County Monaghan Motor Club

James O’Reilly guided Declan Boyle to overall victory in Round 1 of the 2018 Triton National Rally Championship.

The Mayo Stages Rally was based in the island of Achill and featued nine stages in a 3 x 3 format.

With reigning champion, Sam Moffett, not defending his National crown, Two time champion Boyle would prove to be the man to beat. He and new navigator O’Reilly led from start to finish to secure the perfect start to the year. Josh Moffett/Keith Moriarty claimed a fine 2nd in their R5 Fiesta with the similar car of Desi Henry/Liam Moynihan in 3rd.

Boyle/O’Reilly immediately set the pace on the short opening test and extended their lead to 16 seconds after the first loop. Moffett/Moriarty slotted into 2nd place after Donagh Kelly/Conor Foley lost 4 minutes with a puncture. Boyle/O’Reilly maintained their lead gradually over the second loop with Moffett/Moriarty staying in touch in 2nd place after going fastest on stage six. These pair were in a league of their own with Desi Henry a distant 3rd.

Boyle/O’Reilly stretched their lead over the final loop to secure a 37 second win on only their second event together. They also secured the Drive of the Day award in the Border Championship. Moffett/Moriarty took a strong 2nd place with Henry/Moynihan over a minute further back in 3rd.

Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry finished a solid 5th in their Subaru. Brendan Cumiskey/Stephen McAuley brought their Fiesta home in 8th and 1st in class 5 as they used the event as a warm up for West Cork next weekend. Donagh Kelly/Conor Foley recovered to 10th place in their Focus.

Michael Conlon/Ciaran McPhillips got their defence of their Border title off to the perfect start with 12th overall and 3rd in class. Seamus Connolly/Gary McCrudden and Quentin Park/Kaine Treanor failed to finish.

Jack McKenna guided Jason Black to a dominant win in the Junior class. Calum Maguire guided Gareth Black to 6th in class. Johnny Treanor/Paul Sheridan retired on stage five while leading the class.

Bishopscourt Stages Rally

Mac Kierans guided Alan Smyth to 11th overall and 2nd in class on the opening round of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship in Bishopscourt. Matthew McKenna guided Brian McFall to 15th overall and 3rd in class. Johno Doogan/Ciaran Marron finished 28th overall in their Escort. Michaela McGinn guided Damien McGauren to 46th overall.