A number of Monaghan crews made the trip to Derry last weekend to compete on the Ulster International Rally. The event was a counting round of the Irish Tarmac, British & Northern Ireland Rally Championships. The Moffett brothers Sam and Josh were there, as well as Stephen Wright in pursuit of Tarmac Championship points. However, a combination of mechanical gremlins and the tricky conditions accounted for two of our leading contenders. Indeed, it was Scotstown navigator, James O’Reilly who was the first Monaghan man across the line. He guided Scottish pilot, David Bogie, to 4th overall in their Skoda Fabia R5, after a steady run throughout the rally.
Josh Moffett/John Rowan overcame some mechanical problems to finish 7th overall in their Fiesta. Not so lucky was his brother Sam & Karl Atkinson. The pair had set some impressive stage times before mechanical gremlins brought their event to an end following an off on SS8. Stephen Wright/Arthur Kierans were another leading retirement after a frought event. They retired after SS1 following a turbo problem and re-joined on the Sunday only to suffer further problems with the throttle. Aaron McHale/Enda Sherry also exited the rally with an off on day one.
Brendan Cumiskey/Ronan O’Kane finished 12th overall in their R5 Fiesta. Mac Kierans guided Alan Smyth to victory in class B4 in their Citroen C2R2. Brendan McAree/Peter Deery brought their Historic Porsche to 3rd in class H2. James McCarville was in the ‘hot seat’ for Ryan Loughran. The pair took an early lead in the National Rally before retiring with an off on stage four.
The Navigation Trial season is fast approaching and the Motor Club are gearing up for that all important kick off – the navigation classes! If you have a motor sport interest of any kind the Navigation Trials are the best form of obtaining the correct ‘foundation’ to this sport. The scheduled classes will cover the full range of topics including map reading, timing, car regulations and pace notes for stages rallies.
The classes will start on Friday 2nd September at 8pm sharp in the excellent facilities of the Sean Mac Diarmada complex in Threemile House. All interested persons should contact Fintan Clerkin 087 2297024 and register your position on the classes. Registration on the night will also include club membership, maps, romer and all necessary paperwork to complete the 6 week course.
The first event after the summer break is the October Trial on Saturday 1st . COC for the event is Donal McArdle and we look forward to this.
County Monaghan Motor Club 