UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 9 – last stage

1^st (2) Eugene Donnelly/Carl Moore (Corolla WRC) 1.11.39

2^nd (18) James Cullen/Reba Graham (Lancer N) 1.12.16

3^rd (8) Andrew Stewart/Fabian McShane (Lancer N) 1.14.04

4^th (25) Stuart Darcy/Brian Boyle 9lancer N) 1.15.39

5^th (12) Damien Gallagher/Mac Walsh (Escort) 1.16.33

6^th (11) Brendan Kelly/Ger Callaghan (Lancer N) 1.17.12

7^th (21) Gordon Rogers/Philip McEntee (Escort) 1.18.09

8^th (16) Robbie Peoples/Keith Stewart (Escort) 1.18.17

9^th (47) Bernard McGinley/Raymond Scott (Starlet) 1.18.31

10^th (23) Drew Hunter/Victor Hunter (Escort) 1.18.49

11^th (27) Michael McColgan/Kevin Flanagan (Lancer N) 1.18.53  

12^th (33) Daniel Conaghan/Liam McLaughlin (Escort) 1.19.18

Eugene Donnelly had a fabulous day’s rallying along with guest co driver Carl Moore in the Corolla WRC.  Eugene had to give best to James Cullen early on but got the hammer down as the day progressed and said. “It was great craic. It was good to let Carl see the fun side and the serious side.  The rain was unbelievable at times, very difficult to drive.  Carl did so well, its not easy to read notes for the first time let alone in a world rally car at winning pace. He was pretty remarkable. All in all a great day”. 

Second placed James Cullen, with Reba Graham on the pace notes, wins group N as well as taking runner up spot.  Reba laughed when the Lancer came into the finish and said. “The old man hasn’t lost his touch!”   Andrew Stewart in 3^rd hasn’t been doing so much rallying this year so was well pleased with his result, and like so many others found it a difficult day’s rallying, and was pleased to make the finish at all let alone in such a good position. 

Stuart Darcy takes 3^rd in group N and 4^th overall, Stuart survived a last stage spin and as well as that said he was on too hard a compound tyre towards the end and got caught out on the wet roads, also found that his seeding went against him, as he was catching cars all day. Damien Gallagher was the highest placed 2 wheel drive car and wins class 13 while Brendan Kelly rounds off the top 6 in his Group N Lancer. 

Some stories towards the end included – Eugene Ferry crashing out on the last stage and knocking down a telegraph pole with his Escort. Eugene was best 2 wheel drive going into the last stage. Niall Maguire retired his Impreza WRC towards the end, as did Martin Doherty while James Gillen survived an accident and a puncture to move outside the top 10, having been 5^th earlier in the day. 

It is too early as yet to say exactly who has won the Border Championship but Adrian Fox was certainly heading that way, leading his class and looking good for the maximum points.

Finally for now many thanks to clerk of the course Eamonn McGee and everyone at Donegal MC for all their help and indeed hard work in putting the rally together. Many thanks also to all who helped and supported our RallyNews service.

BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net