Damien Gallagher and Mac Walsh have won the National Championship in the Donegal International Rally!
Declan Gallagher and John McCarthy came second, with Ryan Loughran and Gareth Doherty coming third.
Speaking to Donegal Daily reporter Charlie Collins, Damien says “it’s a lifetime achievement, it’s so emotional for me and Mac, and we’ve been trying to win this rally realistically for ten years.
Charlie Collins interviewing Damien and Mac
“At the end of the harvest, we started getting a decent car together, and [Mac and the team] decided to meet in my house in January.
“First and foremost there was my own physical fitness which I needed to address, and did… it definitely paid off today.
“The team of boys behind me have been with me for many years and they are massively dedicated. When I said it to them that ‘I believe we can win this rally’, they looked at me with skeptical eyes to be honest because it was a big thing to come out with. We’ve done them proud and they’ve done us so so proud.
Mac says “it’s a dream come true for us. I think there’s not a candle left in Donegal!”
They explained that their plan was to be in the top three on Friday, which they achieved, and to also be in the top three on Saturday, which they also achieved. But the only plan for today was to go for gold!
They also commended Kevin Eves on his talent, saying he is “a fine young driver and there’s definitely Donegal International wins for him in the future.” Although Kevin Eves sustained a foot injury yesterday, he had surgery and is now on the mend.
The duo also praised Kevin Gallagher, saying he is “a fantastic driver, again there’s definitely International wins going for him in the future too.”
They also thanked their sponsors, saying that they could not have done this without them. They also expressed massive thanks to their families and supporters.
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