TWO HURT AT DONEGAL RALLY AS FINAL STAGES CANCELLED

Two spectators were taken to hospital after an accident at the Donegal International Rally on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred during the first pass of the Gartan stage, the 12th of 20 stages in the three-day event. Organisers cancelled the final two stages scheduled for Saturday. No update on the spectators' condition was provided by rally organisers, though both were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital. A decision on whether to complete the remaining six stages on Sunday was to be made later on Saturday.

Kris Meeke, a five-time World Rally Championship event winner, was leading the rally at the time of the stoppage alongside co-driver Liam Regan, holding a 13.9-second advantage over Callum Devine and navigator Noel O'Sullivan. Devine is pursuing a fourth consecutive victory in the event. Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy held third place, 31.6 seconds behind the leaders, whilst Philip Allen and Craig Drew occupied fourth position. Meeke, competing in his first Donegal appearance in 18 years, had led by 11.8 seconds after Friday's opening six stages.

The Donegal International Rally is one of the largest motorsport events on the island of Ireland. Michael Dunlop, the Isle of Man TT record wins holder, restarted on Saturday morning after a mechanical failure in his Ford Escort forced his withdrawal from Friday's stages.