Moffett’s Munster Magic
Josh Moffett moved a step closer to the 2019 Triton National Rally Championship thanks to overall victory on Round 4, the Circuit of Munster Rally.
The Limerick based event consisted of nine stages in the East Limerick area. Moffett and co-driver Andy Hayes faced the challenge of the regular National contingent as well as Monaghan winners, Donagh Kelly & Conor Foley.
It proved to be another titanic battle between Kelly and Moffett. It was Kelly & Foley who set the initial pace but a stunning time from Moffett & Hayes on Stage 3 saw them slice 11 seconds off Kelly/Foley to take the lead. Declan & Brian Boyle weren’t far off the pace in 3rd. Boyle upped his pace to score a trio of fastest times and after 6 stages just 4 seconds separated the top three crews.
Moffett/Hayes still had their noses in front but Kelly/Foley and the Boyle’s were tied to the tenth of a second. Stage 7 ended the three way tussle as Kelly/Foley retired with a broken throttle. Moffett/Hayes dug deep to edge out Boyle on stages 7 & 8 and took a huge 15 seconds on the final stage to cement his 3rd win in 4 round of the series. Roy White/James O’Brien completed the podium.
Stephen Wright/Liam Moynihan were a late entry and the pair built their pace throughout the day to finish 6th overall and 1st in class 5. Mac Kierans guided Niall Devine to 10th overall and 1st in Group N. Des Moore & Arthur Kierans drove their unusual 1600T Escort Mk2 to 28th overall. Conor Mohan guided Donagh Kelly’s son, Eamon, to 31st overall and 1st in class 2. Kaine Treaor guided Christopher O’Callaghan to 38th overall and 2nd in class. Aisling McArdle guided Des Lyons to 42nd overall and 2nd in class.
The National Rally Championship looks to be heading back to the Moffett family but the championship is only the halfway mark and a lot can happen yet. The next round is the Waterford based Raven’s Rock Rally at the end of June.
County Monaghan Motor Club 