robinson
Rallylegend is an annual celebration of historic rallying and each year it attracts an incredible line up of famous drivers and rally cars not to mention the support of the ‘factory’ teams who have supported the event over the years. Some of the notable drivers on this year’s entry list included Stig Blomqvist, Jarri-Matti Latvala, Juha Kankkunen, Miki Biasion, Francois Delecour and Patrick Snijers.
Among the entry list was a number of Irish crews and we took the opportunity to reflect on the event with Austin MacHale, Andrew Nesbitt, Rory Kennedy, Donagh Kelly, James Coleman and Gareth MacHale and Graeme Nesbitt.
Thank you to Cian Donellan for the photos and Grace O'Brien, Glenn Montgomery, Barry & Margaret Murphy and Killian Cronin for the video clips from Rally Legend 2023.
In this latest episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, We visited C&M Motorsport Sales, we had the chance to hear all about this exciting car showroom which is more like a candy store for rally heads! Also, we talked to the FIA ERC - European Rally Championship Rally 3 champion. We also discuss the Scottish Rally Championship, the final round of the British Rally Championship and the Triton Showers National Rally Championship concludes this weekend with the Fastnet Rally. All this and more...
We talk to
- Marty McKenna, David Young and Jon Armstrong
- Hannah Davison
- Eddie Doherty
In the is episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we talk about the Mull Rally, European Historic Rally Championship and look back at the 2023 Irish Rally scene. We talk with;
- Fergus Barlow
- Jamie Edwards
- Kevin O'Driscoll
In the latest Krunching Gears we talk about the development of the Msport Puma, Sligo Pallets Forest Rally Championship, FIA European Historic Rally Championship, FIA Rally Star and Central European Rally.
All this and more... We talk to;
. Jamie McMillan
. Ryan Caldwell & Arthur Kierans
. Marty McCormack & Barney Mitchell
. Ronan Comerford
. Conor Wilson
Latest episode we talk WRC Rally Chilie, RAC Rally, BRC and Irish Forestry Championship.
We chat to;
-
Meirion Evans from Wales Motorsport
-
Michael Gilbey from M Sport
-
Kyle McBride & Liam McIntyre
-
Larry O'Shea & Liam Mackey from the Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club
All this and more....
In the latest Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we talk Omagh Motorclub Bushwhacker Rally, Micra Challenge, Wexford Rally and Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship.
We hear from;
- Patrick & Stephen O'Brien
- Donall Sweeney, Owen McMackin & Paul Barrett
- Sean Foy & Peter Dowds
- Kieran O'Kane
- Laura McMenamin
Latest Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. We talk FIA Junior WRC, Escort Rally Special, Omagh Motorclub Bushwhacker Rally and Rali Ceredigion! All this and more
We talk to;
. William Creighton, Liam Regan & Conor Mohan
. Christopher O'Callaghan & Frank Kelly
. Gary Milligan from Omagh Motor Club
. Meirion Evans and James Williams
In the latest episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we look back at the Enniskillen Motor Clubs Lakeland Stages, a round of the Irish Forestry and NI Rally Forestry Championships. We look forward to the last round of the Junior WRC, and then we talk about the BRC and how good was Rally Ceredigion. Finally, we look forward to the penultimate round of the Triton Showers National Championship, the Clare Rally. We talk with; Patrick O'Brien & Ryan Caldwell Declan Casey William Creighton Matt Cotton Gerry O'Brien
Krunching Gears the Rally Podcast in Conversation with Vincent Bonner. In this special episode we chat with Donegal International Rally winner and National Rally Champion Vincent Bonner about his rallying career, which dates back to 1971. Recorded in front of an audience of Vincent's family, friends and supporters who joined Kevin and Conor for this special event, held in the magnificent setting of the The Stables motorsport museum in Donegal.
Latest, Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast is out now. A packed show once again, everything from WRC, ITRC, and BRC, to club man rallying and everything in between!
We chat to
- Aaron Johnston
- Willie Mavitty
- Adrien Fourmax
- Michael Gilbey
- Kevin O'Driscoll
- Trevor Wilson and Paul Mulholland
- Crawford Henderson
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, part 2 of our Donegal Rally Special, is pretty epic! We invited some of the fastest Class 14 men onto the same Zoom call and then sat back and let the craic commence! Listen as David Bogie, Declan Gallagher, Kevin Gallagher, Frank Kelly, Gary Kiernan plus Daniel McKenna regale us with fabulous stories. Kevin O'Driscoll updates with all the latest Irish Tarmac Championship points then take a look at the history of this fantastic rally. Also, we speak with Jason McConnon, a young guy starting in rallying who is a social media influencer, it is very interesting to see what could be done to help promote rallying to a younger audience. This and more...
In Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, it is Donegal Rally week and saying we are excited is an understatement!! Part one of two episodes this week. In this episode, hear from; New title sponsor Rodney Wilton, Donegal Motor Club, Chairman Brian Brogan and COC of the Rally Eamon McGee. The top 3 drivers this year Josh Moffett, Callum Devine and Meirion Evans join us for a chat. Finally, we talk to Matt Edwards and Dave Moynihan. They crashed out of the lead last year and vowed to return this year. Well, they are back and in a determined mood. All this and more...
New Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. We talk to FIA Rally Star co drivers Lorcan Moore and Ronan Comerford. Also Rally Sardinia stars William Creighton and Josh McErlean. Finally we catch up Eddie Doherty who was the star in Laois Heartlands on Sunday. All this and more...
Latest Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, out now.
In this episode, joining us is a special co-host, Luke Barry. We review a fantastic WRC Rally Portugal, The Manx National Rally and the Sean Conlon Memorial Forest Rally. Plus preview round three of the ERC, Rally Poland, Tour of the Sperrins and the Jim Clark Rally.
Hear from;
. Josh McErlean
. Jamie McMillan
. Jon Armstrong
. Marty Toner
. Tommy Moffett
. Crawford Henderson
Luke Barry is competing on the Jim Clark Rally, part of his rationale behind competing on this event is to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes UK. Please if you can donate in any way please follow the link below. https://www.justgiving.com/page/luke-barry-jim-clark-rally?checkoutMode=Headless
All this and so much more...
In this latest episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we review round four of the Irish Tarmac Championship, the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney. We also look back at the May Day Rally run by Enniskillen Motor Club.
We hear from;
- Callum Devine, Robert Barrable, Gordon Noble and Rob Duggan
- Gary Kiernan and Sean Moynihan
- Aaron McLaughlin & Darren Curran
- Jonny Leonard
- Barry Morris and Jarlath Kelly
- Rodney Wilton
- Daniel Doherty
All this and so much more...
In the latest episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, we review WRC Rally Croatia and preview Rally of the Lakes and May Day Rally.
We speak with;
Aaron Johnston
Eamonn Kelly
Conor Mohan
Patrick O'Brien
Ronan Comerford sent us a fantastic Vlog from the event.
Kevin O'Driscoll
Garry Jennings
in this episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. We review the Circuit of Ireland with the top three overall. We speak to Callum Devine, Andy Hayes and Meirion Evans. Also, we talk to Jason Black the Modified Rally winner and then Kevin Eves with Owen Mallon. Owen got the opportunity through a charity event. He tells of his day's fun! Finally, the winner of the Historic Rally, Trevor Wilson, tells us about his rally in the stunning blue Porsche. All this and more...
Ronan Comerford and Kyle McBride tell us their MI Rally Academy experience as they were just back from Spain and what a few days they had.
Barry Boyle and Kevin O’Driscoll give us the lowdown on the Circuit of Ireland ahead of the rally this weekend. All this and more…..
Latest Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. As the news break of the latest exploits from the MI Rally Academy, John Coyne and Patrick O'Brien tell us the news. John talks us through his experience from WRC Rally Mexico and then gives us all the latest revelations! It is a fantastic story, we are so excited to share all the news. At last Patrick is able to tell everyone he is going to WRC Croatia and is so excited at the prospect. All this and so much more...
We review the West Cork Rally and Rally Costa Brava, two fantastic events.
We chat to:
Andy Hayes
Robert Barrable
Frank Kelly
Duncan Williams
Barney Mitchell
In this episode of Krunching Gears, we look back at round one of the FIA ERC - European Rally Championship. Also round two of the British Rally Championship and round two of the McGrady Insurance Motorsport UK Northern Ireland Rally Championship and the Micra Challenge plus we preview West Cork Rally. All this and more....
we hear from
Hayden Paddon
Jon Armstrong & Andrew Browne
Mikie Galvin
Casey Jay Coleman
Jonny Greer & Niall Burns
Stephen Whitford & Clodagh McMorrow
Kevin O'Driscoll
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Season 2 Episode 7! Busy show once again!! Callum Devine, Matt Edwards, Dave Moynihan, Gary Kiernan and Mark Alcorn tell us about their Midland Moto Stages experiences. Celebrating Women in Motorsport we hear from Hannah Davison fresh from her win on round one of the Scottish Rally Championship & Noelle Horan give us a fantastic insight to her rallying story. Finally Jon Armstrong previews FIA ERC - European Rally Championship round one Rally Serras de Fafe and we go down a rabbit hole about pacenotes. All this and so much more…
The Donegal International Rally in 2006 was one of those special events with an entry list that included Colin McRae, Austin MacHale, Eugene Donnelly, Kevin Lynch, Tim McNulty, Gareth MacHale, Matthew Wilson and Derek McGarrity. Added to the mix that weekend was Andrew Nesbitt securing a deal to bring two ‘works’ Mitsubishi Lancer WRC cars to compete on this iconic rally. As the rally unfolded, an epic battle took place between the two identical works Lancers driven by Andrew Nesbitt with James O’Brien co-driving and Mark Higgins with Rory Kennedy co-driving. A recent discovery in the Nesbitt household of the onboard videos from that weekend has allowed us to retell the tale of the 2006 Donegal International, with Andrew Nesbitt, James O’Brien and Graeme Nesbitt joining us on the Krunching Gears podcast for a special episode to revisit the memories from that fabulous 2006 weekend in Donegal. Unfortunately, there was no camera fitted on Friday. Full onboards from the majority of the stages on Saturday and all of Sunday have been preserved and are now available to view on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@gnesbitt1988 or search Andrew Nesbitt Donegal 2006 onboards We hope you enjoy this fantastic story of how the Donegal International Rally in 2006 unfolded for Andrew & James
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Season 2 Episode 6. So much positive news this week, Patrick O'Brien and Josh McErlean are going to round one of the European Rally Championship tell join us to give us the details. Lorcan Moore has had a busy few weeks, his passport most be red hot, a great story. Samsonas Fivemiletown Rally last weekend, we hear from the top 2 Mark Donnelly and Gareth Mimnagh. Finally Ryan MacHugh launched his new car at the weekend and looks ahead to his new season.
Latest Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast.
We hear from;▪️James Fulton after his fantastic second in Rally Sweden
▪️William Creighton and Liam Regan join us as they celebrate their JWRC victory in Sweden.
▪️Adrian Hetherington & Ronan O'Neill take a super third in round one of the BHRC.
▪️Graham Henderson helps us preview the NI Rally Championship and picks out some fantastic memories from the last 40 years!
▪️Jordan Hone explains his hopes ahead of round one of the Irish Forestry Championship and we also talk Micra Challenge.
▪️Stuart Darcy & Noreen Darcy take the time to explain the thought behind their fundraiser 'Caoimhe's fight to walk' as they want to help their daughter get a life changing operation. ▪️Thomas Nugent from Omagh Motor Club, gives us the lowdown on the upcoming Fivemiletown Rally.
Krunching Gears-The Rally Podcast. The Donnelly Motorsport Special, part one. Eugene and Charlie Donnelly are joined by Paul Kiely as they talk about the early years. How they got started, the cars and the craic along the way.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast in this episode we preview round one of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the Galway International Rally. We speak to Kevin O'Driscoll (press officer for the rally0, He gives us a breakdown of where and when to see the rally. Toni Kelly and Michael Patterson join us to tell us all about the exciting news that HM Productions are covering the Championship, they aim to cover every stage from the championship live. Matt Edwards - Professional Rally Driver/Coach explains what to expect from him as a driver coach. All this and so much more.....
Krunching Gears season two starts this week as we preview Rallye Monte Carlo. Josh McErlean and John Rowan explain how it's a dream come true to be starting the rally, Jamie McMillan engineer with M-Sport tells us of his hopes ahead of the 2023 season. With round one of the Irish Tarmac Championship just around the corner, Mick McCullagh from Euro MSport details their plans as the nominated fuel supplier for the International field and how this service is open to everyone. All this and so much more
In the special episode of Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast we remember Ken Block. Ken's Sudden and untimely death is a huge loss to rallying. We speak with Gerard Quinn, Colin McMaster, Alex Gelsomino, Neil McDaid, Chris Meegam and Martin Brady about their memories of Ken.
Eamonn Kelly and Conor Mohan have announced their Junior World Rally Championship plans. We spoke to the two guys to get their hopes ahead of this exciting challenge.
A bit of light-hearted fun to wrap up 2022. A special thanks to everyone who has contributed to Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, this year has been so much fun for Conor and me. We have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to tell our beloved sport's stories. Having the chance to talk to the people making the news to give each and every one of our listeners/viewers a heartfelt thank you. Enjoy the quiz and see you all in 2023. Thanks to; Luke Barry, Killian Duffy, Andy Walsh, Martin Brady and Killian Cronin for taking part.
Krunching Gears-The Rally Podcast, episode 41 and what a celebration this episode has turned out to be! We catch up with Eamonn Kelly as he collects the Billy Coleman Award for the young rally driver in 2022. Niall Burns relives the feelings of winning the Killarney Historic Rally. Kevin Eves and Chris Melly were delighted to take their first outright together in Killarney. Finally, Shane McGirr explains his latest project his Honda-powered Lada which has set social media alight!
In Krunching Gears latest episode, we talk about Rally Japan and two fantastic guests this week; Martin Brady regales us with stories of his travels this year and Patrick Croke proves a wheelchair won't stop him from living his dream!
The latest Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast is back with a jammed-pack show! We hear from;
Richard Moffett as he tells us about his win in Banna Beach
Michael McDaid & Declan Casey on their epic year in the BDG
Ryan Champion discusses driving GpB dream cars
Kieron Graffin debuts the Clio Trophy in Ireland
Scott Singleton goes on tour to Belgium
Aoife Raftery is ready to embark on an Italian adventure
All this and so much more.....
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast Rally Catalunya special. Conor Edwards catches up with some of the crews,media and mechanics at they prepare for the start. We hear from: ▪️Colin Clark & Luke Barry ▪️Kyle Mc Bride ▪️Grace O'Brien ▪️Gus Greensmith ▪️James Fulton ▪️Aaron Johnston ▪️Craig Breen The podcast is only 20mins long and ideal to listen to as you are waiting on the times coming in from the stages.
Latest Episode out now. Is Rally Legend as good as we see on social media? We get the answers from Lauren Kelly and Killian Cronin. MI Academy co-driver Ronan Comerford give us highlights of the year so far and looks for the Banna Beach. Jack Brennan is no doubt a star of the future he tells us about his J1000 and Autocross wins. All this and so much more……
Episode 35 of Krunching Gears, we look forward to Wyedean Rally, Rally Legend and discuss James Fulton's move to co-drive for Craig Breen.
We Speak to;
Grace O'Brien as she prepares to co-drive Ryan Caldwell at Rally Catalunya as the pairing makes their ERC Rally debut.
Tim Hoare from Michelin Motorsport explains all about tarmac tyres and how they work.
The latest episode of the Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast.
How good was it to have Rally New Zealand back on the WRC calendar, we catch up with Blair Bartels and he gives us his thoughts.
Killian Duffy talks about Deja Vu West, the Donegal Harvest Rally and he has some very exciting plans for 2023. Callum Devine is excited to get back in his Polo as he attempts to claim a hat-trick of wins on the Donegal Harvest. Eamon Mimnagh has a story to tell that will make you think.
Latest Krunching Gears out now. In this episode we review the penultimate round of the British Rally Championship the Trackrod Rally. Also the Baltinglass Rally. We preview Deja Vu West and WRC - Rally New Zealand. We’ve a stellar line up of champions this week ▪️Osian Pryce 🏆 BRC champ ▪️Arthur Kierans 🏆 3 times BRC champion ▪️Conor Mohan 🏆 JBRC co driver ▪️ Paddy McCrudden Baltinglass winning co driver 🍾 ▪️ The MacHale family. Austin, Aaron MacHale, Gareth Mac Hale and the grandkids. Irish Rallying legends. All this and more…
Episode 32 of Krunching Gears is out now. We review the Omagh Motorclub Bushwhacker Rally. We preview Baltinglass Mini Stages and Trackrod Rally Yorkshire. We speak to ▪️Patrick O'Brien & Stephen O'Brien ▪️Cathan McCourt ▪️Liam Moynihan ▪️Alan Smyth & Gary McCrudden ▪️Ryan Caldwell & Grace O'Brien ▪️Jason Mitchell
Krunching Gears, lets talk rallying, The rally podcast out now. We review EKO Acropolis Rally & Wexford Rally. Preview the Omagh Motorclubs Bushwhacker Rally and exclusively reveal the top25. ▪️Brian Hoy our new world champ ▪️Jon Armstrong & William Creighton ▪️Mikko Hirvonen & Andy Hayes ▪️Danny Mullins ▪️Niall Mc Gonigle All this and so much more……
irishrally #podcast #worldchampion
Latest Krunching Gears, let’s talk rallying. The rally podcast out now. In this episode we review the latest British Rally Championship round Rali Ceredigion, we speak with newly crowned Junior BRC champ Eamonn Kelly and Academy BRC champ Kyle Mc Bride. We catch up with the winners from the Lakeland Stages, ran by Enniskillen Motor Club. We talk to Desi Henry, Cathan McCourt, Conor McCourt & Alan Smyth. Danny Mullins, National hunt jockey is competing at the Wexford Rally this weekend and he helps us preview the event and explains how he got involved. Listen as Kieran Ambrose discusses the exciting new initiative by Motorsport Ireland, the Marshals seminar, there are going to be various seminars across the country and it sounds fantastic. All this and so much more…..
The latest Krunching Gears episode is out now. WRC chat as Aaron Johnston, Josh McErlean, Jon Armstrong & William Creighton gives us their Rally Estonia thoughts. Also, Marty McCormack & Barney Mitchell tell us about their thrilling historic European adventures, plus Frank Kelly describes his year to date and relives his Hungarian exploits.
In this latest episode of Krunching Gears we look back at the latest round of the British Rally Championship, The Nicky Grist Stages. We speak to rally winner Osian Pryce, plus second place co-driver Mikie Galvin. Also we catch-up with Eamonn Kelly winner of the junior section of the rally. We also look forward to Rally Estonia as the WRC reaches its midpoint and The Stonethrowers Rally in Tipperary as Josh Moffett looks to wrap up the National Rally Championship.
In this episode of Krunching Gears we talk with Dave Moynihan as he retells his Donegal International Rally experience. Patrick O'Brien looks back at the Moonraker Rally, and Ryan Mac Hugh gives us his thoughts on his rallying career to date! Plus we catch up with the top 3 from North Armagh Loughgall Stages Aaron McLaughlin, Damian Toner and Marty Toner.
In this Krunching Gears podcast we conclude our Donegal International Rally special. In true RPM style we look at some of the class winners and podium finishers and talk with: Kevin Gallagher Brian Brady Ryan Caldwell Max McRae Kevin Mclaughlin Tommy O’Connell
Donegal International Rally special we catch up with overall winners Josh Moffett & Andy Hayes. Also we speak to: Meirion Evans Gareth Mac Hale Also we hear from the legends on Sunday as part of the50th celebrations. Plus Andy Walsh reaches fever pitch!! Once again I’m joined by Conor Edwards plus special co-host Luke Barry.
In this episode we talk to: ▪️Jonny Greer ▪️Cathan McCourt ▪️Peader Hurson ▪️Ryan Loughran ▪️Josh Moffett ▪️Robert Barrable ▪️Eamonn Kelly ▪️Killian Duffy ▪️Matt Edwards
We review Rally Sardegna, Tyrone Stages, Circuit of Munster and look forward to Donegal International Rally.
In this episode, we catch up with Eamonn Kelly & Conor Mohan as they had a storming drive on round two of the BRC. We preview WRC Rally Italia Sardegna, the Tyrone Stages and the Circuit of Munster Stages Rally. We also catch up with Gareth McHale as he prepares to return to rallying and David Bogie as he gets back to grips with rallying on the tarmac.
You only thought last week was busy! We review Rally Portugal, Maiden City Stages, plus we preview British Rally Championship round 2 The Jim Clark Rally and finally Déjà Vu Tours as they land in Tralee!
We speak with!
▪️Aaron Johnston ▪️Josh McErlean ▪️Jon Armstrong ▪️Desi Henry & Paddy Robinson ▪️Cathan McCourt & Liam Moynihan ▪️Garry Jennings & Rory Kennedy ▪️Damien Tourish ▪️Camillus Bradley ▪️Meirion Evans ▪️Sean Moriarty & Beatty Crawford
We keep saying it’s a jammed packed show but…. In this episode we hear from;
▪️Josh Moffett
▪️Darren Gass
▪️Declan Boyle
▪️Kevin Eves
▪️Ed O Callaghan
▪️Frank Kelly
▪️Ryan Loughran
▪️Josh McErlean
▪️James Fulton
▪️Desi Henry
We review the Carlow Stages Rally and preview Rally de Portugal & Maiden City Stages. All this and more in just over one hour!!
We look back at Croatia Rally, Monaghan Stages Rally & Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring & Clacton plus look forward to Rally Of The Lakes.
We catch up with:
▪️Josh Moffett ▪️Sam Moffett ▪️Darren Gass ▪️Damien Tourish ▪️Dessie Keenan ▪️Mikie Galvin ▪️Colin O'Donoghue
A jammed packed show in store!!
Circuit of Ireland review on this weeks Krunching Gears. Adam Hall and myself give our though and we also catch up with:
▪️Alastair Fisher ▪️Gordon Noble ▪️Callum Devine ▪️Shane Byrne ▪️Daniel Mc Kenna ▪️Andrew Grennan
We also look forward to Croatia Rally & Monaghan Stages coming up this weekend.
Andy Walsh explains his thought process behind climbing Croke Patrick. If you can please donate to his idonate page, the response so far has been unbelievable
https://www.idonate.ie/andy-walsh987
Jordan Hone also joins us to tell about his season in his R5 Fiesta, plus we discuss the Birr Rally!
Have you have ever wondered what makes the East African Classic Safari Rally such a special event? Richard Tuthill, Alex Gelsomino, Colin McMaster and Andy Brown give us a glimpse behind the scenes of the Tuthill Porsche team as they tackle one of the greatest challenges in the world of rallying. Epic tales and heartwarming stories abound!
We review the West Cork Rally, this rally had it all, fantastic entry list, close battles, classic stages, and fab weather! Hear from: ▪️Jonathan Jackson ▪️Robert Duggan ▪️William Creighton ▪️Daniel Mc Kenna
In this episode, there is a glut of interviews!! Previewing West Cork, we speak to: Donagh Kelly Alastair Fisher Declan Gallagher Frank Kelly Grace O'Brien Also, we catch up with Seb Perez & Gary McElhinney as they celebrate winning the Rally Clasico Mallorca in the Porsche 911. Plus the top 3 finishers at the second round of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship at Bishopscourt.
Episode six. It’s jammed packed with interviews. We hear from:
▪️Josh McErlean ▪️Josh Moffett ▪️Robert Barrable ▪️Paddy Robinson ▪️Stephen Wright ▪️Sara Mc Fadden ▪️Graeme Stewart
Much to celebrate and talk about again this week.
In this episode we look back at Rally Sweden, Samsonas Rally Fivemiletown and preview Mayo Stages Rally. Interviews with: ▪️Jon Armstrong ▪️Aaron Johnston ▪️Desi Henry ▪️Cathan McCourt ▪️Vivian Hamill ▪️David Crossan ▪️Adrian Hetherington ▪️Robert Barrable ▪️Eamonn Kelly It’s a busy show!!!
In this episode we pay respect to Eoin McCarthy at the top of the show. We catch up with Niall Mc Gonigle from Omagh Motorclub as he tells what to expect at the Samsonas Rally Fivemiletown. Looking ahead to Rally Sweden we speak to William Creighton, Paul Murphy and Tim Hoare as they all give their thoughts ahead of round two of the WRC.
The review show that wasn’t to be!! Overwhelmed by the response to episode one and asking for a review! Conor Edwards, Adam Hall and myself Kevin Glendinning review Galway. I speak with Andy Hayes, Meirion Evans and Jason Black and get their view. We also look at we else is happening in the world of rally competitors.
Let's talk rallying, has been the tag line of the podcast from the start. It is finally good to have Irish Rallying back on track in 2022 and give us some things to discuss! Ian Beasant, Conor Edwards and Kevin Glendinning look back at some Monte Magic and give our thoughts ahead of Galway. We also hear the thoughts of Alastair Fisher, Callum Devine, Kevin Eves and Kevin Flanagan.
John Coyne recalls his career from the early days competing in the family VW Beetle then developing his talent behind the wheel in various cars over the following 50+ years. Some wonderful cars and stories along the way! We also talk about his involvement with the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and his hopes for future talent coming through.
Kevin Glendinning & Conor Edwards catch up with Aaron Johnston and Chris Patterson as we look back and celebrate their successes to date. An opportunity to hear about their experiences of the new hybrid cars ahead of the new season. Plus the friendly rivalry at a recent Targa Rally!! All this and so much more!!
If there is one voice in the WRC that is instantly recognisable, it has to Becs Williams. Listen as we turn the interviewer into the interviewee!! It’s a fascinating story as we discuss how Becs became involved with the WRC as it was entering a new exciting period and her continued enthusiasm as it’s about to enter another new era. We also recall some fantastic stories about travelling to Ireland to cover the Irish Tarmac Championship.
Ari Vatanen joins us for the quick-fire questions! Also, My eight year old son wanted to help with Christmas Special so he provides the Jingle Bells intro!! Very Happy Christmas to you all.
In this episode Adam Hall from Rally Insight joins us to review an exceptional year for Irish competitors in the WRC and other championships across the globe. We’ve a lot to be talk about as once again this island’s competitors have delivered exceptional results and done us all proud.
Adam Platt is the guest for this episode. We talk about growing up in Cork, his dad applying to M-Sport for a job for him. Then the fun really begins!! Listen as Adam talks about his time working on rally cars of The Who’s who of the rallying world!! Culminating in being part of the team as they collected WRC crowns. Then decided to move closer to home and start his own rally car prep business Ap/Art Rally Team
His wit is as quick as his driving, Johnnie Mulholland is next to take the hot seat for the quick-fire questions.
One of the brightest young talents in Irish Rallying takes the hot seat for some quick-fire questions!
One of Ireland's leading co-drivers and all-around legend Rory Kennedy joins me for some quick-fire questions.
We are incredibly lucky to have such a wealth of talent from this island. In this episode we are joined by four of the greatest co-drivers in their generation, Terry Harryman & Fred Gallagher who have sat with some of the best drivers ever to grace a rally stage. Ronan Morgan & Bobby Willis have claimed titles and won events across the world. Beyond the co-drivers seat, the stories are every bit as exhilarating, some brilliant stories are told.
The four guys in this episode have over 200 years of experience between them, 11 World Rally Championship Rally wins, 10 FIA Middle East Rally Championships, an FIA Cross Country Rally Championship and competed in every corner of the globe and numerous victories along the way!
In this episode, we catch up with Jon Armstrong, William Creighton & Josh McErlean as they prepare for Rally Spain. Jon & William are heading into the final round of the JWRC. What a weekend that could turn out to be for Jon! Josh continues his development in WRC 3, it has been incredibly positive so far and let us hope that continues.
In conversation with Daniel McKenna, part two takes over where we left last week! Daniel has just won the Billy Coleman Award, now he just needs a co-driver and a car!! As the season unfolds he sets a blistering pace. Winning the JBRC, Fiesta Challenge and R2 class. Culminating in the Pirelli Star Driver Award. The following two years saw a Citroen DS3 R3 pressed into action, winning the BRC and tackling rounds of the JWRC it's an incredible story! This plus much more and a big reveal towards the end!!
Daniel McKenna is regarded by many as one of the hottest talents from this Island. In part one of this two-part podcast, we recall Daniel had motorsport in his veins from an early age. The early days as Andrew Greenan and Daniel quickly showed strong pace. It wasn't long before they were mixing it with the best-modified drivers in the country. Indeed many would regard them as one of the crews who lifted modified rallying in Ireland to a new level!
When you get the opportunity to interview Ari Vatanen and Terry Harryman face to face its doesn't take long to say yes!! To listen as they describe their adventures, which brought six world rally wins. Five of which were on the bounce was an absolute pleasure. Starting in 82 they recall the Swedish Rally where the partnership was formed right through the highs and lows that followed.
To finish up the virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 we catch up with 1978 winner Ari Vatanen. He reminisces about his two visits to Donegal for the Rally. Next up is Donall Barrett who recalls some magical times with Manus Kelly. The big man is never far from our thoughts. Next in the hot seat is our 6 times winner Andrew Nesbitt. Who tells us about his many escapades over the years. Finally, Vincent Bonner takes us from the Rally of the Rosses, through his fantastic win with Seamus McGettigan in 1983. Seamus and Vincent are now joint Club Presidents of the Donegal Motor Club.
We should be ending coming to the end of day two! Instead, we'll relive some fantastic stories from some previous winners! First up three-time winner Eugene Donnelly who regales us with tales as his Donnelly Motorsport team built up from humble beginning to win the Donegal Rally three times. Following on Rory Kennedy has competed across the world but his best memories are from his home town Rally. As he explains starting out with James Cullen, quickly rising through the ranks, sitting with the ultimate Irish driver of a generation Bertie Fisher, the story continues through co-driving for Mark Higgins and Garry Jennings. Finally, for tonight, Sam Moffett recalls his early days in GpN before switching to a WRC Subaru, taking his first win that no one predicted. Being involved in some magic battles over the last number of years and taking his second win in 2019.
As we reach the midway point of the virtual Donegal International Rally 2021 we catch up with some of the National Rally competitors. Paul Gallagher explains tells about the great battles he had in Donegal over the years. Gary McPhillips recalls the scraps he had over the years and taking two National wins. Phil Collins recalls early Donegal Rallies where he had some fun with the locals then coming back to win the National Rally on two occasions. Ivan Stewart has had some exotic cars over the years and had some great stories to tell. Finally, Daniel Conaghan recalls his numerous class battles with another Donegal Hero Sammy Fisher, also Danny explains the strong friendships that have developed through rallying.
Cathal Curley (CB) kicks off the evening's proceedings with his recollections of the early years of the Donegal International Rally. CB won the first three Donegal International Rallies. In 1981, Castlederg man John Lyons won Donegal for the first time, repeating his success in 1982 is next in the hot seat. Finally, for tonight the 1991 winner James Cullen relives his Donegal experiences, his first Donegal Rally in 1979. Being COC in 1982 & 83, welcoming Vincent Bonner & Seamus McGettigan onto the ramp as the winners. Then back behind the wheel, winning himself in 1991 and 1999 with the wonderful Ellen Morgan on the pacenotes.
We should have been enjoying the sites and sounds of the Joule Donegal International Rally, instead, we are still working within the latest Government guidelines! Over the next few episodes, we'll catch up with some competitors. To begin we'll speak with some of the people who help to make the Rally happen, starting with Brian Brogan Club Chairman, Ian Barrett, CEO of Joule, Eamon McGee Clerk of the Course and some of the marshals who have help on the stages.
Terry Harryman navigated for some of the greatest drivers in Ireland, the UK and across the world. Hopkirk, Elford & Vatanen are just off the household names. We recall stories about these drivers and many more! His son Allan followed in his footsteps traveling the world competing alongside some fantastic drivers. The special relationship these guys share is an absolute joy to behold. It’s a very special story.
Hayden Paddon joins us for this episode. He gives a rundown of his early years, starting in Karts, in Minis and Toyotas before switching to 4wd and Mitusbishi Evos all in his native New Zealand. Finally making the switch to the WRC as part of the Pirelli Star Driver. When he finally made the WRC the aim was to stay there. This took a huge effort from his whole team and their hard work finally paid off when Hayden was announced as a Hyundai driver for the 2014 season. winning Argentina in 2016 has to be the highlight of his years in the WRC to date. There are many twists and turns, but it is a fascinating story all told in a very candid way.
Ronan Morgan is the guest in this episode. He tells us about starting in navigational events before quickly rising through the ranks to become one of Ireland's most successful co-drivers. Then in the mid-80s, he moved to the Middle East, where he formed a lasting partnership with Mohammed Ben Sulayem which lead to great success for them both. When he stepped away from co-driving in the early 2000s he started organising events. The Punchestown Festivals and Rally Ireland are just two of the events he helped create in Ireland. Back in the Middle East, he has been instrumental in the Abu Dhabi GP, he has been the COC since its inception in 2009. This and many more stories!
Special bonus episode celebrating the fantastic results that three of our bright young stars achieved last weekend. Jon Armstrong won the first round of the 2021 JWRC at the Croatian round of the WRC, William Creighton took a strong fifth place in the same category on his first attempt and Josh McErlean took a dominant R5 win and third overall on the Olympus Rally in America.
In this episode two of Ireland’s finest young talents, Callum Devine and Josh McErlean look back at their careers to date. Reliving many successes in both their short careers. They also look forward to the Olympus Rally in America and the year ahead.
Jon Armstrong & William Creighton talk about their careers to date and look forward to the upcoming JWRC. Listen to Jon talk about the highs and lows of his career so far. William gives us an insight into his exploits thus far and the two boys have their eye firmly on the prize ahead of their season in the FIA Junior WRC.
In this episode of Krunching Gears, Ken Rees joins us for a look over his Motorsport career. Winning the 1987 British National Rally Championship with David Gillanders. Getting a phone call from Prodrive in the early ’90s, which lead to almost 20 years working with the company as team coordinator. Amongst his jobs was doing gravel crew for Colin McRae and helping Ari Vatanen on the Hong Kong to Beijing Rally. Then joining Petter Solberg as they set up their own WRC team when Subaru pulled the plug on their WRC campaign. These are just some of the highlights from an absolutely fascinating story!
Andy tells his fascinating story; from a young boy helping his neighbour work on his rally car to helping out at Malcolm Wilson Motorsport at weekends and school holidays. His first job after becoming a qualified fabricator was working for Austin Rover on the fearsome Metro 6r4s. The story really develops from there as Andy get the opportunity to travel the world working on rally cars with some of the best drivers in some of the best teams.
In this final part of the Krunching Gears podcast remembering Bertie Fisher, Kevin Glendinning speaks with Dave Campion from Prodrive, Alastair Fisher and finally Rory Kennedy.
Dave recalls his many dealings with Bertie and the strong friendship that developed over the years. Alastair remembers his uncle and two cousins and some of the practices they put in place that are still used to this day. Finally, Rory Kennedy tells us some fantastic times that Bertie and himself shared down through the years.
Part two of Krunching Gears podcast remembering Bertie Fisher. In this episode, we hear from Nigel Frazer, Kieran McAnallen, Ivan Fuery and Gordon Noble. Nigel tells some fantastic stories about his Fathers, Austin, time with Bertie. Kieran gives us an insight into the relationship between Bertie and himself. Ivan tells us about the fun times over the years, and Gordon pays tribute to Mark Fisher, they had developed a solid friendship both in and out of the car.
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Season two kicks off with a three-part episode. I look back at the career of Bertie Fisher. Part one Austin McHale joins us, one of Bertie's fiercest rival when the clocks were ticking but good friends out of the car. Also in part one Ivan, Bertie's brother recalls some great stories and the great work that the Fisher Foundation carries out to this day. Sydney Meeke tells about how he met Bertie and how the success on the stages opened doors for Sydney Meeke Motorsport.
In this final episode of season one. For the time of year, it is fitting to believe that dreams do come true! Vincent Bonner spoke about he regretted never having had the opportunity to drive a 4wd rally car. Step forward Donagh Kelly to help Vincent fulfil that ambition, it really is a heartwarming story!
Continuing on from the fascinating part one of our conversation with Gordon Noble. The second part sees Gordon recall his time as Clerk of the Course for Rally Ireland, a role he also accepted when the ERC came to visit for the Circuit of Ireland. Returning to the co-drivers seat once again and his success continued with Daniel Barry and Jonny Greer. Alastair Fisher and Gordon teamed up in 2010 for a one-off event but the seed was sown as in 2013 they formed a partnership that has lasted to this day. Listen to this and much much more!
This is part one of a fascinating interview with Gordon Noble. Gordon started co-driving in the mid-80s and quickly rose through the ranks. Becoming GpN co-driver champion in both the Irish and British premier Championships with Trevor Cathers. Competing with Mark Fisher as they went from one make champions to tackling two rounds of the WRC. Navigating for a young Kris Meeke, then back to the BRC with Rory Galligan and Garry Jennings before moving to WRC events with Niall McShea and Alister McRae
In part two of our conversation with James Cullen, James describes his two Donegal Rally victories, winning the Cork 20 Rally in the GpN Escort Cosworth, battling with Colin McRae on the 1990 Manx Rally and much much more!
James Cullen is a hugely talented rally driver and a proud Donegal man, in part one of our chat James tells about his early career. How he got involved in the rallying and rising through the ranks. We look at the Donegal in 1988 where James and Ellen Morgan were leading the works Sierra of Mark Lovell and Terry Harryman until getting delayed on a stage. If they had been given a nominal time could they have kept ahead? Listen to find out!
Robbie McGurk, is well known as a rally preparation expert. In this episode he tells us the story how he got involved in rallying, the early years working on the McCartney brothers cars, moving to Sydney Meeke Motorsport and some fascinating stories of their time in Spain, on to Prodrive before starting his own business! We also look back at his time behind the wheel and some great battles he was involved in. It's a fascinating listen!
Frank O Donoghue or Dr Frank as he was affectionately known by the rallying community in the 70s and 80s recalls his exploits in the co-drivers seat as he navigated for legends of rallying Billy Coleman and Bertie Fisher. Some lovely stories from back in the day and also right up to date as he tells us of his current involvement in Irish Motorsport.
In this episode, Ian Beasant tells some fantastic stories of his time in the co-drivers seat and then as he moved on to become the voice of rallying to a generation throughout the North of Ireland as he broadcast on the hour every hour on Downtown Radio and Cool FM. His bulletins after the news were a staple part of the days rallying!
Part three of my conversation with Andrew Nesbitt. We look at Sweden WRC 04, Donegal 06, his pacenotes and much much more!!
Season One, Episode Seven - Part Two. In this episode of Krunching Gears, it's part two of three of my chat with Andrew Nesbitt, we rejoin the conversation from 96. Andrew relives his recovery, tells us about James O'Brien coming onboard in 1998 and the difference that made, the second Donegal win in 98 also that dominant win in Donegal 2000 and onto the all-conquering year in 2002.
Season One, Episode Seven - Part One - One of the fastest drivers of the late '90s and early to mid-'00s Andrew Nesbitt. In this episode, Andrew tells us about his early career with its many up and downs before finally claiming his first Donegal Rally win in 1996 and the heartbreak that followed a few weeks later!
In this episode of Krunching Gears, I speak with Aaron Johnston. Aaron tells us about starting his co-driving career in the passenger seat of a Nissan Micra along with his father. He quickly rose through the ranks and now competes with Oliver Solberg in the WRC & ERC
In this episode of Krunching Gears, I speak with the first Donegal man to win the Donegal International Rally, Vincent Bonner. Such a lovely story of his time in the sport and some great memories relived.
Season One, Episode Four. In this episode, I speak to the absolute gentleman of Irish Rallying John Lyons. He takes us from his early days in auto-testing right through his fantastic Gp1 battles and finally onto his time in a GpN Lancia Delta. Plus much much more in between. I really think you'll enjoy this one!
Krunching Gears features the one and only Conor Curley and what a story he tells. Starting out in the sport, doing the Donegal Rally with his dad and brother, keeping the Curley/Frazer names on a rally car with his good friend and co-driver Nigel. Kris Meeke &Paul Naglehelping him to celebrate his 40th birthday in style and much much more
This week on Krunching Gears I speak to Frank Kelly he tells about his time in Stock Cars, starting rallying in an FWD Fiesta, a few other cars before Baby Blue arrived. How daughter Lauren is responsible for all his adventures and much more besides!
Season 1 Episode 1 Part 2. In this episode of Krunching Gears, part two of my chat with Rory Kennedy. We discuss his two years on WRC rounds with Alastair Ginley, getting the call from Garry Jennings in 2005 and the relationship to this day. Winning two BRC Co-drivers titles, navigating for Mark Higgins. Experiencing Chinese culture as Niall McShea asked him to co-drive in China. Winning the Donegal Rally alongside Garry Jennings and lifting the trophy that bears his father’s name
Season 1 Episode 1 Part 1 Rory Kennedy is one of the most respected co-drivers of his time. With 50+ wins, four Irish Tarmac Rally Championships and two British Rally Championships. In this episode Rory describes his early career, getting the call from Bertie Fisher and the relationship that developed. Rory also talks about his time with Stephen Finlay and Brendan Kelly. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed compiling it.