Daniel McKenna & Andrew Grennan resumed their Junior World Rally Championship campaign in Portugal last weekend. The event which was based near Porto was contested over four days and a total of 16 stages. After an impressive start which saw them holding 3rd in class, the Scotshouse crew had an unfortunate off which damaged their car and forced a re-start under Rally 2. After setting numerous top three times, they had to settle for 9th in class. Despite the disappointment of this result, the crew still gained plenty of experience for their future JWRC events.
The rally got off to a good start for the pair as they held a strong 3rd in class at the end of the opening loop of stages. Unfortunately they caught a slower car on stage six. With dust reducing visibility to a minimum they slid wide, breaking a wishbone and driveshaft. The pair were unable to complete the remaining stages so received time penalties for each stage they didn’t complete which left them 12th in class overnight.
They made steady progress on day two and were an impressive 3rd fastest on the 37 km stage 10 before going 2nd fastest on the repeated run of that stage. By the end of the day, they had climbed to 8th in class. There was drama on the final day as suspension problems cost them more time before they went 3rd fastest in class on the final stage secured them 9th in class.
The next round of the Junior World Rally Championship is just six weeks away with Rally Poland taking place between 2nd and 5th July.
Hurson/Connolly Crowned Cavan Rally Champions
Scotstown’s Damien Connolly guided Warrenpoint’s Peader Hurson to overall victory on last Sunday’s Cavan Stages Rally. The pair led from start to finish to hold off the challenge of multiple Cavan winner Niall Maguire & Enda Sherry who took 2nd place. Both crews were competing in WRC Subarus. Gary Jennings/Rory Kennedy completed the podium places as they used the event as a testing exercise in preparation for the Donegal International.
After the opening loop of stages in the Ballyconnell area, it was Hurson/Conolly who held a 25 second lead after going fastest on each stage. They increased their advantage to 42 seconds after the second loop. Indeed they would go on to record a 53 second win after going fastest on all but one stage. Maguire & Sherry held a comfortable 2nd place all day after holding off the challenge of former Tarmac Champions Jennings & Kennedy.
Mark Tierney guided Brian Armstrong to victory in the ‘Pinto Challenge’ and 12th overall. Jack Maguire/Andy Hayes came home 14th overall and 4th in class 14. Barry Treanor & Gregory McQuillan were 15th overall and took 1st in class 11R by a comfortable winning margin. Pakie Duffy/Evin Hughes took victory in class 3 and 39th overall. Brendan McAree/Johno Doogan took their beautiful Porsche 911 home 54th overall and 7th in class 14. Paddy Connolly/Paul Maguire finished right behind in 55th place and 3rd in class 15. Declan Connolly/Alison Hughes finished 58th overall and 8th in class. Francie McKenna/Sean Craig came home 64th overall and 3rd in class 10. Martin Swinburne/Gretchen Fegan won the Junior class by an incredible four minute margin with Stefan McCann/Stephen McElroy taking 5th in the same class.
Reigning Border Champions, David Moffett/Fintan Sherry retired on stage six after a rare off-road excursion. Michael Carbin/Emmet McCooey retired after an accident on the same stage. Seamus Connolly/Gary McCrudden retired on stage 1. Vincent McAree/Martin Connolly set some good times until a puncture costs them several minutes. They eventually retired on the final loop. Sean McCaul/Frank Clerkin were another crew who failed to finish the final loop of stages. Paddy O’Reilly/Ryan Brennan retired on the final stage. Cathal Sheridan/Loretta Kelly were sidelined with engine problems on stage 3. Padraig Connolly/Paudie Corrigan retired on stage 1.
Monaghan Motor Club would like to thank all marshals who turned out on the day which helped to ensure a safe and successful event for all.
Loughgall Rally
Congratulations to Jim McKenna & Thomas Treanor who took 2nd overall on last Saturday’s Loughgall Rally.
Circuit of Munster
The National Rally Championship resumes with the Kilmallock-based Circuit of Munster Rally. Monaghan crews set to make the trip down include Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry, David Moffett/Fintan Sherry and Shane Maguire/Mac Kierans.
Upcoming events:
June 6th National Night Navigation Championship prizegiving
June 7th Laois Heartlands Rally
June 19th-21st Donegal International Rally
June 28th Carrick-on-Suir Ravens Rock Rally
County Monaghan Motor Club 