Eamonn Boland and his co driver Damien Morrissey led the rally after the opening stage, Molls Gap, and also through the Kilmacilloge stage then Tim McNulty forged to the front on the Tim Healy Pass and eventually crashed out on Cod’s Head. That was the theme of the rally, Eamonn Boland got pressurised all the way with Gareth MacHale pushing hard for the number one spot today, but then he crashed his Focus on Caragh Lake. It was only over the final few stages this afternoon that Eamonn was able to back off a little, confidence of victory and extending his lead in the Global Group Tarmac Championship. Former Tarmac Champion Derek McGarrity was sidelined from rallying 2 years ago when he crashed his Subaru heavily on the Manx Rally. The Co. Antrim man had a few delays on this event but in overall terms he has shown a real return to form and 2nd place wads just reward for his determination. Monaghan’s Dessie Keenan has never really had the equipment to feature at the top of tarmac championship rallies. However, his 3rd place here in a Subaru that he had only driven for the first time on Friday night is fair testimony to his ability. There is little doubt that if he can find the budgets Dessie will be on the Tarmac podium.
Kevin Kelleher, co driven by his brother Martin, has won Group N on the rally. Kevin had some turbo problems with his Lancer early in the event but then took over the lead in the category this morning when Colm Murphy crashed out. This result should move him into the lead of the Group N Tarmac series. John McGlaughlin survived a broken rear differential on his Lancer today, and he will be 2nd in the points, 3rd in the category today behind Alan Ring.
A big talking point on the rally was the performance of Kris Meeke and his Killarney co driver Paul Nagle. Their speed and commitment through the stages was pretty stunning and only a puncture robbed them of a top 3 finish. It was still a superb achievement to take 5th o/a in a little 1600 Clio. Late news is that Johnny O’Sullivan has dropped out of the top 10 following gear linkage trouble on the penultimate stage, Caragh Lake. In the National Rally Phil Collins is heading for a win in his Escort ahead of the similar Ford of Fergus O’Meara. Local man Dave Slattery is heading for 3rd and Wesley Patterson 4th despite dropping several minutes yesterday when his Escort engine stopped. In the Fiesta Sporting Trophy Alastair Fisher had a slender 2s lead over Elfyn Evans. In the Historic Rally Richard Hall was leading with 2 stages to go in his Escort with Denis Moynihan 2nd, Tommy Mason 3rd and Joe Connolly 4th, all in Escorts. Derek Boyd was 5th in his Porsche.
Eamonn Boland commented at the end, “I’ve been trying to win this rally for twenty years. Yes, there was big pressure for sure, but it was a great event”. Derek McGarrity commented. “I never drove as slowly to finish 2nd, but I really enjoyed today.” Dessie Keenan said. “It turned out really great for me, a great weekend”. Aaron MacHale had gear selection problems today but he also had a great run over the last few stages to finish 4th. Kris Meeke said at the end. “That was the most enjoyable rally I’ve ever driven, the car and the stages were fantastic, and I was so relaxed.” Phil Collins who won the National Rally said. “Not bad for an old stager”. Martin McGee had been 2nd but went off the road for 4m in Caragh Lake. News is just coming in that Alastair Fisher has clinched the Fiesta victory. Brendan Cumiskey made a real charge to pip Damien Tourish and take maximum Evo Challenge points today. Alan Carmichael continues to lead the Evo Challenge overall.
BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallkynews.net
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