I can't compete at Donegal while pal Brian Hoy recovers after horror crash, says Kris Meeke
Meeke was due to compete at June's event with the Fermanagh navigator in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 – the same car he has so far dominated the 2025 Portuguese Rally Championship in, winning three of the opening four rounds.
Hoy is currently recovering from an accident that happened on the Cavan Stages Rally; he was sitting alongside Garry Jennings when their Ford Fiesta Rally2 went off the road and hit a tree.
Jennings said the cause of the crash was due to the supermini getting out of shape over a small jump.
Thanks to the quick thinking of fellow competitors Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty and Declan Boyle and Patrick McCrudden, he said they both owed their lives to them.
Jennings sustained a broken leg, sternum, ribs, shoulder and wrist in the incident, while Hoy has been receiving treatment for a broken leg and arm.
As such, former World Rally Championship event winner Meeke has decided to pull his Donegal Rally entry, with the 45-year-old also citing the tragic death of Dai Roberts on the second day of the Duns-based Jim Clark Rally as another reason.
Roberts' driving mate James Williams was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he has since undergone surgery, with his condition said to be stable and the prognosis 'positive'.
Posting on social media, Meeke wrote: 'I had hoped to be out on Donegal International Rally this year, and Brian Hoy was due to co-drive.
'Unfortunately, Brian was badly injured last weekend in a rally with Garry Jennings.
'Out of respect to Brian and the tragic events on the Jim Clark Rally, I felt uneasy to search around for a co-driver who I'd no experience with. So, finally we decided to postpone our entry until the future.
'Huge thanks to all who put in the effort to put everything together. Wishing Brian Hoy and Garry Jennings all the strength in their recovery,' added Meeke, whose previous outing on Irish soil came in 2009 at the Midland Stages Rally.
Meanwhile, a JustGiving page set up to support the wife and two children of Dai Roberts has so far raised over £126,900.
Those behind the idea have said the money will go to cover funeral costs and provide ongoing support.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Huge sum raised for family of 'one of the best' killed in crash
Huge sum raised for family of 'one of the best' killed in crash Dai Roberts from the Carmarthen area died 13 years after his brother was also killed in a rally crash. He's been described as a 'winner in life' who had a 'big, big heart' Rally co-driver Dai Roberts from Carmarthenshire, who died in a crash on May 24 (Image: Motorsport UK ) Almost £150,000 has been raised for the family of 'one of the best' who tragically died in a rally car during an event in Scotland. Dai Roberts, from Carmarthenshire, was killed on Saturday, May 24, having been involved in a crash while taking part in the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders. Emergency services were called to the crash site that morning but Mr Roberts, who was 39, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was co-driver in the rally car, while the driver, James Williams, was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. To make matters even more tragic for the Roberts family, Dai's brother Gareth also died while rallying in Sicily 13 years ago. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . In the wake of Mr Roberts' death last month, a fundraising page was set up in order to raise 'as much as possible for the funeral and on-going support for Dai's wife and children'. Incredibly, more than £100,000 was raised to help Mr Roberts' family in less than two days, while now, less than two weeks later, the total stands at £147,855. Motorsport journalist Luke Barry wrote on the website Dirtfish: 'It never, ever gets any easier. It never, ever feels fair. But for a family that has gone through so much pain, the heartbreaking loss of Dai Roberts has been particularly tough to take. 'The impact he made on the rallying community is immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism and, above all, kindness. Article continues below 'Everybody has a story about him - each and every one unique and now so dearly cherished. But all underpinned by one common theme: Dai's big, big heart. Even when he didn't have time to speak to you, he made time to speak to you. 'The outpouring of emotion and online tributes since the heartbreaking news speak volumes. Dai improved lives. Dai was a winner on the special stages, but more importantly a winner in life.' Dai Roberts (right) with driver James Williams, who was also injured in the crash (Image: James Williams media office ) Other tributes paid to Mr Roberts since his death help paint a picture of the type of man he was. Co-driver Rob Fagg said: 'Dai as we walked back this morning (Saturday) from collecting our time cards, laughing and joking I didn't ever expect that to be the last time. One of the best in the seat, great friend in the sport over many, many years of competition. You will be missed by so many my friend.' Fellow Welsh rally driver Meirion Evans said: 'It's hard to know what to say, something like this hits hard and it still feels a bit numb. But there aren't many like Dai. 'A proper co-driver, driver, decent footballer, all round competitor and one of the most determined and strong people I have ever come across. My thoughts go out to the entire Roberts family.' Andy Davies, a British rally driver and close friend of Mr Roberts, said: 'Still struggling to process and acknowledge the reality of this. The world can be so damn cruel. 'Never more than a phone call away, Dai stepped up when I needed it most. He always had the answers. Someone I always had the utmost respect for, and someone I was lucky to call a friend. 'A life lived, a mark left on the world for so many. We all have a story about Dai. I'll look back on the memories, and miss you so very much.' Article continues below If you would like to contribute to the fundraising page set up for Mr Roberts' family, you can still do so here. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Charity netball tournament inspired by Kinmel Bay woman's cancer news
Rebecca Quayle, a 40-year-old mother-of-three from Kinmel Bay, was told she has secondary breast cancer 12 months ago. On June 28 from 1.30-4pm, her sister, Jen, will take part in a 'men vs women' charity netball competition at Holywell Leisure Centre. in aid of Make 2nds Count, which supports secondary breast cancer patients. Secondary breast cancer occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. After teaching at Rhyl High School for 17 years, Rebecca gave up her job following her diagnosis. She co-hosts a podcast, It's All Gone T*** Up, with fellow secondary breast cancer patient Danielle Robinson, who is an ambassador for Make 2nds Count, and who runs the Tea & Chat group in Rhyl for patients like her. Rebecca said: 'Every year, they (Jen's netball team) do a netball match for a charity close to their hearts. It made me really emotional (that Make 2nds Count was chosen this year). 'My sister is my rock. She ran a marathon for Breast Cancer Now previously and raised £5,000. I was nearly in tears when I heard; I just thought it was so lovely. 'Danielle's Tea & Chat group has been a real lifesaver. We can speak to people going through the same thing, so it's an irreplaceable, brilliant support network. 'It's tough, but we get up and keep going for our children.' A JustGiving page for the event has also been set up – donations can be made by visiting: An estimated 61,000 men and women in the UK are living with this incurable disease - with an estimated 1,000 lives lost each month - and symptoms can vary from person to person. Jen wrote on the JustGiving page: 'Bec has faced treatment after treatment, and setback after setback, with an insane amount of positivity. 'As her little sister, who feels a little helpless and regrets not becoming a doctor, I want to raise money for the incredible Make 2nds Count, who are dedicated to funding research into secondary breast cancer. 'My amazing netball team is going to hold and compete in a tournament against other teams and husbands to raise money for this incredible charity. 'So, if you can, please donate, and if you're free on June 28, come to Holywell Leisure Centre to watch what I'm sure will be a very interesting tournament!'
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Pontypool motorsport legend honoured with ride out and track naming
Selwyn Griffiths was a champion motorbike racer who spent many years of his working life in the town. He sadly passed away back in January aged 83 years old. Selwyn's main claim to fame was as the winner of the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix. He was also a podium finisher at the Isle of Man TT Races, a Southern 100 Championship winner, and twice Aberdare Park Welsh Open winner. These however are just some of his many victories. Selwyn Griffiths at the 1964 Senior Manx Grand Prix (Image: Michael Griffiths) Selwyn worked at Ray Cowles Motorcycles in Pontypool with his business partner and race sponsor Ray for 68 years and was a much-loved figure in the community. At least 160 bikers were present during his funeral procession. Now a 'ride out' is being held from Pontypool to Pembrey circuit in Llanelli to celebrate the naming of 'Selwyn's corner' at the track. Speaking of the ride out and his father 41-year-old Michael Griffiths Selwyn's son said: 'Dad's achievements are being honoured by the naming of a corner at Pembrey Circuit, the home of Welsh Motorsport, and I think that says it all. 'We'll have a great time and contribute to a good cause in memory of dad.' Selwyn Griffiths at Ulster race track (Image: Michael Griffiths) All proceeds from the ride out will be donated to the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. So far, an incredible £1,466 has been raised through a JustGiving page in Selwyn's honour. At the circuit a raffle to raise further funds for Wales Air Ambulance Charity will be held where participants will have a chance to win motorsport related items. Selwyn's family have said for more information on the ride out to search for Selwyn's Pembrey Circuit Rideout on JustGiving.
