Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin were the convincing winners of the Clonakilty Park Hotel West Cork Rally with just over a minute to spare after three tough days of rallying.
The Cork/Kerry combination took the lead early on the second day in atrocious conditions and were never seriously threatened once Callum Devine suffered a puncture on the third of Saturday’s stages.
The weather was much kinder on Sunday’s six stages and Cronin showed a masterclass in managing the lead throughout the day, never letting his concentration slip, to become the first Cork winner of the event since 2013.
At the finish he had 57.2 seconds to spare over Matt Edwards and David Moynihan in similar Fiesta Rally 2. The Ford domination completed with William Creighton & Liam Regan coming home in third place a further 29 seconds further back. Creighton, the reigning Junior World Rally Champion, took several fastest times in an impressive showing over the weekend.
Winners for the past two years Josh Moffett and Andy Hayes had to settle for fourth place on this occasion, but the Monaghan driver showed good pace today as he finally got to drive the Citroen on dry roads for a full day. Jonny Greer/Niall Burns and David Kelly/Dean O’Sullivan rounded out the top six. Kelly has been a regular competitor on navigation trial events this years, which may have helped him build confidence on Friday’s night stages.
Brendan Cumiskey and Arthur Kierans took Rally3 honours in their Fiesta and finished 13th OA.
Kevin Eves & Chris Melly were impressive modified winners once their got their noses in front on the Saturday. Their task was made easier on the first stage on Sunday at Ardfield once Jonathan Pringle & Pearse O’Callaghan went off the road. It was Damian Toner & Kevin Horgan who took second in their Escort with JF Shovelin & Terence Furey in another Escort taking third place.
Gary McPhillips and Paul Sheridan had a troubles run in West Cork. Six nominated times on the first two days dashed any hopes of a result, but a clean Sunday loop saw them always within the top four modified stage times.
In the Rally 4 category, Killian McArdle was on the notes for Joe Kelly in the Peugeot 208. Their progress took a hit when they needed Superrally rules to rejoin on the second day. They then went off for good on the final stage of the event after hitting standing water.
Donegal Navigation Trial
The final round of the Squealing Pig Border Navigation Trial Championship takes place this weekend in Donegal. COC Keith Sheridan has plotted an 85 mile route based out of Termon. With dropped scores and average points for COC duties, there is a lot to play for in both the overall and class championships.
Monaghan Stages Rally
The Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan is the place to be this Friday 22 March at 8pm.
Kick of this fantastic launch of Ronnie Hawe Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan Stages Rally 2024.
Get a photo with some of the top cars.
Sean McCaffery will be interviewing some of the competitors live & on our Facebook live.
Not forgetting our Launch Night Competitors Competition with a chance to win some amazing prizes.
1st prize: free entry to Monaghan Stages Rally 2024.
2nd prize: voucher for pacenotes
3rd prize: voucher towards In-Car camera
Tickets are €20 and are available from committee members.
A brilliant evening out is guaranteed and to top it all off its free admission to the launch itself.
County Monaghan Motor Club 