Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast

Review of the Carlow Stages Rally

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast [2026 Season] episode 24.

 

Fresh from their impressive victory at the Carlow Stages Rally, Michael Boyle and Dermot McCafferty join us to break down their winning performance along with Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty, who secured an excellent second place as they reflect on a hard-fought battle at the front of the field and the pace needed to challenge for victory and looking forward to the Donegal International Rally.

Rounding out the episode is Jonathan Pringle, winner of the ever-competitive MKII Challenge (and over all two-wheel-drive winner) talks about his event. From dramatic stages and tricky weather conditions plus plenty of rally insight, stories, and analysis from a memorable weekend in Carlow.

#motorsport #rallying #carlowrally #podcast #irishrally

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Michael Boyle, Dermot McCafferty, Cathan McCourt & Barry McNulty 00:04:05

Johnny Pringle 00:32:20

End 00:48:21

What makes WRC Rally de Portugal so Special?

Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast | 2026 Season - Episode 23

 

Sean Moriarty joins Kevin and Conor for a deep dive into why Vodafone Rally de Portugal remains one of the most iconic rounds of the World Rally Championship. An experienced automotive journalist and founder of Kerry Motorsport News, Sean shares first-hand insight into the culture, history, and atmosphere surrounding Rally Portugal. From the legendary Fafe jump (Pedra Sentada) to the carnival energy of the gravel stages, the trio explore why the event holds such a special place in rallying folklore. They discuss the passion of the fans, the spectacle of Pedra Sentada, and the electric atmosphere created by flares, fireworks, chainsaws, and packed spectator banks. If you love rallying at its rawest and most atmospheric, this episode shows why Portugal remains the beating heart of the WRC. #WRC #RallyPortugal #VodafoneRallyPortugal #FafeJump #PedraSentada #Rallying #Motorsport #WorldRallyChampionship #kerrymotorsportnews #podcast #rallypodcast

Rally of the Lakes & Manx National Reviews. Plus Junior ERC & Carlow Rally Previews

Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast | Season 2026 | Episode 22

 

This week on Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast, we recap a dramatic Killarney Rally of the Lakes, with Rob Duggan joining us after clinching victory in the Modified category.

We revisit the Manx Rally, with overall winners Ryan Loughran and Robb Fagg recalling their standout performance and claiming victory on the iconic island stages.

Rising Irish talent Kyle McBride joins the show to discuss his exciting announcement for the 2026 Junior European Rally Championship and what lies ahead for the season.

We preview the upcoming Carlow Rally with Clerk of the Course Michael Comerford, who gives insight into the preparations, stages, and what competitors and fans can expect from one of the most anticipated events on the national rally calendar.

Plenty of rally chat, analysis, and behind-the-scenes insight throughout the episode.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Rob Duggan - Rally of the Lakes - 00:03:35

Ryan Loughran & Rob Fagg - Manx National 00:24:40

Kyle McBride - JERC announcement 00:49:52

Mick Comerford - COC Carlow Rally 01:05:05

End 01:17:46

 

 

#KrunchingGear #RallyPodcast #IrishRallying #RallyOfTheLakes #KillarneyRally #ManxRally #CarlowRally #ModifiedRallying #JuniorERC #EuropeanRallyChampionship #ERC #Motorsport #Rallying #IrishMotorsport #KyleMcBride #RyanLoughran #RobDuggan #RobbFagg #BehindTheStages #NationalRallying

Escort Rally Special

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast 2026 Season, episode 21.

 

In this episode, we’re joined by Christophe Jacob, one of the organising team and Frank Kelly, MKII Escort hero, to talk about The Escort Rally Special in Chimay, Belgium, on 11th –13th September. A rally that delivers a pure, no-compromise celebration of Ford Escort rallying on fast, technical asphalt. Designed exclusively for Escort machinery, this niche event has quickly become a focal point for iconic Ford Escort enthusiasts. This rally caters for all types of RWD Escorts, but FWD or 4WD cars may also be considered. Set across demanding stages in the Hainaut region, the rally promises close competition and a strong community atmosphere. Frank and Christophe offer firsthand insight into the challenges and charm of competing in a single-marque rally. Whether you’re a driver, fan, or historic rally devotee, this is one you won’t want to miss.

 

#FordEscort #rallyfans #onebrand #irishrally #motorsport #fastford #FrankKelly #babyblue

WRC - Season Review to date. Preview of the Rally of the Lakes.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 20.

Luke Barry, award-winning journalist with DirtFish, joins us to break down the WRC season so far, covering the standout performances, surprise results, and key storylines shaping the championship battle. With expert insight and behind-the-scenes perspective, Luke helps us unpack what’s happening across the WRC.

We also turn our attention to the Killarney Rally of the Lakes, as Sean Moriarty from Kerry Motorsport News previews the action. From local contenders to event atmosphere, Sean sets the scene for a thrilling weekend in Kerry.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Luke Barry on the WRC Season 00:00:55

Sean Moriarty talks, Killarney, Rally of the Lakes 00:51:20

End 01:21:11

#WRC #WorldRallyChampionship #Rallying #Motorsport #DirtFish #LukeBarry #RallyFans #RallyLife #KillarneyRally #RallyOfTheLakes #KerryMotorsport #IrishRally #MotorsportIreland #SeanMoriarty #RallySeason #Podcast #MotorsportPodcast #RallyNews

Review of Moonraker and Sierra Morena Rallies

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 19.

 

This week’s episode takes a look back at an action-packed Moonraker Forest Rally, where standout performances defined the weekend. We are joined by Andy Hayes (who claimed top honours alongside Josh Moffett) and 3rd placed co-driver Martin Brady (who sat with Mark Donnelly). In the two-wheel-drive battle, Jack Harris emerged victorious after a fiercely contested event and talks to us about his run on the Moonraker. We also shift our focus to the international stage, as we’re joined by William Creighton (7th overall) and Casey Jay Coleman (winner of the Fiesta Rally3 Trophy) fresh from their campaign at the opening round of the European Rally Championship, the Sierra Morena Rally. They share insights from their experience competing against top-level European talent, the challenges of adapting to new conditions, and what this means for their season ahead.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Moonraker talk with Andy Hayes & Martin Brady 00:03:00

More Moonraker Chat with Jack Harris 00:33:48

ERC Sierra Morena chat with William Creighton & Casey Jay Coleman 00:47:00

End 01:13:04

Krunching Gears - Lets talk rallying with Aaron Johnston

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season Episode 18.

 

Fresh off an extraordinary double victory on two of the toughest rounds in the World Rally Championship, Aaron Johnston returns home to celebrate in style. In this special live episode, recorded in Omagh, we capture an unforgettable evening with Aaron alongside his family, friends, supporters, and sponsors as they reflect on back-to-back triumphs at the legendary Safari Rally and the demanding Croatian Rally. From Kenya’s unforgiving terrain to the tricky Croatian asphalt stages, Aaron shares insights into what it took to conquer both events. A sincere thank you to Ian Johnston and family, Matthew Alexander (Traction Media), Michael Devlin (the Adrian Newey of sound), and Darren Boot Music for their invaluable support in making this recording possible.

Rally Croatia & Severn Valley Rally Reviews. Moonraker Rally Preview.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 17.

 

Guests this week bring a packed rally roundup and preview. We kick things off with Conor Edwards as we dive into Rally Croatia, breaking down the key moments, standout performances, and what it all means for the championship battle. From high-speed asphalt to dramatic stages, there’s plenty to unpack. Next, we shift focus to the opening round of the British Rally Championship, the Severn Valley Rally, where Damien Tourish & Kevin Duggan, and Ben McFall join us to share insights, stories from the stages, and their experiences tackling one of the most challenging events on the calendar. Finally, we look ahead to the Moonraker Rally with Gavin Walsh, previewing what to expect, whether you're following every stage or just catching up, this episode has everything you need to stay in the loop.

 

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Croatia chat from Conor Edwards 00:01:10

Severn Valley Rally - Damien Tourish, Kevin Duggan & Ben McFall 00:16:45

Moonraker Preview with COC Gavin Walsh 00:43:10

End 00:58:20

Circuit of Ireland Review & Monaghan Stages Preview.

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season Episode 16.  

 

We’re fresh off the stages of the Circuit of Ireland with a full breakdown of all the action.

We’re joined by overall winners David Kelly & Shane Buckley as they talk us through their performance, the key moments of the rally, and what it took to come out on top in their stunning Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2. We also catch up with Barry Morris and Dylan Doonan, who claimed victory in the 2WD category in the awesome Darrian T90 GTR+, to hear about their impressive run and the challenges they faced along the way.

Looking ahead, we turn our attention to the upcoming Monaghan Stages Rally. Local radio star Sean McCaffrey joins us to share his insights, expectations, and what fans should be watching for as the rally rolls into town this weekend.

Plenty of stories, analysis, and rally chat as always—so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

🎧 Don’t forget to follow and share Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast.

 

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

David Kelly & Shane Buckley 00:02:20

Barry Morris & Dylan Doonan 00:15:55

Sean McCaffrey, Monaghan Rally chat 00:31:50

End 00:54:41

Young Guns prepare for the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy

Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season Episode 15

 

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Rahill, Casey Jay Coleman, Cian Caldwell, and Kalum Graffin to discuss their upcoming campaign in the European Rally Championship Rally3 Trophy, a five-round, M-Sport Poland–run competition kicking off at Rally Sierra Morena in mid-April. Craig and Casey Jay return for their second season in the championship, bringing valuable experience and insight, while Cian and Kalum prepare to take on the challenge for the very first time. The crews share their expectations, preparations, and what it means to compete across some of Europe’s most iconic and demanding rally stages. From the gravel of Sweden to the asphalt of Spain and Italy, and on to Poland and the Czech Republic, the 2026 Fiesta Rally3 Trophy promises a true test of skill, adaptability, and endurance. With a Ford Fiesta Rally2 prize drive at JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion awaiting the overall winner, the stakes are high. Tune in for an inside look at the drivers, the competition, and the road ahead.