Once again Monaghan Motor Club has been cast into the limelight with the exciting news that club member Sam Moffett has been selected as this years Billy Coleman young rally driver of the year. The Dunlop Motorsport Ireland Champions of Irish Motorsport Awards were held in Dublin on Tuesday 13th December last at the Crown Plaza hotel in Santry, Dublin. Sam was presented with his award by Billy Coleman as RTE’s John Kenny announced his selection on the day.
A large Monaghan contingent were present at the awards ceremony as Scotshouse lad Daniel McKenna was also in the running for the Billy Coleman award. Gracious in defeat Daniel wished Sam all the best for the forth-coming season and congratulated him on his success. Arthur Kierans and Ashley McAdoo were also presented with their awards as National Navigation Champions on the day.
Sam with regular navigator James O’Reilly started off the year with no firm intentions of contesting the National or Tarmac Rally championships but after some great results over the first few events they found themselves in the running for both championships. As the season progressed Sam and James’ results became even more consistent with numerous top five places. They finished up 2nd over-all in the Dunlop national rally championship behind double championship winner Tim McNulty and took the group N honours in their EVO 9. The finished 3rd group N in the Tarmac championship behind Gary Jennings and Alan Ring.
This award includes a €50,000 package towards Sam’s 2012 rallying season. Sam has hinted that he intends to compete in some international and over sea’s events in the coming season as well as gaining some experience on gravel events Monaghan motor club would like to congratulate Sam on his success and wish him all the best for next year. Sam joins a unique list of Monaghan club members who have received this prestigious award in the past with Eamon McElvaney and Dessie Keenan winning it in 2004 and 2003 respectively.
County Monaghan Motor Club 