UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 20 Widow Magee

1^st (7) Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Impreza WRC) 1.59.03

2^nd (3) Derek McGarrity/Chris Patterson (Impreza WRC) 2.02.11

3^rd (5) Eamonn Boland/Anthony Nestor (Impreza WRC) 2.02.23

4^th (2) Austin McHale/Brian Murphy (Corolla WRc) 2.05.09

5^th (9) Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Impreza WRC) 2.05.21

6^th (6) David Greer/Michael Reid (Corolla WRC) 2.05.50

7^th (19) Trevor Cathers/Gordon Noble (Lancer N) 2.06.24

8^th (10) Brendan Kelly/Rory Kennedy (Lancer N) 2.07.00

9^th (26) Dickie Curran/Gary Lyons (Lancer N) 2.08.48

10^th (43) Philip Shaw/Derek Brannigan (Escort) 2.11.12

11^th (14) Maurice Gass/Geoffrey Orr (Impreza WRC) 2.11.18

12^th (44) David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn (Escort) 2.11.25

13^th (31) Patrick Elliott/Sean Moriarty (Impreza) 2.11.28

14^th (37) Donie O'Sullivan/Paul Nagle (Impreza N) 2.11.46

"Everything’s fine, just fine" was Andrew Nesbitt’s comment when he finished the first Monday stage, Widow Magee. Andrew had set yet another fastest time, his transmission vibration problems now behind him since he fitted Daniel Doherty’s propshaft. Not so happy was Derek McGarrity – it is his turn now for a vibration in the back of the car. Derek and Eamonn Boland have been having a huge battle for 2^nd place, and perhaps now the pendulum is swinging the Wexford man’s way. Most of the top drivers reported that Widow Magee stage to be very slippy and treacherous. Indeed, so much so that David Greer was fortunate that his Corolla WRC bounced out of a ditch rather than got stuck in it. Anyway, all the drivers are reporting a lack of traction, but McGarrity says he is getting absolutely none. Philip Shaw continues to lead the rear wheel drive brigade, and he said that stage was just a nightmare, no grip.

In the gpN battle – Trevor Cathers and Brendan Kelly were on an equal stage time of 8.21, Dickie Curran being 8s slower.

The leading times were – Nesbitt 7.56 Boland 8.02 McGarrity 8.03 McHale 8.11 and still struggling with a lack of centre differential pressure in his Corolla WRC.

75 cars are still left in the rally from the 125 starters. Just some of the class leaders include – Shaun Gallagher (Peugeot), Shaun emerged from that first stae this morning with the centre pedal on the floor, looks like the master cylinder has blown. James Cassidy still leads his class convincingly despite having a very dramatic roll on day 2. Danny McBride leads class 2. Harold Brown cl.7. Alan McMahon cl.3. Brian Black cl.9. John McElhinney class 1. Aisling Dorris class 5.

HISTORICS – Mervyn Johnston leads in his Mini Cooper from Philip Wylie (MGB) Gavin Taylor is 3^rd overall and leads the post historics in his Mexico from Ivor (The driver) Clark in his BRM engined Avenger. More news later..BRIAN AND LIZ PATTERSON (with thanks to Michael Patterson and Zoe Todd)