FRANK MEAGHER defends his Dunlop Tarmac Rally Championship title in this weekend's Statoil sponsored Galway International Rally, the opening round of the 1996 series.

Meagher, in his Ford Escort RS Cosworth, starts at number one and will lead off the 120 strong entry from Eyre Square tomorrow morning to tackle 16 closed road stages against the clock.

The Co Tipperary driver will be followed, in order of seeding, by Stephen Murphy (Escort Cosworth-2). Bertie Fisher (Subaru Impreza-3). Austin McHale (Toyota Celica GT-4), Kenny McKinstry (Escort 2000-5), James Cullen (Escort Cosworth-6), Liam O'Callaghan (Celica GT-7), Jimmy McRae (Escort Cosworth-8), Andrew Nesbitt (Celica GT-9). Mickey Farrell (Subaru Legacy-10), Ian Greer (Celica GT-11), and three more Escort Cosworths in the hands of Peadar Hurson (12). Eamonn Boland (14) and Bob Eowden (15).

That's the most impressive line up of high powered Group A turbocharged cars ever in an Irish rally, which is a sure fire guarantee of the most exciting driving as the likes of Meagher, Fisher, McHale, Cullen and O'Callaghan, in particular, push it to the limits over the uncompromising roads of the West.

Meagher will not only give of his best but will also be looking for that little extra to attract the vital sponsorship to allow him to contest the remaining six championship rounds. Fisher has a lot to prove as he has never won the Galway International.

McHale has won the rally three times and was a close second last year. His Toyota Celica GT4 is old in comparison with the more modern Escorts Fisher's Subaru Impreza 555 and the latest Celicas of O'Callaghan and Greer. But McHale can be relied to wring the best from his car over roads he knows well.

McKinstry in the front wheel drive Escort 2000 will not enjoy the superior traction of the four wheel drive cars, but can be relied on to post a powerful performance.

Like Meagher, Cullen is short on sponsorship, and he, too, will be driving his Cosworth with special zest.

O'Callaghan gives a first run to his latest Esso Ultron backed Celica GT4. This is an ex works car as rallied last year by Juha Kankkunen of Finland, four time world champion. The Kanturk driver will be pushing hard.

As well as the top contenders, there will be others worth watching. Leading drivers for Group N honours include Trevor Cathers (Subaru Impreza 16). Donal Bowens (28) and Eugene O'Donnell (29) in Escort Cosworths.