Defending champions Matt Edwards and David Moynihan head a stacked entry list for the upcoming Circuit of Ireland Rally, round two of the NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. The Dungannon-based event promises high drama as some of the biggest names in Irish rallying prepare to battle it out.

After an early exit from last month’s West Cork Rally, Edwards is aiming to bounce back in style. The Welshman impressed on his Hyundai i20 Rally2 debut, running second before a day-two off ended his run. A strong performance here, like last year, could reignite his title bid.

Keith Cronin, winner in West Cork, is tipped by many as the pre-event favourite. The reigning champion is still adapting to his Citroen C3 Rally2, but a solid start to his campaign puts him firmly in the spotlight heading into the Circuit.

Callum Devine, fresh from tying the knot, returns to the stages after skipping West Cork. The 2023 champion has been a powerhouse since switching mid-season to the Skoda Fabia Rally2 and will be hungry to pick up where he left off.

Looking to break a two-year winless streak in the ITRC, Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes line up fourth in another Citroen, ready to shake things up.

In the Modified ranks, reigning champions Eddie Doherty and Tom Murphy continue their strong 2025 form. Their dominant showing at the Circuit of Kerry has cemented their status as serious contenders for this year’s ITRC crown.

Garry Jennings, seeded sixth, enters the event fresh off wins at the Tour of the Sperrins and Manx Rally. The 2013 ITRC champion is buzzing with confidence in his new Ford Fiesta Rally2, alongside rallying icon Rory Kennedy.

Rounding out a fiercely competitive Rally2 top ten are Cathan McCourt, Ryan Loughran, Declan Boyle, and David Kelly.

The 2025 Circuit of Ireland begins on Friday, 18th April, with a double pass of the Ivy Hill stage. The action continues Saturday with nine demanding stages, concluding with the finish ramp at 5pm.

McEvoy Motorsport Modified ITRC

Frank and Lauren Kelly were on course for Modified glory at West Cork before a late misfire dashed their hopes. Their fierce rivalry with Damian Toner continues this weekend, with David Moffett, Michael Cahill, and Brian Lavelle also looking to make an impact in the two-wheel-drive battle.

Toner, who narrowly missed out on last year’s title, enters round two leading the standings by five points over Eamon McCarthy, with Corey Eves another two points adrift.

Local favourite Barry Morris has shown strong pace this season in his Darrian T90 and will be one to keep an eye on.

Wales Motorsport Fabrication Historic ITRC

Tomas Davies strengthened his grip on the Historic standings with another impressive win at West Cork. However, with Davies sitting out round three, his rivals have a golden opportunity to close the gap.

Hugh McQuaid and Declan Casey lead the Historic entry list, seeded 40th, while John O’Donnell and Paddy Robinson are set to thrill fans again in their BMW M3, combining pace with pure entertainment.

Meanwhile, the experienced duo Meirion Evans and Anthony O’Sullivan return in their trusty Ford Escort RS1800, aiming for another top result. Local ace Trevor Wilson also rejoins the Historic field in his immaculate BMW M3.

Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Junior ITRC

In the Junior category, Ronan Dorrian, runner-up in West Cork, will go head-to-head with Cameron Crozier of Ballynahinch. Sitting second in the standings, Dorrian will be pushing hard for maximum points on the Circuit’s challenging stages.