RALLY NEWS NO.1       Percy French Hotel Strokestown..Sunday 10.30

There's a stunning entry for this Midland Motor Club Single Stage event, despite the fact that No.1 seed Niall Maguire is non-starting. This leaves Rory O'Connor, with Strokestown's Francis Kenny on the safety notes, first on the road. Rory runs a nationwide photographic business out of Ballyhaunis. There are two Escort Cosworths behind Rory, in the hands of David Armstrong and Tommy Graham. Any of these three are capable of a top result.

Then its Tim McNulty in the Pierse Contracting backed ex McHale Celica. Tim has gradually been bedding himself into this Toyota, he's another on home ground today, and could be very much the man to watch. No.6 was to be Joe mcGurk, but his Toyota has damaged suspension after Monaghan. Next up then is the consistently quick Norman Armstrong in his trusty Mk2 Escort. Micky McArdle was to be at 8, but his BMW has a problem. Noel mcCarrick is at 9 in his Subaru, the first of the GpN cars, with Monaghan's Enda Keenan rounding off the top ten.

Quite a line-up, and many more good drivers and cars behind them. And indeed in front as well, with Tarmac Champion Ian Greer doing '00' today in his fabulous 205 Celica as a shakedown for 'The Lakes'. Further non starters include Tom Geraghy, who had last minute car problems. Breen McNamee now co-drives for Enda Keenan. Finbar Mangan co-drives for Tommy Graham - Tommy's car backed by Peter Caslin's pub in Strokestown. Rory Galligan was down to drive an Ibiza, but is now co-driving for John Fitzimons at 42. Lisa Mangan is now co-driving Freddy Walker at 34. More news from service on the main Edgesworth-Athlone Road outside Ballymahon. BRIAN AND LIZ PATTERSON