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Leitrim’s Enda Mc Loughlin, navigated by Declan Tynan won last Sundays Monaghan Motor Club Endurance trial for a second successive year. The pairing had a 26 second advantage over Ian Downey and William Kelly after 23 testing selectives across North Monaghan. Eddie Peterson and Kevin Fagan were 3rd with the top three all in similar Starlets.

            CoC for the event Andy Mackarel and his team put a mammoth effort into getting and setting up selectives which proved very popular with all who took part. The day started with scrutiny at Sam’s Diner and then up to event HQ at the Four Seasons Hotel. First car departed at 10.30am and headed for the Threemilehouse/Greenans Cross areas to endure 10 demanding selectives through lanes and yards known locally as Keenans, Mc Guinness’ and Wrights Quarry as well as the farm lanes of Robert and Richard Moore before returning to the Four Seasons for a much deserved dinner break and service. The afternoon selectives brought competitors northwards towards Balinode/Scotstown/Tydavnet and Carrickroe where 13 more tests lay in wait. These selectives were on the farm lanes of Mc Mahons, Sherlocks and Mc Meels as well as Mc Aree Engineering Works at Carrickroe, Wattersons Quarry and the ever popular track at Rally School Ireland. This event surely lived up to its name as an endurance trial with the first car arriving back to HQ at 7.00pm where results and prize giving took place soon after.

            Ian Downey and William Kelly had led through the early selectives but it was the Starlet of Mc Loughlin/Tynan which led at the mid way halt and progressed through the afternoon tests to extend their lead and follow up on last years result with another overall win. Karl O’Donohue and Damian Connolly were 4th overall and 2nd in class 1 in their Rover 214 with Midlands men Sam Johnston and Nigel McCloughry 5th overall and 1st in class 1. Martin Tynan and Fintan Clerkin rounded off the top three in class 1 which was the endurance trial specification car class.

            Michael and Ciaran Tynan won class 2 in the “petite” 998cc Diahatsu Cuora ahead of Stephen Rushe and Conor Hagan in a Toyota Yaris. Francie Mc Kenna and Oisin Craig were 3rd in class 2 in the rally spec Rover MG ZR, this was Oisin’s first competitive outing so a good result for this team. Kieran “Bilko” Mc Carra and Gary Mc Crudden were tops in class 3 and 6th overall, just ahead of Daniel Mc Kenna and Peter Deery who were 7th overall in the left hand drive mazda. James Greenan and Seamus Mc Tigue were 3rd in class 3, just ahead of Jonathan McGovern and Damian Treanor.

            Damian “shortcut” Hagan and Derek Mackarel won class 5 in their rear wheel drive mazda MX5, ahead of Thelma and Louise (aka Eoghan Corr and Brendan Treanor) in a similar MX5. Other locals to feature included Adrian and Anthony Foley in there Nova who finished 16th overall with Peter and Shane Farrell 18th overall. Samuel and Carol Patterson took the trusty corsa home to 21st overall. Arthur and Mac Kierans viewed most of the days proceedings from the sidelines,

having parked their mount on its side in almost the identical same place as they slid of on last year!

            Coc of the event, Andy Mackarel thanks all the land and property owners for their help and support, all the marshals and time keepers, results team and the Four Seasons Hotel. Also a big thank you to John Kelly, Damian Treanor, Fintan Clerkin, Richard Cassidy, Rodney Adams, Trevor Farrell and especially to Cora for all their help. Also to anyone else who helped out in any way. Special word of thanks to Damian Hagan for tying up all the tape that little bit higher so the MX5 could fit underneath it!! There is a good selection of photo’s from this event at http://www.picturesofireland.ie

 

Cork MC Jim Walsh Cork Forestry Rally

Michael O’Brien and Greg Shinnors won last Sundays Jim Walsh Cork Forestry Rally in a focus WRC, almost a minute ahead of Owen Murphy and James O Brien. Josh Moffett and Jason McKenna proved they are an up and coming force on the gravel by taking 3rd overall in their EVO 9, with just 11 seconds separating second, third and fourth places. The two wheel drive battle came down to a nail biting finish as Frank Kelly just pipped Marty McCormack by 3 seconds, having been level with 2 stages to go. Shane McGirr took 3rd two wheel drive and 7th overall. Sam Moffett and James O’Reilly were 9th overall and 2nd group N. Enda McNulty and Paul Sheridan wee 11th overall and 1st in class 20. Michael Conlon and Ciaran McPhillips were 17th overall and Michael Carbin/Stephen Thornton were 20th overall and 3rd in class 20.

 

Night Navigation Classes

Yes its that time of year again and with the night navigation season only a matter of 6 weeks away Monaghan Motor Club will once again be holding night navigation classes for new and existing navigators to brush up on their skills. These classes will commence next Wednesday night 28th August starting at 8pm in Threemilehouse GAA complex.

 

Mayo Autocross/Ulster Rally

Best of luck to travelling club members this week to Mayo Autocross for the final round of Harringtons Quarry Autocross. Derek Mackarel will lead the charge in his nova as he aims to secure a class win in the championship.

            Also to all members heading for Enniskillen this weekend to contest the Ulster International Rally. Daniel Mc Kenna, Josh Moffett, Sam Moffett, Steven Wright, Shane Maguire, Damien Hagan and Gary Mc Phillips along with their respective navigators are all on the entry list. Good luck to all and full report next week.

 

 

Boyles are Dunlop Tarmac Champions

 

Declan and Brian Boyle confirmed their status as Dunlop National Rally champions for 2013 on Sunday last on Tipperary Motor Clubs Stonethrowers Rally. The Donegal men had a commanding lead prior to the event with Monaghan’s Niall Maguire and Enda Sherry their closest rivals. Unfortunately Maguire/Sherry failed to finish which confirmed the Donegal cousins as National Champions. Indeed they took a convincing win by almost 2 minutes from Roy White in the MG Rover. Welsh man James Belton rounded off the top three.

            Declan Gallagher and Ryan Moore had an outstanding drive through the Tipperary countryside to take fifth overall and the top two wheel drive honours in the blistering white starlet. As with most events this year it was the travelling Monaghan contingent who dominated the Group N production class. Only 29 seconds separated the top three with Sam Moffett and James O’Reilly coming out on tops on this occasion, ahead of younger brother Josh Moffett and James Rowan. Stephen and Suzanne Wright had to settle for 3rd on this occasion but keep there title hopes very much alive. Eugene Meggan rounded off the top 10 and 4th in group N while Liam Bowhan and Damian Connolly took their starlet home to 11th overall and 2nd in class 13. Barry Mc Kenna and Martin Connolly also had a great run to finish 18th overall and 3rd in class 13 in the New Holland/Mc Kenna Agri backed escort.

            David Smyth and Mark Derry were as consistent as ever to finish 2nd in class 11R and 28th overall, a valuable points haul towards their championship hopes. Cavan’s Jonathan Pringle failed to finish whilst lying inside the top 10 after stage 5, as did Jack Maguire who was 15th after the first stage in his class 20 EVO.

 

 

Tipperary MC Stonethrowers Rally Top 10

1/ Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle Subaru Impreza

2/ Roy White/James O’Brien MG

3/ James Belton/Mark Glennerster Subaru Impreza

4/ Paddy McVeigh/Stephen O’Hanlon Subaru WRC

5/ Declan Gallagher/Ryan Moore Toyota Starlet

6/ Sam Moffet/James O’Reilly Mitsubishi Evo

7/ Josh Moffet/John Rowan Mitsubishi Evo

8/ Stephen Wright/Susanne Wright Mitsubishi Evo

9/ Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally Subaru WRC

10/ Eugene Meegan/Sarah Whelan Mitsubishi Evo 4

 

 

Monaghan Motor Club Endurance Trial

Sunday next see’s Monaghan Motor Club host their annual endurance trial. The Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan town is the start venue for the event with scrutiny starting at 7.30am at Sam’s Diner (Opposite Four Seasons), drivers briefing is at 9.30 with first car off at 10am. Regulations and entry forms are available on club web site at monaghanmotorclub.net. As always many marshals are required so please contact any committee member as soon as possible.  

Monaghan Motor Club Endurance Trial

Monaghan Motor Clubs Endurance Trial which was postponed due to a clash with the recent Ulster Football Final has been re-scheduled for Sunday 18th August. Regulations and entry forms are available on club web site at monaghanmotorclub.net. The Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan town is the start venue as CoC Andy Mackarel and his team are currently busy setting out an enjoyable and demanding route. As always many marshals are required so please contact any committee member. More details to follow next week.

 

Sympathy

Monaghan Motor Club wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Paddy Kiernan who has passed away following a road traffic accident last Sunday night. Paddy was a member of Cavan Motor Club and proved himself as an upcoming star on recent event’s in his class 13 escort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

 

Declan and Brian Boyle from Donegal took the overall honours once again on last Sundays Connacht Motor Club Sligo Park Hotel stages Rally. This win leaves the Donegal cousins in a commanding lead in the Dunlop tarmac championship as they enjoyed a start to finish lead in the sunny Sligo countryside. On what may be a first for Irish rallying the event was shortened by the organisers to six stages from the allotted nine as the blistering heat caused the tarmac to lift and the call was made to cancel the final loop of three stages to avoid any long term damage to the roads. However Declan and Brian Boyle had over a minute to spare so victory was within their sights anyway. It was a good day at the office for some travelling Monaghan crews with four inside the top ten. Niall Maguire and Enda Sherry finished second overall in their impreza WRC, despite the gearbox showing signs of malfunction through stage six they were relieved to make the finish. Sam Moffett and James O’Reilly continued their excellent form of late rounding off the top three in his group N EVO.

            Josh Moffett and Jason McKenna had a good battle with older brother but was just edged out to 4th overall by 17 seconds and took the class 4 win. They also picked up the Sligo Pallets drive of the day award. Cavan’s Jonathan Pringle and Martin Byrne claimed the two wheel drive honours and 5th overall to boot in their class 13 escort. They now lie in 2nd overall in the Sligo Pallets border championship. Ian Gunning was 6th while Clones man Raymond Conlon teamed up with Sarah Whelan to take a great result in 7th overall and 3rd in class 13. Jack Maguire was just outside the top 10 in 11th overall and 2nd in class 20.

            Gary Kiernan and Niall Tierney took the class 10 win and 25th overall. This win leaves the Cavan men at the top of the Sligo Pallets Border Championship classification with only the Donegal Harvest rally left to complete in October. Damien O’Reilly and Damien McCabe had a great battle with the Cavan club rivals and were only edged out by 4 seconds to take the class 9 victory and 26th overall. David Smith and Mark Deery were consistent as ever and finished 29th overall and 3rd in class 11R, thus leading their class in the border championship with one round remaining.  Stephen and Suzanne Wright had an uncustomary bad day at the office when their brakes seemed to malfunction and Stephen was forced to slide his Evo into a bank to avoid going off altogether but picked up a puncture and dropped them right back. Despite finishing 43rd overall they still managed to take 3rd in class 4. Paddy Kiernan acquired the services of Paul Sheridan as navigator for the day but they left their luck at home, finishing 51st overall. The Monaghan/Cavan pairing obviously encountered some problems on stage 5 as they were as high as 5th overall after stage 4. Francie McKenna and Sean Craig took the class 1 honours in the trusty Rover MG ZR.

            Unfortunately the bumpy Sligo stages did claim quite a few casualties throughout the day, with double border champions Arthur and Mac Kierans’ dominance come to an abrupt end on a Sligo ditch on stage 3 whilst lying in 14th overall. Last years winners of this event, Shane Maguire and Martin McGarrity were another retirement after the gearbox in the subaru cried enough. Richard Moffett and Martin Connollys rally came to an end on stage 2, lying in 13th overall after the opening test. Results sheets suggest Justin Smyth and Gregory McQuillan had a troubled day lying well down the leader board and eventually retiring after stage 5.

            So all is to play for on this years Sligo Pallets Border Rally championship as Paddy Kiernan holds a slender lead from Jonathan Pringle with Declan Boyle in 3rd with the Donegal Harvest Stages remaining. But when dropped rounds are taken into account and should any of these fail to take a class win in Donegal it opens the door for a number of competitors to lift this years title with Dermot O’Hagan and Arthur Kierans still in with an outside chance to name but a few. Monaghan Motor Club would like to thank the many marshals which turned up and braved the blistering sunshine  in Sligo.

 

Connacht MC Sligo Stages Rally Top 10

1 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Impreza WRC) 50m 21s,

2 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Impreza WRC) 51m 27s,

3 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 52m 41s,

4 Josh Moffett/Jason McKenna (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 52m 58s,

5 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne (Escort) 54m 02s,

6 Ian Gunning/Fred Holmes (Escort) 54m 33s,

7 Raymond Conlon/Sarah Whelan (Corolla) 54m 43s,

8 David Leonard/Darragh Mullen (Lancer) 54m 56s,

9 Enda Haran/Patrick Corcoran (Escort) 54m 56s,

10 Dermot O’Hagan/Pierce Doheny Jnr (Corsa) 55m 41s.

 

Motorsport Safety Team Group N Production class:

1 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly,

2 Josh Moffett/Jason McKenna,

3 Sean Gallagher/Claire Gallagher (Lancer Evo 9) 56m 07s.

 

rally.ie Two wheel drive award:

1 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne.

 

Monaghan Endurance Trial

Monaghan Motor Club have postponed there upcoming endurance trial due to take place this Sunday as it clashes with the Ulster Football final. Next date due to be published shortly.

 

After the 3^rd round of the British Rally Championship, the Scottish Rally in Dumfries, Daniel McKenna and Co-Driver Arthur Kierans find themselves leading the R2 Championship by 5 points from Norwegian driver Steve Rokland and lying a magnificent 5^th in the overall championship among the top R3 category drivers after finishing 1^st in R2 and 8^th o/a last weekend.

            This is the first time the Scottish Rally has been a round of the BRC for 7 years and was a new challenge for the majority of the championship competitors including Daniel. After a very challenging recce on the Friday, all of the crews knew that they had a very tough day’s rallying ahead of them as the stages where very technical but also very fast. The biggest fear however was the sharp stone surface which would most definitely cause punctures and would probably have some reckoning on the final results. Also the fact that the Scottish national rally competitors were running ahead of the BRC crews, this would cut and rut the surface up, making it an even bigger challenge.

            Stage 1 early ON Saturday morning was a 6 mile test, the crew stuck to the game plan and set 2^nd fastest time in R2, 2 seconds behind Rokland with no problems. However on the next test a 13.5 mile stage the crew encountered an unavoidable rock that had been dragged onto the racing line about 1.5 miles into the stage which created such an impact that it bent the rear axel making the car handle badly for the remainder of the stage. The crew still managed to set 2^nd fastest R2 time on the stage but dropped 11 seconds to Rokland as the majority of the other R2 competitors were already experiencing puncture problems. Stage 3 was a short spectator stage only 0.75 miles long before the much needed service to the car. Daniel made a big effort through the test setting the 5^th fastest time o/a and fastest R2 despite the mishandling car.

            With a short 20 minute service their dedicated service crew managed to replace the rear axle without any time penalties. Towards the end of stage 4 Rokland’s gearbox mounting broke and he also picked up a puncture as Daniel was 4 seconds quicker closing the gap to 9 seconds. Jon Armstrong was also having a good run and was only 6 seconds behind Daniel. Stage 5 proved to be a big turning point as Daniel had a fairly clean stage despite encountering a power steering problem near the end of the stage. Rokland was still carrying his gearbox problem and Armstrong had a puncture so Daniel had a 26 second lead at the 2^nd service.

            Unfortunately the power steering problem could not be fixed in the short service, so Daniel and Arthur knew they would have to carry the problem and probably drop time on the final 3 tests, but were confident of holding their position. Daniel was again quickest through stage 6, the spectator stage by 0.2 of a second from Rokland stretching his lead to 27 seconds. On stage 7 however Rokland was on a charge and took 10 seconds out of Daniel who was being cautious with his steering problem and the gap was reduced to 17 seconds with 2 stages to go. However stage 8 was cancelled due to an accident in the national rally and it was down to the final stage for Daniel to try and hold onto the lead. The 13 mile stage was a tough and rough test to finish with but everything was going to plan for the crew until 10 miles in and disaster struck. A wishbone bolt sheared on Daniel’s Fiesta on one of the bad bumps through the stage and to add insult to injury he then picked up a left rear puncture making the car virtually un-drivable. He managed however, to scrape the car over the finish of the stage very disappointed thinking that the top result was gone. The rough terrain of the Scottish rally was to inflict a lot of trouble to almost all of the R2 competitors including Rokland as he picked up a puncture and dropped 4 minutes and dropped to 4^th in the class. This meant that Daniel and Arthur survived their final stage ordeals to take the R2 win and 8^th o/a by over 2 minutes and now have a 5 point advantage over their nearest rival in the R2 category heading into the 4^th round of the championship, the Ulster rally back on tarmac which would be considered a home rally for Daniel and Arthur.

            Mac Kierans was also in Scotland for his first taste of the BRC, once again navigating for Joe McGonigle in the R3 Clio and followed up on their Donegal success the previous weekend with a fine drive to 7th overall. Brendan Cumiskey and Conor Foley also made the trip to Dumfries and also had a great run to 10th overall on this demanding rally. The event was won by Alastair Fisher and Gordan Noble in the Citreon DS3 R3.

 

Loughgall Stages

Well done to Jim McKenna and Thomas Treanor who were 2nd overall on last Saturday’s Loughgall Stages. Mervin Wedlock and Damien McCabe were 4th overall and first in class 6. Andy and Derek Mackarel had the trusty ascona out once again and finished 27th overall.

 

ALMC and Connacht Stages

Marshals are urgently required for the upcoming ALMC stages this Sunday 7th July based in Dunboyne, Co. Meath and also the Connacht (Sligo) stages the following weekend, Sunday 14th July. If anyone is available for either event please contact Kerry Stevenson or Cora Maguire on 086 3627000 as soon as possible

 

Ravens Rock Rally

Monaghan Motor Club wishes to extend its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Paul Mulcahy who passed away while competing on the Ravens Rock Rally last weekend. May he rest in peace.