Derek McGarrity, the MacHale brothers and Tim McNulty have confirmed their intention to compete on the 2009 Galway Rally

Image: www.roydempster.com

The launch for the 2009 Safety Direct Galway International Rally, the opening round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, was held last week and several top Irish drivers confirmed their intention to compete.

Derek McGarrity (pictured above) said that he will enter the rally which takes place 17-18 January. Derek also stated that he hopes to have a new car from Prodrive (probably an S12c), ready for Galway.

McGarrity said about his chances of winning in Galway: 

 I’m going to have a good go at it”

The MacHale brothers, Gareth and Aaron will also be competing in Galway. Gareth hopes to be in the Opel Corsa Super 2000 which would mark the car's competitive debut, though MSD boss David Whitehead has stated recently that Rally Ireland is the target for it's first outing. Tim McNulty has also confirmed that he will be back on the Galway stages in January.

CoC Gary Leonard had stated to rallynews.net that M-Sport have expressed a view to competing in preparation for Rally Ireland. Reigning tarmac champion Eamonn Boland is also expected to be there in his Subaru to defend his title.

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