Easter Stages Rally Cancelled

The Triton Easter Stages Rally, due to take place across Counties Down and Antrim, was cancelled due to the severe weather conditions The rally was to use a number of roads in the Dromara Hills, around Slieve Croob, which were buried under snowdrifts of up to 12 feet.

Bobby Willis, spokesman for the event, said: “People in the area, particularly farmers, were facing critical issues, including the loss and death of livestock. Therefore, the management team decided unanimously that iti would be inappropriate for the rally to continue.

“As well as conveying sensitivity to people in the area at this time of hardship, our fear was also that the road closures that were necessary for the rally to run, would further hamper crucial access in the area. The rally could also put additional pressure on emergency services, which were already stretched.”

He added: “We are currently exploring alternatives to run the rally at a later date but, whilst we have had a huge setback, our sights are now firmly set on the Circuit of Ireland 2014 and returning the European Rally Championship to Northern Ireland.”

A huge number of entries have been received for the event, which was to feature as Round 2 of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and Round 3 of the Northern Ireland Stage Rally Championship.