Women in Motorsport: Hazel O’Callaghan and Mairéad Duane Excel in Belgium

It was another fantastic trip and finish for Ireland’s rally contingent at this year's Rally Escort Special, based around the scenic Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure in Belgium - a weekend that turned into a remarkable family triumph for the O'Callaghan household.

Leading the charge for Women in Motorsport was the all-female crew of driver Hazel O'Callaghan and co-driver Mairéad Duane, both Limerick Motor Club Members.

The pair battled through demanding, highly technical stages alongside 21 other Irish crews in an impressive 106-car field. The strong Irish presence also featured two father-and-daughter duos: Jenna Mulcaire navigating alongside her father, Liam, and Lauren Kelly co-driving for Frank Kelly- a driver who is no stranger to this iconic event.

Tricky pace notes were a major talking point across the service park. Off-road forest sections, maze-like village streets, tight chicanes, and narrow hairpins tested even the most experienced competitors. Through it all, Hazel's remarkable capability was never in question, delivering a drive that demonstrated exactly why she remains one of Ireland's top female drivers.

Delivering a faultless performance from start to finish, O'Callaghan and Duane brought home another superb result to cap off a brilliant weekend behind the wheel.

To make the trip even more memorable, the rally became a true family celebration on the leaderboard. Hazel’s son, Christopher, claimed the overall rally victory alongside co-driver JJ Cremin, while her husband, Ed O'Callaghan, brought his car home in a brilliant 6th overall with co-driver Kaine Treanor.