There were excellent results for Monaghan crews on last weekend’s West Cork Rally, Round 2 of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Sam Moffett & co driver Karl Atkinson took a fine 2nd overall in their Fiesta WRC with Stephen Wright & co driver Mickie Galvin right behind in 3rd overall in their R5 specification Fiesta.
The two day event was based around the town of Clonakilty with eight stages on Saturday and six stages on Sunday. Sam Moffett/Karl Atkinson slotted into an early 2nd place behind the flying Ford Focus of Donagh Kelly, a place he would hold for the rest of the event. Sam’s brother Josh was also competing in a Fiesta WRC. He held 4th overall until an ignition problem ended their event on stage 7. They later rejoined the event on day two.
By the end of the opening day, Moffett trailed Kelly by 48 seconds. Stephen Wright was getting to grips with his recently acquired Fiesta R5. He was leading his class and 5th overall overnight. Day two followed the pattern of day one with Moffett unable to make any inroads to Kelly’s lead. Sam eventually settled for 2nd overall which was enough to move into 2nd place in the Irish Tarmac Championship. Stephen Wright benefited from retirments ahead to move into 3rd place overall as well as securing a convincing victory in the R5 class.
Furher down the field, Stephen Thornton guided Vivian Hamill to 16th overall and 5th in class 14. Josh Moffett/John Rowan salvaged 18th overall after setting some impressive stage times on day two. John McQuaid/James McCarville were unable to start the event. The third round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship will be the Circuit of Ireland Rally on Easter weekend.
Bishopscourt Stages Rally
Two Monaghan navigators made the trip north for the Bischopscourt Rally on Saturday. Damien Connolly was navigating for Peader Hurson and they brought their Subaru WRC home to 4th overall. Mac Kierans guided Alan Smyth to 13th overall in their Citroen C2 and finished 3rd amongst the R2 class competitors.
Monaghan Navigation Trial
All roads lead to Aughnamullen for the final round of the National & Border Navigation Championship on Saturday night. COC Laurence Keenan and ACOC Ashley McAdoo are organising the final Navigation Trial until October and the pair hope to have a 100 mile route which will surely be a challenging test for competitors. Marshals are required for this event and anyone available should meet at the Community Centre, Aughnamullen at 8pm.
Donegal Forestry Rally
Round 2 of the Irish Forestry Rally Championship takes place on Saturday with the re-arranged Donegal Forestry Rally. Entries are still be received for this event but a number of Monaghan crews are expected to make the start. Six stages are on the agenda to be held in the Pettigo area. Full Report next week.
Stage Commander Training
A Motorsport Ireland Stage Commander training course will be held in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan on Thursday 19th March with sign-on at 7.45 for an 8pm start. This course is compulsory for those seeking a Stage Commander’s licence. It is also required as a refresher course for those licence holders who last attended this course 3 years ago or more. Newcomers who attend will be able to obtain their full Stage Commander licence, once they have officiated as Deputy Stage Commander at two events, or have previously officiated in this role.
The course is approximately two and half hours long and will cover a number of topics, including Public Relations, Reconnaissance, Stage set-up and Accident Management. We would encourage any experienced marshal interested in progressing in rally management to attend this course, which is free of charge.
Upcoming events:
March 29th Midland Stages Rally
April 3rd-4th Circuit of Ireland Rally
April 12th Munster Forestry Rally
April 19th Circuit of Kerry Rally
April 26th Monaghan Stages Rally
County Monaghan Motor Club 