County Monaghan Motor Club

Josh Moffett & Jason McKenna continued their pursuit of the Irish Forestry Rally Championship at last weekend’s Cork Forestry Rally. The Mallow-based event was round 4 of the Irish Forestry Rally Championship and consisted of eight stages through classic terrain in North Cork. The pair were involved in a titanic battle with defending champion, Owen Murphy. After four stages Moffett/McKenna held the advantage by just 2.3 seconds with no more than seconds between the two crews on each of the stages. Murphy upped his pace on the second loop taking the lead on stage six and held off the Monaghan pair to take a 7.4 second win.

Michael Conlon/Ciaran McPhillips took 11^th overall and 3^rd in class 13 to maintain their class lead in the championship. Derek Mackarel/Muireann Hayes were sidelined on stage 3, denting their hopes for success in the Junior class. The next round of the Irish Forestry Championship is the Enniskillen Motor Club Lakelands Forestry Rally in two week’s time.

O’Reilly’s Travails on Rally Germany

James O’Reilly joined forces with Martin McCormack for last weekend’s WRC Rally Germany. This was O’Reilly’s second attempt at this event as he contested the rally with Sam Moffett last year. The pair made a solid start on Friday and held 21^st overall and 7^th in the very competitive class RC2. Unfortunately for this pair, their rally would come to an end on Saturday’s second special stage. They attempted to restart on Sunday but further problems saw them retire again after the first stage.

Open Meeting

Following on from the successful Open Forum held in February last, Monaghan Motor Club will host an Open Meeting on Monday 31^st August in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan commencing at 8pm. A report will be provided at this meeting on the outcome of the meeting on 26^th August with the Rallies Committee and rallies club delegates. While there will be an open agenda on 31^st August, it is expected that the main topic for discussion will be potential future rule changes. All members are urged to attend.

Navigation Classes

Monaghan Motor Club launches the annual Navigation Classes on Friday 4^th September at 8pm in Sean McDermott’s GAA complex at Threemilehouse. These classes are open to all members of the public interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in this popular discipline of motorsport. Put a note in your calendar and spread the word.