County Monaghan Motor Club

 

Scotstown’s Damien Connolly was the top Monaghan finisher on the recent Rally of the Lakes in Killarney. The classic event was the third round of the 2018 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and was contested over some of the most iconic stages in Ireland. Connolly joined forces with usual driver, Robert Barrable, from Dublin.

The result saw them move to 2^nd in the championship standings.

 

The pair set the pace on the opening Moll’s Gap Stage and stretched their advantage over the classic loop of Tim Healy Pass, Cod’s Head and Ardgroom. Their time over the Tim Healy Pass was an impressive 14 seconds quicker than anyone else. After five tests, they held a 23 second lead over the Subaru WRC of Manus Kelly. Sam Moffett had a new navigator in Noel O’Sullivan for the weekend and they were holding 4^th with his brother Josh & navigator Andy Hayes in 7^th. Stephen Wright/Arthur Kierans were just behind in 8^th.

 

Barrable/Connolly finished the day with a 28 second advantage over Kelly/Barrett with the Moffett’s 4^th and 6^th respectively. Wright/Kierans had retired.

 

Barrable/Connolly did their best on day two to hold off the more powerful Subaru of Kelly/Barrett. They stayed in front until Stage 14 but Kelly/Barrett stormed ahead on the faster stages to claim overall honours. Barrable/Connolly knew that Kelly wasn’t eligible for ITC points so were content to secure 2^nd place and top points in the championship. Desi Henry/Liam Moynihan were 3^rd overall. Sam Moffett/Noel O’Sullivan finished 4^th with Josh Moffett/Andy Hayes taking 6^th. Stephen Wright/Arthur Kierans completed the Sunday stages under Rally 2 rules. Raymond Conlon and Damien Fleming put in a charging drive to take 5^th overall in the National Rally and victory in class 13 by a mere 6 seconds.

 

The next round of the Tarmac Championship is the Donegal International Rally in June.

 

Border Navigation Championship Prizegiving

 

The Prizegiving of the Squealing Pig Border Navigation Championship took place last Friday night May 18^th in the Squealing Pig in Monaghan. Arthur Kierans & Conor Maguire made a return to the Navigation scene pay off with a hard fought championship win achieved through consistency across the four rounds of the series. A good night’s fun was had as crews shared their stories after another compelling season of Navigation trials.