Irish women making their mark at Momignies Rally
In mid-September, Limerick Motor Club members Hazel & Kirsty O'Callaghan and Mairead Duane had the honour of representing Irish women in motorsport at the Momignies Rally in Belgium, an event that proved both memorable and highly successful. Five Motorsport Ireland crews travelled to Belgium to take on the challenge, with three securing podium finishes — an impressive achievement for the Irish contingent.
Preparation for the rally involved the development of pace notes, translation of road books, and completion of timecards. These tasks presented some challenges, but in true Irish fashion, the team adapted, improvised, and, when necessary, bluffed through with professionalism and good humour.
The rally featured two fantastic and demanding stages, offering a mix of high-quality Belgian tarmac, deep cuts, and variable weather conditions in a very agricultural area. Administrative checks and scrutiny were managed efficiently, and the town-based service area contributed to an excellent atmosphere, enhanced by the sounds of Escorts, Subarus, and Porsches competing throughout the weekend.
Hazel approached the event with her trademark calmness and focus, displaying her strong driving memory and experience — qualities that have earned her the affectionate nickname “the fastest Granny in Ireland.” Kirsty’s performance as co-driver to her brother Christopher in the number 1 seeded car was equally impressive, leading the rally for much of the event before a mechanical issue forced retirement. Her composure and professionalism demonstrated the high level of skill she has developed, following in her mother’s footsteps.
Acknowledgement is also due to the women who provided essential support throughout the weekend — Aileen, Jenna, Colleen, and Catherine — as well as mascots Roisín and Caoimhe, whose assistance and encouragement were invaluable.
The event concluded successfully with all crews home safely and proudly displaying the green, white, and gold on their cars in Parc Fermé. The trip to Momignies was a fitting celebration of teamwork and Irish spirit, and plans are already underway to return next year with more Irish crews — and more Irish women making their mark in motorsport.
