Donegal Rally Gallery: Thrills and spills on day one

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The McGettigan brothers, Kyle and Dale.

South Donegal played host to almost 80km of the Donegal International Rally on Friday as the event came through Barnesmore Gap for the first time in 39 years.

The crews were treated to stages that were described by Josh Moffett as 'tough, bumpy, tricky roads'.

There were thrills and spills aplenty for the huge crowds who thronged to the six special stages - two loops each of Donegal Bay, Rockhill and Copany.

Moffett leads by 4.9 seconds after the opening day of action with Callum Devine hot on his heels.

Donegal Rally: Kevin Gallagher holds advantage in dramatic national battle

There have already been some high-profile fallers in the national rally with Rathmullan man Kevin Gallagher, the defending champion, leading the way after day one

In a dramatic battle for honours in the national rally, Kevin Gallagher in his lightweight Darrian leads the way from Kevin Eves, who had set blistering pace on the first two stages before losing a lot of time on the first Copany loop.

Saturday seeks eight stages with the world renowned Knockalla done twice with the crews tackling Carnhill and Garrygort three times.