Kris Meeke at the 2008 Donegal Rally.
Letterkenny, Ireland: Kris Meeke is making a triumphant return to the pointy end of stage rally in Ireland after an 18-year hiatus. Ironically, his last outing was in Donegal in 2008. Now, he’s back and set to compete in the Wilton Recycling 2026 Donegal International Rally.
The five-time World Rally Championship race winner is returning to the pinnacle of Irish asphalt rallying. This isn’t just any entry; it’s Toyota Gazoo Racing landing on Irish soil with a factory-backed developmental car. They’ve now deployed Meeke and co-driver Liam Regan in the potent GR Yaris Rally2.
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| Exclusive photo, of Kris Meeke testing in Donegal this week, Photo David McDaid. |
With Meeke’s entry, defending champion Callum Devine will see some unexpected competition that this will surely test the might of the Derry man! .
Fresh off a masterclass victory at the Rally of the Lakes, Devine arrives in Letterkenny focused and ready to attack the Donegal stages. He’s won this event three times consecutively (2023, 2024, 2025). A fourth consecutive win wouldn’t just be another trophy; it would break the record books and elevate him to a league of his own. The “King of the Hills” knows these roads like the back of his hand, but the pressure of the “four-peat” is a formidable challenge for his co-driver.
We also have it on good authority that WRC driver Josh McErlean is also on the entry list for the Donegal. He’ll pilot a fresh new RALLY2 Fiesta, adding to the excitement building in Donegal.
McErlean is currently honing his skills in the WRC’s top tier with M-Sport’s Puma Rally1. This means he’s accustomed to speeds that are ideal for Donegal’s high-speed classic stages. While the Fiesta Rally2 may not be as advanced as the latest Yaris or Fabia RS, M-Sport’s legendary tarmac setups should allow Josh to maintain a podium finish. Malcolm Wilson’s decision to place a WRC-sharp driver like McErlean in a works-prepped Fiesta is a bold move aimed at disrupting the Irish Tarmac Championship.
Although the entry list is not yet public, its expected we will see a highly ranked entry for Irelands most poplular motorsports event.
- Meirion Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2): The Welshman has made Ireland his home and playground. He secured a strong second place to Devine in 2025 and has already demonstrated the Yaris’s capability on these challenging bumps. He’s overdue for a significant victory.
- David Kelly (VW Polo GTi R5/Skoda): The local boy has transcended the “talent to watch” status and has become a proven winner. Earlier this year, he clinched a dramatic Circuit of Ireland victory by a mere 0.5 seconds, boosting his confidence significantly. He’s intimately familiar with the Gweedore terrain.
- Josh Moffett (Citroen C3 Rally2): The 2022 winner never fails to make an impact. While the spotlight is often on the flashy new entries, Moffett’s consistent performance often emerges as the hero when the top contenders encounter difficulties.
Devine possesses the rhythm, Meeke boasts the raw speed, and McErlean brings the WRC sharpness. However, Donegal rewards the brave, not just the fast. Meeke and Toyota are poised to ignite Donegal, adding to the excitement of the most popular rally on the island.
Report: Neil McDaid
Photos: David McDaid / Neil McDaid
