Young Birr motor club member captures national title

A teenage member of Birr & District Motor Club has become the 2026 Motorsport Ireland Junior 1,000 Rally champion.

Fifteen-year-old Conor Fogarty, who is from Roscrea, captured the title at the weekend, alongside co-driver Des Sherlock.

The Birr Motor Club described his weekend performance as 'a mature and intelligent drive', as he secured the championship with a fifth-placed finish at this season's latest round of championship racing at Laois.

In doing so, Conor becomes the first Tipperary man to win the J1000 Championship across the mixed-surface events.

His success also carried more significance, as his grandfather Michael Fogarty was three-time National Rally Class Champion in the early nineties. His father Eoghan Fogarty also went on to become the 2015 Irish Touring Car Champion.

Through social media, Birr & District Motor Club offered 'huge congratulations' to Conor and Des on 'an incredible championship campaign', and thanked everyone who supported the club throughout the season including sponsors, family, friends, service crew, Birr Motor Club, and supporters.