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It was a memorable win for Co. Cavan youngster Chris Armstrong and Tom Clinton on last Sundays Midlands Moto Stages Rally. The Virginia youngster overcame a 6 second deficit over the final loop of three stages to claim his first ever overall win with a 3 second advantage over rivals and good friend Rodney Wilton and Conor McMahon. The latter in the Wilton Waste Recycling backed class 14 escort had held the lead through the opening six stages but couldn’t manage to hold off the hard charging Armstrong who has only acquired the class 13 escort this time last year, having been in front wheel drive previously. Pat Donegan/Alan Keena had a great battle for third throughout the day with Maurice Moffett and eventually pulled out a 15 second margin. Maurice and Patrick Brides were on a great pace throughout the day and as usual thrilled spectators in the class 14 starlet. Paddy McVeigh and Stephen O’Hanlon rounded off the top 5 in an Impreza WRC.

            On what was a dry but cold day with conditions very gravely and mucky it was to be a real challenge for competitors. First victim of the day was Daniel McKenna and Niall Morley as they sustained suspension damage on the opening test over some jumps. They did manage to make it back to service and acted as a sweeper car for the remainder of the event, much to the delight of the many thousands of spectators who braved the elements. David Moffett and Fintan Sheery teamed up for this event and had an excellent run in the second of the Moffett starlets to finish 7th overall and take the highly competitive class 11R win. It was misfortune for the third Moffett starlet on show as Richard Moffett and Martin Connolly failed to make the finish after a great battle over the opening six stages with younger brother David. 

            Arthur and Mac Kierans picked up where they left off in Mayo with another fine drive to take the KES backed escort home to another class 12 win and 10th overall. Jack Maguire and Andy Hayes finished in 11th overall and second in class 13. Barry McKenna and Johnny Bairds fortunes seemed to have turned as he had a great run to 16th overall and just missing out on 3rd in class 13.

            Jim McKenna and Thomas Treanor failed to make the finish having disappeared off the leader board over the final loop. The hard charging escort men were up to 5th overall in final service. Johno and Padraig Doogan were also on a great run and up to 12th overall after stage 7 but they too failed to finish whilst lying 2nd in class 11R. On form Cavan men Paddy and Gary Kiernan also failed to finish in their class 13 escort but were up to 5th overall before their retirement.

            Cootehill man Darren O’Brien with Johnny Rooney on the notes won the junior rally by over a minute and a half from Barry and Sean Brady, both in honda civics.

 

MIDLAND MC STAGES RALLY TOP 10

1 Chris Armstrong/Tom Clinton (Escort) 65m 35s

2 Rodney Wilton/Conor McMahon (Escort) 65m 38s

3 Pat Donegan/Alan Keena (Escort) 66m 35s

4 Maurice Moffett/Patrick Brides (Starlet) 66m 50s

5 Paddy McVeigh/Stephen O’Hanlon (Impreza WRC) 67m 02s

6 James Laverty/Francis Regan (Impreza Gp N) 67m 14s

7 David Moffett/Fintan Sherry (Starlet) 68m 50s

8 Pat Kelly/Jonathan Kelly (Impreza WRC) 69m 09s

9 Eamon Dervan/Brian McNamara (Escort) 69m 10s

10 Arthur Kierans/Mac Kierans (Escort) 69m 28s

 

JUNIORS:

1 Darren O’Brien/Johnny Rooney (Civic) 47m 13s

2 Barry Brady/Sean
Brady (Civic) 48m 48s

3 Alan Lawson/Sean Harte (Civic) 49m 52s

 

Upcoming Events

Squealing Pig Border Night Navigation Prize giving in Squealing Pig, Monaghan on Friday 5th April at 8.30 sharp. Please come along and support our sponsors regardless of receiving a trophy. Contact Andy on 087 2558957 to book tickets ASAP.

            Hillgrove Hotel Monaghan Stages Rally will take place on Sunday 20th April. All systems are go with a hard working team spending endless hours on road books, safety plans, time schedules, PR etc. Regs and Entry forms are available on club website at http://www.monaghanmotorclub.net so all intending competitors are asked to send them in ASAP. A launch day for the event is also taking place with a guaranteed action packed day for all the family in the Hillgrove Hotel. Full details in next weeks edition

 

Martin Tynan and Fintan Clerkin ended their navigation on a high at the weekend with an outright win on the Monaghan motor Club navigation Trial in Newbliss last Saturday night. This completes a great season for the pair as they recorded two wins in Donegal also. 36 crews departed Newbliss to tackle the tight knit trial with 40 timepoints and 7 via’s, never any more than seven miles from HQ as the crow flies. At petrol halt Tynan/Higgins were tied with Ashley McAdoo and Francis Keenan on 2 penalties. Andy Mackarel and Liam Higgins decided a cautious approach was the better option as they needed a good finish to claim the 2012/13 border and national championships, which they ultimately did with a 3rd over-all finish. Tynan/Clerkin and McAdoo/Keenan both held their nerve through the tricky second half, dropping a further two penalties to both finish on 4 with Tynan/Clerkin taking the overall win on novice over semi-expert ruling. National title chasers Colin Duffy and Sam Johnson took 4th overall as they had a good run in unfamiliar territory. Trevor Farrell and Noel Hall completed the top 5 and 3rd in expert class.

            With McAdoo/Keenan claiming top spot in the semi-expert class ahead of Pakie Duffy and Nigel McCloughery, it was Damien Treanor and Jonathan McGovern who took third place on a tough event. Dermot and Laurence rounded off a good year with many class trophies, taking top spot on this occasion and 10th overall. Eoghan Corr and Brendan Treanor were second in class once again ahead of Keith McConnon and Michael McCluskey. In what was a tough event for beginners, Fintan McGorman and Derek Mackarel used their local knowledge to great effect, taking a comfortable class win. Indeed had it not been for a dreaded 50 penalties with too much time take back they could of finished the event 6th overall. Second beginner went to Gerry Kelly and Seamus McTigue ahead of Donal McArdle and Andrew Wedlock.

            So after what was an enjoyable night for all who tackled the maze of lane’s through Newbliss and surrounding areas its was the old dog’s for the hard road, as Andy Mackarel and Liam Higgins are once again crowned double National and Squealing Pig Border navigation champions. Watch this space for upcoming National and Border prize giving dates.

            CoC’s for the event, Ciaran and Michael Tynan would like to thank all residents along the route, especially those who offered their private lanes. All 30 marshals who turned up on the night to ensure everything was manned. Results teams and to the tea ladies who did a great job.       

 

Monaghan MC Navigation Trial top 10

1 Martin Tynan/Fintan Clerkin (Subaru Impreza) 4 marks

2 Ashley McAdoo/Francis Keenan (Subaru Impreza) 4m

3 Andy Mackarel/Liam Higgins (Subaru Impreza) 5m

4 Colin Duffy/Sam Johnson (Subaru Impreza) 6m

5 Trevor Farrell/Noel Hall (Subaru Impreza) 8m

6 Richard Cassidy/Paul Phelan (Subaru Impreza) 12m

7 Gary McElhinney/Damien Connolly (Subaru Impreza) 33m

8 Pakie Duffy/Nigel McCloughry (Subaru Impreza) 44m

9 Fintan McGorman/Derek Mackarel (Subaru Impreza) 61m

10 Dermot Keenan/Laurence Keenan (Subaru Impreza) 62m

 

Boyle cousins off to the prefect start

Declan and Brian Boyle have got off to the perfect start this season with another win on the opening round of the Sligo Pallets Border Rally championship on Sunday last in Mayo. This follows on from there win in Birr for the opening round of the national. the Donegal men took a start to finish win with 1min and 30sec’s to spare over Donagh Kelly, both in Subaru WRC. Russell Woods and Gary Gallagher had a great run through the Mayo stages to claim 3rd overall, 5 seconds ahead of Cavan’s Johnathan Pringle, both in class 13 escorts. Declan Gallagher and Ronan Murrin rounded off the top five. Raymond Conlon and Darren McCague flew the flag highest for the travelling Monaghan brigade with a great 5th overall finish and 3rd in class 13. 

            Arthur and Mac Kierans also had the perfect start to their border campaign as the back to back winners took another class win in the trusty class 12 escort. Seamus Connolly and Gary McCruddan finished with a class win and 14th overall after some disappointing results of late by their standards. They also took the drive of the day award. Justin Smyth and Gregory McQuillan had an eventful day and did well to finish as class 9 winners and 15th overall. This was despite a high speed spin on stage 2 and the gear stick breaking on stage 6. Justin and Gregory would like to thank all their sponsors for the day. Jack Maguire and Stephen McElroy were 17th overall in the red escort. Michael Conlon and Niall Connolly had a troubled day but finished in 20th overall. John and Niall Kelly made a welcomed return to the stages in the twin cam and finished 3rd in the highly competitive class 10. David Smyth and Mark Derry were also out in the class 11R twin cam and took 3rd place spoils.

 

Mayo Stages 2013 Top 10

 

1/ Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle Subaru WRC 8 1:05:09.7

2/ Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan Subaru WRC 8 1:06:39.2

3/ Russell Woods/Gary Gallagher Ford Escort Mk 13 1:09:25.8

4/ Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne Ford Escort RS 13 1 1:09:30.4

5/ Declan Gallagher/Ronan Murrin Toyota Starlet 13 2 1:09:32.0

6/ Raymond Conlon/Darren McCague Toyota Corolla 13 3 1:11:06.5

7/ Pat Kirk/Joe McNulty Mitsubishi Evo 4 1 1:11:34.7

8/ Andrew Mullen/Elaine Doherty Mitsubishi Evo 4 2 1:12:23.2

9/ Paul Clarke/Patrick Cunningham Ford Escort 13 4 1:12:41.8

10/ Daniel Conaghan/Terence Magee Ford Escort 13 5 1:12:46.5

       

Andy Mackarel and Liam Higgins once again proved they are a formidable force when it comes to night navigations, taking another commanding win on Cavan MC annual navigation trial in Maudabawn on Saturday night last. With four wins from four starts in the border campaign they are impossible to beat at the minute. Colin Duffy and Sam Johnson kept the pressure on however for the 2013 National title with 2nd overall ensuring it goes down to the wire on the final event with a winner takes all scenario as they are level on points. Midlands men Packie and Colin Duffy had a good run to 3rd overall and semi expert class winners.

            CoC for this event, Thomas Wedlock with Darren O Brien laid on a fantastic route through the windmill strewn countryside of Maudabawn, Mountain Lodge and Kill taking in the infamous knobbys jump’s along with many gravel lanes through the windmills which wouldn’t look out of place on Rally Finland. Ashley McAdoo and Francis Kennan were leading the event at mid-point with the only clean sheet but dropped to 4th overall and 2nd semi-expert as their car began to boil through the second half. Bobby Sharkey and Mac Kierans had a good run to a novice class win and 5th overall, ahead of Michael and Ciaran Tynan who were also on 28 penalties. Both crews missing a tricky time point 20 amongst the windmills. Dermot and Laurence Keenan had a great run to take 2nd in novice and they too were one of 15 crews to miss tp20. Gerry Kelly and Seamus McTigue were once again the winners in the beginners class, a long way ahead of Ryan Connolly and Shane Mulligan in 2nd.

            Well done to Thomas, Darren and all their team on an enjoyable and well run event. All roads lead to Newbliss, Co Monaghan this Saturday night for the Border and National Night Navigation decider.

 

Cavan MC Navigation Trial top 12

1 Andy Mackarel/Liam Higgins (Subaru Impreza) 7 marks

2 Colin Duffy/Sam Johnston (Subaru Impreza) 14m

3 Pakie Duffy/Nigel McCloughry (Subaru Impreza) 16m

4 Ashley McAdoo/Francis Keenan (Subaru Impreza) 26m

5 Bobby Sharkey/Macartan Kierans (Subaru Impreza) 28m

6 Michael Tynan/Ciaran Tynan (Subaru Impreza) 28m

7 Dermot Keenan/Laurence Keenan (Subaru Impreza) 30m

8 Martin Tynan/Fintan Clerkin (Subaru Impreza) 32m

9 Trevor McConnell/Ruaidhri Nash (Subaru Impreza) 32m

10 Joe Friel/Aidan Friel (Subaru Impreza) 38m

11 Gerry McIntyre/Aaron McIntyre (Subaru Impreza) 42m

12 Sean McKenna/Garry Farrelly (Subaru Impreza) 43m

 

 

Munster CC Moonraker Forest Rally

England’s Mick O’Brien and Limericks Greg Shinnors took victory on last Sundays Moonraker forestry Rally. This pairing took a start to finish win in a focus WRC ahead of Philip and Simon Morrow in an EVO 9 . It was another good day in the Combilift/Moffett stable as Josh Moffett, partnered by Jason McKenna took 3rd overall after a good battle throughout the day with Martin Cairns and Kevin Flanagan who eventually succumbed to the pressure and had to settle for 4th. Sam Moffett and David Moynihan were 5th overall and took the group N win.

            Fresh from their Fivemiletown win, Enda McNulty/Paul Sheridan were 9th overall as a bad stage time on the 2nd test dropped them well down the leader board. Michael Conlon and Ciaran McPhillips had a fantastic run to claim top spot in the two wheel drive battle. They were level with Shane McGirr/Jackie Elliott heading into the last stage and had an excellent run to take 7 seconds off McGirrs time to finish 10th overall and top twd.

 

Munster CC Moonraker Forest Rally Top 10

1 Michael O’Brien/Greg Shinnors (Focus WRC) 29m 31s,

2 Philip Morrow/Simon Morrow (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 29m 39s,

3 Josh Moffett/Jason McKenna (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 30m 17s,

4 Martin Cairns/Kevin Flanagan (Impreza WRC) 30m 26s,

5 Sam Moffett/David Moynihan (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 31m 10s,

6 John Reid/Enda Shiels (Corolla WRC) 31m 19s,

7 Liam Regan/Damien Duffin (Peugeot 206) 31m 20s,

8 Niall Henry/John Rowan (Impreza) 31m 28s,

9 Enda McNulty/Paul Sheridan (Impreza) 31m 36s,

10 Mickey Conlon/Ciaran McPhillips (Escort) 31m 59s.

Daniel McKenna Support Draw
After a fantastic night in Connolly’s Bar and Lounge Scotshouse, a great crowd came out in force to show their support for Daniel’s attempt at the British Rally Championship. The official winners of the prizes in the draw are as follows:
Winner of the 1st prize and the chance to Co- Drive for Daniel in his Mk2 Escort in the Midlands Stages Rally in 3 weeks or €1000 cash prize is: Sean Mc Hugh (Mayo Motor Club), Bekan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
Winner of the 2nd prize, A weekend for 2 and 1 evening meal in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny is: Tony Fitzpatrick, Ture, Newbliss, Co. Monaghan
Winner of the 3rd prize, SCANBITZ Rally Team Merchandise Jacket, Hoody, Polo Shirt and Cap is: Helena Mc Cusker, Inver Close, Roslea, Co. Fermanagh
            The Supporters Club would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support, from ticket buyers, ticket sellers, sponsors for the main draw prizes, sponsors for the raffle prizes and everyone for their words of encouragement and help over the past 8 weeks. Thank you.

 

Monaghan Navigation Trial

This Saturday sees Monaghan Motor Club host the final round of the National and Squealing Pig border navigation championships. Following four wins from four starts, Andy Mackarel and Liam Higgins have a commanding lead in the Squealing Pig border championship and a top 12 finish should see them lift the title for another year, The National championship is a much closer affair however with Andy/Liam and Colin Duffy/Sam Johnson tied on points heading into this final round. Coc for the event is Ciaran Tynan and the HQ is Acorn Centre, Newbliss. As always there are up on 50 marshals required so if your available please text Ciaran on 0877827918. Marshals are asked to be in Newbliss no later than 8pm. Plots out at 6.30 and 7.30 with first car away at 9.31pm.

 

Upcoming Events

Best of luck to all local competitors who kick start their Sligo Pallets Border Rally championship campaign this Sunday with the Mayo stages Rally. Monaghan Stages Rally is fast approaching with trojan work happening behind the scenes at present. Sunday 20th April is the date and as always this will be one of the biggest sporting events of the year in the county. A Rally launch event is also in the pipeline with an organising team working hard to provide an enjoyable family orientated day out in the Hillgrove. More details to follow.

 

McNulty and Sheridan success on Spring Rally

            Coalislands’ Enda McNulty with Scotstown man Paul Sheridan claimed their maiden win on the Omagh MC Fivemiletown Spring Rally after many years of trying on Saturday last. This longstanding partnership never looked back after gaining top spot with an impressive 7 second stage win on the second stage. Gareth Sayers was their nearest rival throughout the day but had to settle for 2nd o/a. Shane McGirr and Jackie Elliott were 3rd overall in the super quick starlet, and lifting the two wheel drive honours.

Frank Kelly traded his baby blue escort for an EVO on this event as he was without an engine and put up some great times in an unfamiliar car and was up to 3rd overall on stage 5 but a soft roll put an end to his charge. Gregory McDaid with Monaghan’s Stephen Tierney on the notes were 23rd overall and 3rd class 5 in a nova.

Daniel McKenna and Arthur Kierans were sporting their new fiesta in Fivemiletown, ahead of the impending British Rally Championship but it was a day to forget with retirement on the second stage with cam shaft sensor failure. Upcoming Cavan navigation CoC Thomas Wedlock was on the notes for Sean McAuley in a nova but they also failed to finish while lying 2nd in class after 3 stages.

Cousins on the Boyle in Abbeyleix

Donegal cousins, Declan and Brian Boyle (Subaru WRC) took victory in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel Birr Stages Rally that marked the beginning of the Dunlop National Rally Championship on Sunday last. At the conclusion of the eight stage rally, they finished 34.8 seconds ahead of the similar Subaru of Welshman, Mel Evans and his Limerick co-driver, Sean Mullally. Wexford’s, James Stafford/Amy Ryan (Darrian T90) were a further 19.1 seconds behind in third and won the Dunlop” Drive of the Day” award.

Monaghan’s Niall Maguire and Enda Sherry had a number of mechanical issues over the first four stages but recovered to take fourth overall and a valuable points haul on the opening round of this years championship. It was a great day for the Monaghan crews in the group N class as once again the Moffett brothers stole the show. After a battle royale throughout the day it was Sam Moffett and James O’Reilly who took an 11 second victory and 9th overall over younger brother Josh Moffett and John Rowan in 10th o/a, both in EVO 9’s.

Brother and sister team of Stephen and Susanne Wright were on the pace throughout the day but a turbo problem on stage 6 dropped them back to 5^th in group N. Eugene Meegan and Brian Sharkey were setting top times in group N but unfortunately road penalties put them back to 6^th in class. Barry Ryan and Tydavnets Emmet Sherry teamed up once again and put in a super performance to claim the class 11 honours and 18^th overall. Jim McKenna/Thomas Treanor were on the ball throughout the day and setting top times in the highly competitive class 14, but eventually had to settle for the runner up spot and 20^th overall, just 6 seconds behind class winner Rodney Wilton.

Shane Maguire and Martin McGarrity had to settle for 7^th in group N and 21^st overall. Paddy Kiernan and James McCarville put in a steady performance over the 8 stages and claimed 3^rd in class 13 in their immaculate escort. Liam Bowhan with Damien Connolly on the notes once again finished 7^th in the highly competitive class 13 in their starlet. Conor Foley and Damien McKenna returned to the stages after a two year layoff and claimed the runner up spot in class 12.

There was hard luck for Michael Carbin and Evin Hughes when their event ended on stage 1 in the new EVO 4.  Seamus Connolly and Gary McCrudden recent run of bad luck continued in Birr as they also failed to make the finish.

Donegal MC Mini Stages Top 10

1 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Impreza WRC) 55m 50s

2 Melvyn Evans/Sean Mullally (Impreza WRC) 56m 25s

3 James Stafford/Amy Ryan (Darrian T90 GTR) 56m 44s

4 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Impreza WRC) 57m 25s

5 Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher (Impreza WRC) 57m 27s

6 Roy White/James O’Brien (Rover S2000) 57m 43s

7 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Impreza WRC) 57m 56s

8 James Belton/Mark Glennerster (Impreza WRC) 58m 18s

9 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N)58m 34s

10 Josh Moffett/John Rowan (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 58m 45s

Motorsport Safety Team Group N Production class:

1 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly

2 Josh Moffett/John Rowan

3 Danny Barry/Gordon Noble (Lancer Evo 10) 59m 04s

Rally.ieTwo wheel drive award:

1James Stafford/Amy Ryan

Dunlop National Escort Mk 2 award:

1 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne 59m 34s

 

Upcoming Events

Cavan motor club run their annual night navigation trial this Saturday, 2nd March. Thomas Wedlock is CoC and the event is based in Gallonreagh House, Maudabawn. Munster forestry stages Rally this Sunday 3rd March. Ciaran Tynan is CoC for the upcoming Monaghan Night navigation Trial on 9th March based in Newbliss. This is the final round of both the National and Squealing Pig Border Navigation championships and as always there are up on 50 marshals required so if your available please text Ciaran on 0877827918. Mayo Stages Rally kick starts the Sligo Pallets Border Rally championship on Sunday 10th March. Draw for Daniel McKenna BRC fundraiser will take place this Sunday night, 2nd March in Connolly’s, Scotshouse. An enjoyable night of music and banter is guaranteed with MC on the night Sean McCaffery. Proceedings start at 8pm. Tickets are still available.

Co. Monaghan Motor club in association with the Northern Standard held their annual club autotest on Sunday last. Once again Wrights Quarry at Swanns Cross was the ideal venue and CoC Brendan Flynn set out some difficult and demanding tests for the 21 starters in the Hewison Autotest championship. Bright and sunny weather conditions made for an enjoyable day on the smooth concrete surfaced tests. Paddy Power proved the man to beat in his mini moke, taking a 6 second win from Daniel Byrne after 12 complex tests.  Mark King had a great run throughout the day to take 3rd overall in a nova and win class D.

            JJ Farrell was winner of class B with Timmy Lynch the class C winner in his immaculate westfield. Last years winner Steven Ferguson had to settle for 13th overall on the day despite 7 fastest test times as he hit trouble over the final three tests to drop back down the leader board. Nevertheless Stephen has won the 2012/13 hewison Autotest championship for the second successive year.

            Once again, well done to all the award winners and to Coc Brendan for a well run event. Brendan would like to take the opportunity to thank all hewison and club members for their support. Monaghan Motor Club are pleased again this year to have received sponsorship from our local newspaper “The Northern Standard”. Our thanks to Cathal Smith and his staff for their support.

To David Wright of Wrights Quarry for the use of his premises, which is popular with all the competitors. Brendan would also like to thank the many marshals and time keepers who turned up on the day, it may have been dry and sunny overhead but it was a cold day to be standing around nonetheless. Also a big thank you to Cora and all her little helpers for the much needed soup and sandwich’s, they were much appreciated! Thanks also to anyone else who helped out in any way prior to and on the day of the event. 

 

Monaghan MC Autotest Top 12

1 Paddy Power (Mini Moke) 645.5s

2 Daniel Byrne (Mini) 651.7s

3 Mark King (Nova) 653.0s

4 Norman Ferguson (Mini) 653.4s

5 David Thompson (Nova) 658.4s

6 J J Farrell (Mini) 663.3s

7 Robin Lyons (Mini) 665.0s

8 Guy Foster (Mini) 667.1s

9 Chris Grimes (Mini) 667.1s

10 Timmy Lynch (Westfield) 693.4s

11 Paul Phelan (Mini Special) 694.7s

12 Darren Quille (Westfield) 699.1s

 

Mixed fortunes Monaghan Crews at Donegal Mini Stages Rally

Local Donegal men Martin Doherty and Damien McCauley won Donegal Motor Clubs mini stages rally on Sunday last, based in the picturesque town of Ballyliffin. This event had 66 starters tackle the Malin Head and Coolcross tests which are classic Donegal stages. Doherty/McCauley were fastest on all 6 stages to take the win by just over a minute from Daniel Barry and Gordan Noble, both in Evo’s. Daniel and Michael Doherty were 3rd overall, and claimed the highly competitive two wheel drive honours by 9 seconds. Patrick Mc Hugh and Pauric O’Donnell were 4th overall and class 13 winners. Joe McGonigle and Ciaran Geaney rounded off the top 5 and a class 7 win in their Clio R3 maxi.

            Monaghan men Raymond Conlon and Darren McCague had a great run through the Hills of Donegal and were up to 4th overall after 2 stages, eventually finishing 6th overall and 2nd in class 13. Arthur and Mac Kierans got their 2013 rally season off to a good start in the class 12 escort with 7th overall and a class win to boot. Barry Mc Kenna and Emmett Sherry had a 9th fastest stage time on the opening test but undid all the their good work on the second stage when the escort failed to slow enough for a square right and slid off, dropping over 4 minutes to their class rivals. Nevertheless they battled on and set some good times to climb back up to 30th overall.

            Late entrants, Richard Moffatt and Martin Connolly had a good start and were up to 8th overall after 2 stages but unfortunately gearbox gremlins set in and they failed to finish the middle loop in the starlet.

 

Donegal MC Mini Stages Top 10

1 Martin Doherty/Damien McCauley (Lancer Evo 9) 48m 11s

2 Danny Barry/Gordon Noble (Lancer Evo 10) 49m 12s

3 Daniel Doherty/Michael Doherty (Escort) 50m 18s

4 Patrick McHugh/Pauric O’Donnell (Escort) 50m 27s

5 Joe McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Clio R3 Maxi) 50m 37s

6 Raymond Conlon/Darren McCauge (Corolla) 50m 46s

7 Conor Watters/Gerry Hughes (Escort) 51m 08s

8 Arthur Kierans/Mac Kierans (Escort) 51m 17s

9 John Ward/Gary McNern (Corolla) 51m 18s

10 Gary McElhinney/Paddy McCrudden (Escort) 51m 23s