Donegal men win Galway Summer Rally
Donegal cousins Declan and Brain Boyle won the recent Galway Summer Stages Rally. This win was made all the more special by the fact that the Donegal men were out in a newly acquired Subaru WRC for the first time. John Joe Fleming and Robbie Ward were 2nd o/a in a Focus WRC while Donegal’s Declan Gallagher and Derek Henna had a fabulous run to 3rd o/a in there back wheel drive starlet.
There were a number of local crews who made the trip West and it was Emmett Sherry who topped the pile, navigating Barry Ryan to a fine 5th over-all in their class 11 escort. Jack Maguire and Stephen Mc Elroy were 11th and 3rd in class 13 in their escort. Emyvale New Holland dealer Barry McKenna had Martin McGarrity on the notes and had a great run to 12th o/a through the stone walled Galway stages. Jonathon Treanor was in the hot seat for the first time with Adrian Cannon in the ever-quick Honda and blitzed the class 2 opposition to take the class win and 15th over-all. Justin Smyth and Gregory McQuillan once again made the trip to Galway worthwhile with a comprehensive class 9 win and 19th over-all in their escort. Justin was on the pace from the off and even the rain while on slicks couldn’t slow down the Lisnalong men. Justine and Gregory would like to thank their sponsors Seamus Doran Plant Hire-Smithboro, Fitzpatrick Fuels-Clones, EMG Services-Ballybay and Martin Smyth Agri for their generous help.
Unfortunately Darren and Nicola McKenna’s day was short lived as they retired on stage 2 in their class 11 twin cam. Damian Connolly was on the notes for Louth man Liam Bowhan in the starlet and they consistently climbed the leader board throughout the day and were up to 15th but retired on ss7.
Davagh Sunset Rally
Enda McNulty with Monaghan man Paul Sheridan on the notes took the over-all win on the hugely popular Sunset Rally on Friday week last. This event is a gravel surface event run under the cover of darkness, adding to the challenge and spectacle and attracted 53 entries. Enda and Paul took a 13 second win from the fivemiletown pairing of Shane McGirr and Jackie Elliott in the ultra quick starlet. Vivian and Paul Hamill were 3rd over-all in their escort.
As with any rally event throughout the country there was a convoy of locals who made the trip to the Davagh Forests. Dessie Keenan and Enda Sherry tried their luck in the sticks in the infamous Maguire G3 escort and had great run to 9th over-all and 2nd in class 8. Michael Conlon and Gerry Buckley made a welcomed return with a fine run to 12th over-all and 3rd in class 7. Andy Mackarel and Raymond Conlon were out once again in the EVO4 and had a steady run to 16th over-all and 2nd in class. Conor Maguire teamed up with Damian Hagan for the night and took his immaculate MKI escort home to 20th over-all and 4th in class. Michael Carbin took a step into the unknown in the 205 and with Martin McGarrity on the notes they finished 25th over-all and missed out on a class win by 6 seconds. Michael’s night navigation experience surely helping through the Davagh Forests. Cavan native Noel Lappin with Daire Maguire on the notes were 26th over-all and class 3 winners.
Night Navigation Classes
Classes continue tonight (Thursday) at 8pm in Threemilehouse GAA complex. Still not too late to join in. This course cover’s all aspects of night navigation as well as the basics of stages rallying navigation. Navigation regular Fintan Clerkin has kindly taken on the task of running these classes for this year and if you are interested in partaking please call or text Fintan on 0872297024.
Sympathy
Monaghan Motor Club and its members would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Peter O Reilly, Monaghan who died suddenly last week. Peter is survived by his wife Frances, daughters Sinead and Ashling and sons Daniel, James and Greg who are all regular competitors on motor sport events.
County Monaghan Motor Club 