Just a few seconds separated the top drivers through stage 12. Garry Jennings` co driver Rory Kennedy told us. `We have to stay flat out and I have to keep pushing Garry. It is the only way that he drives well and there is no quarter being given in any case. The one thing is that the top drivers are appealing to the spectators to stand well back`. Both Donagh Kelly and Declan Boyle had really good runs through that stage 12. Seamus Leonard dropped perhaps around 15s as the intercom on his Subaru did not work at all during the stage. Derek McGarrity was pleased with his choice of harder compound tyres but remains in 4th place. Joe McGonigle had a good run through stage 12 and was 6s faster than Stephen Wright in the battle for class 5. Stephen reckoned he was too slow through the chicanes. Aidan Wray leads group N from Martin Doherty, both in Lancers.
The leader of the National Rally, Manus Kelly, dropped a few seconds through stage 12 when his Escort seemed to lose stability. Brian Brogan set fastest National time from Paul & Karl Reid. John McQuaid thumped the back of his Escort on the bridge in that stage 12, still going but plenty of bent panels. Damien Gallagher is managing to hold on to 7th place despite a warped brake disc. Dara Leonard has still to change his Lancer gearbox and has managed to stay on the pace despite having no 5th gear. Trevor Bustard dropped out of the GpN race when he lost 8m due to a wiring loom breakage.
Pat Kirk`s Lancer is now looking rather battered. Pat told us he was off the road in Garrygort and then had another drama in Knockalla with a flat tyre. Pat has not lost his sense of humour and he said. `As John Lyons used to say sometimes – `we`re only an also ran now`. Aaron MacHale is another struggling to find the GpN pace as his Lancer is cutting out on virtually every stage. He told us that every electrical connection has checked and double-checked and they cannot find the problem.
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