Three Monaghan men contested the Ypres Rally in Belgium last weekend, a counting round of the European Rally Championship. Josh Moffett & John Rowan and Sam Moffett & Karl Atkinson competed in Ford Fiesta’s while James O’Reilly was navigating for Martin McCormack in a Skoda Fabia S2000. McCormack/O’Reilly would be the only crew to finish coming home an excellent 8th overall.
The opening day was contested over seven stages on Friday. Josh Moffett/John Rowan led the early Monaghan charge and would hold 9th place after four stages but then lost a minute with a puncture and would be drop to 18th overnight. Martin McCormack/James O’Reilly finished the day in 8th place. Sam Moffett & Karl Atkinson held 15th place overnight despite being on the wrong tires for the second loop.
A further ten stages were contested on Saturday. Josh Moffett & John Rowan and Martin McCormack/James O’Reilly were setting similar stages with Sam Moffett & Karl Atkinson not too far adrift. Both Moffett brothers reported some small concerns with Sam having an overshoot and Josh complaining of brake fade. Sam would retire on stage 11 and more drama would occur on stage 15 with Martin McCormack/James O’Reilly losing several minutes after getting stuck in a ditch.
The final drama occurred on the final stage as Josh Moffett & John Rowan crashed out of 8th place after cutting a corner too tight which launched the car into a roll. Luckily, neither occupant was seriously injured. This left McCormack/O’Reilly to take 8th place after going 2nd fastest overall on the final stage. Overall honours went to Belgian ace Freddy Loix who won the event for the tenth time.
Carrick-on-Suir Ravens Rock Rally
A number of Monaghan crews made their way to Waterford to contest Round 5 of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship. Niall Maguire & Enda Sherry were debuting their recently acquired ex Declan Boyle Subaru WRC. This event was to be a learning curve for this crew in the new car.
Peader Hurson & Damien Connolly were expected to challenge for honours but a fuel leak put them out before the opening stage. Maguire & Sherry put in a steady drive to finish 5th overall and cement their 2nd place in the championship. Championship leader Donagh Kelly & Kevin Flanagan made it five maximum scores in a row with yet another victory to move closer to securing the overall title. Michael Conlon & Ciaran McPhillips brought their Mk2 Escort home 13th overall and 3rd in class 13. Pauric Duffy & John Higgins finished 19th overall and 2nd in class 5. Seamus Connolly & Gary McCrudden were back at the wheel of their Toyota Corolla and took 2nd in class 11R and 34th overall. Barry McKenna & Declan Tynan retired at first service after a long delay on stage two.
The next round of the Triton National Rally Championship is the Sligo Stages Rally in two weeks time.
ALMC Stages Rally
This weekend ALMC are running their stages rally out of Trim, County Meath. Jack Maguire, Barry McKenna/Mac Kierans and Padraig Connolly/Padraig Corrigan are entered to compete. Monaghan also need to provide marshals for this event and those able to help are asked to contact Kerry Stevenson.
Upcoming events:
July 12th Sligo Stages Rally
July 25th Cookstown Stages Rally
July 26th Imokilly Mini Stages Rally
County Monaghan Motor Club 