Oldcastle gears up for 2023 ALMC Hellfire Stages Rally

The ALMC Hellfire Stages Rally, one of the most highly anticipated motorsport events of the year, takes place this Sunday (13th August) in Oldcastle.

The rally promises to deliver an adrenaline-filled experience for both participants and spectators alike, attracting top rally drivers from across the nation, showcasing their skills on the challenging terrain surrounding Oldcastle.

Sponsored by Wilton Recycling, RESPA, Failte Ireland, and Meath Co Council, this collaboration marks a significant milestone for the rally, as it continues to solidify its position as a premier sporting event in the region.

The event is Round 6 of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship; Round 4 of the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship and Round 4 of the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship.

"Safety, Safety, Safety" - was the message delivered by Clerk of the Course John Carroll at the launch of the rally in the Square Oldcastle on Sunday, 9th July.

He confirmed that ALMC had received great cooperation from Meath and Westmeath Co Councils about road closures and also with some strategic re-surfacing.

"The support from the sponsors is instrumental in ensuring the success of the event and further enhancing the rally's reputation as a premier motorsport spectacle. We are truly grateful for their commitment and contribution. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to all our associate sponsors, and our event partners in the host town of Oldcastle, namely the Hellfire Rally Supporters Group’ that have played a key role in supporting ALMC as the promotors of the rally at its base in Oldcastle.

The rally scrutiny starts at 2pm on Saturday in Kellet’s/RESPA followed by a Ceremonial Launch in the Square Oldcastle at 6pm with a parade through the town to and from Parc Ferme which is adjacent to RESPA.

The ALMC Hellfire Stages Rally Entry List contains a stunning lineup of machinery ready to tackle nine special stages to the east and west of Oldcastle on Sunday next.

Josh Moffett & Keith Moriarity lead the way in a Hyundai I20 R5 and will be challenged by Callum Devine & Noel O’Sullivan. These are followed by Declan Boyle & Patrick Walsh; Gareth MacHale & Brian Murphy who will fancy his chances of a good result.

Local entries have been received from: Tim Flood; Rodney Wilton; Brian Brady; Gary McNamee; Paul McCann; Michael Curran; Gerry Reilly; David Deveraux; Shaun Murphy; Alan Sheridan; Andrew Brown navigating Jack Newman, Michael Cahill; Cian Caldwell; Sean Brady; Martin McKeown; Christopher Snow; Kevin & James Cole: Jack, Sean and Charlie Brunton; Jams Cassidy; Patrick Farrell; Brian Ward; Dermot Hassett.

The full entry of 150 crews is backed up by almost 40 reserves who will be hoping to get a call-up for the weekend while the rally headquarters is the Lakeside Manor Hotel on Dublin Road in Virginia, the rally is based in Oldcastle with three stages at Ballinlough; Lough Ban, and Mullaghmeen to be attempted three times.

The real action starts just after 9:30am Sunday13th at RESPA on Virginia road in Oldcastle when cars leave parc ferme to tackle the first loop of stages, followed by the first service in BD Flood at The Murrens, Oldcastle. The first car is due back at the finish ramp in the Square shortly after 5:30pm.

Marshals are always required, and the club would be grateful to anyone who wishes to help in this way. Interested parties can contact chief marshal Ray Scullion at 087 618 7829.