Bandon-based co-driver Daniel Seaman is set to reunite with Kerry rally driver Colin O’Meara this Saturday, (April 18), for the EARS Motorsport Moonraker Forest Rally.
The pair will tackle six high-speed gravel stages totalling 65km, cantered around the rally HQ at the Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal and the service park in Dungarvan.
Despite being just 20 years old, Seaman has quickly become a steadying influence in the cockpit.
This weekend marks only O’Meara’s second-ever rally, following a successful debut at the Yeats Ridge Forest Rally in February. On that occasion, the duo steered their Peugeot 208 R2 to a fourth-place finish in Class 2A, despite a steep learning curve in slippery conditions.
Seaman, who balances his rallying career with Automotive Management studies at MTU Cork and working in the family business at Dan Seaman Motors, is enjoying a busy 2026 season.
He currently sits second in the RC4 category of the NAPA Irish Tarmac Rally Championship alongside David Herbert and holds third in the Class 2A standings of the Trailer Parts & Spares Motorsport Ireland Irish Forest Rally Championship heading into this weekend.
Seaman and O’Meara are seeded seventh in a ten-car category for Saturday’s event, which is known for its technical and flowing stages that require absolute commitment from the crew.
Daniel Seaman is looking forward to the challenge:
“I’m buzzing to get back into the woods with Colin this weekend. Yeats Ridge was a proper ‘in at the deep end’ start for him with the snow and the new car, but we kept our heads down and the result was way better than we expected for a first go,” he said.
“This will be my 15th start overall and only my third time on the gravel, so I’m still learning plenty myself, but the plan for the Moonraker is simple enough. We just want to get through the first loop clean, find a good rhythm, and hopefully push on a bit in the afternoon to see if we can nab a few more championship points. It’s great to be back in a Peugeot 208 R2 again and the stages around Dungarvan are always top class, so I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Having started his career in 2022 alongside his father, Gerard Seaman, the West Cork youngster has clear ambitions to reach the top level of the sport. Saturday’s Moonraker Forest Rally offers another vital opportunity to build momentum in what is shaping up to be a standout year for the rising co-driver.
The event holds extra significance for Seaman as it is organised by his home club, the Munster Car Club. His connection to the Moonraker goes back years, having helped out behind the scenes since he was young, following in the footsteps of his father, Gerard, who is a former Clerk of the Course for the rally.
“It’s my home club’s rally so that makes it even more special,” he added, “My father was the COC of the Moonraker before, so I’ve been involved in the background since I was a young lad. I’ve seen how much work goes into it, so I’m really looking forward to finally competing on my first one.”
Cavan rally driver Oran England and Sligo co-driver Darragh Mullen return to the gravel this Saturday, (April 18), for the EARS Motorsport Moonraker Forest Rally.
Based in Youghal with service in Dungarvan, the pair faces six high-speed stages totalling 65km in their Peugeot 208 Rally4.
The event marks a major shift in the 2026 season. After taking class wins on the tarmac in Mayo and Birr, England moves back to the loose surface for Round two of the National Forest Rally Championship.
Crucially, this is Round three of the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series (MIJRS), where the championship battle is at its peak.
England currently sits second in the MIJRS standings, trailing rival Ben McFall by just three points.
With both drivers holding one win each this year (McFall on gravel and England on tarmac) Saturday’s rally is a critical moment for England to adjust his driving style in an effort to claim top spot.
The Peugeot Ireland supported crew’s focus is entirely on the technical challenge of the Waterford and Cork forests. England is ready for the challenge:
“I’m buzzing to get back onto the gravel this weekend. We’ve had a great run on the tar lately, so the confidence is high, but I know the mindset has to completely change for the woods,” he said.
“It’s only three points, but in this Junior series, every second counts. The Peugeot 208 Rally4 is the best bit of kit for these stages, and with Darragh on the notes, we’re going to give it a proper go. It’s about being fast but being smart.”
Mullen, a member of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, brings massive experience to the car as the reigning British Junior champion.
Oran England Motorsport is supported by: Peugeot Ireland; TEE Fire Safety Solutions; BJD Electrical; IRL Motorsports; The Mason’s Apron; Lough Owel Motors; BSR Plant & Civil; Fortus; Streamline Coaches; OHR; CA Hire; and Kerry Motorsport News.
