More than 20,000 rally enthusiasts are expected to descend on Galway this weekend for the Safety Direct Galway International Rally, which gets under way this Friday 1 February.

Over 50 Galway crews will contest the rally, which begins with a ceremonial start at 8pm this Friday in Eyre Square.

The first Galway crew to cross the finish ramp on Sunday evening will be awarded The Brian Thornton Memorial Trophy. John Joe Flemming at number 20, in his Ford Focus WRC will be the first Galway car over the start ramp. He is joined by his regular co-driver Robbie Ward.

Mike Bird and Kevin Keane will not far behind at number 26. They are said to be hoping for a good weekend in the 'West Properties Subaru S7 WRC' and plan to be in the running for The Brian Thornton Trophy on Sunday.

Mechanical Scrutiny for the rally cars begins at 12 noon and runs until 7pm on Friday 1 February, near The Galway Cold Storage Premises on the Oranmore to Claregalway road.

The top 20 cars and crews will be in Eyre Square for the ceremonial start at 8pm on Friday. This is an ideal opportunity to see the cars and drivers before the action gets under way on Saturday morning.

The first stage begins at 8.13am, just south of Kinvara, before moving to Shanaglish and then to the 'Black Road'. The cars will then head to Athenry Mart for service. The first stage on Sunday begins at 10.09am near Ballymacward with service located in Ballinasloe Mart. The winning car is expected back in Eyre Square around 6pm on Sunday.

Organisers have asked the public to cooperate with the gardaí and Rally Marshals at all times.

There will be road closures on Saturday 2 February in the areas around Kinvara, Peterswell and Kylebrack. Road closures on Sunday 3 February will be in the Ballymacward, Laurencetown and around Ballyforan in Roscommon. All roads affected are minor roads and will be signposted.

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