North Armagh Loughgall Festival of Motorsport (Historic Rally) - (Sat) 3 Jul 10

In Car

Posted: July 6, 2010 3:46 PM

Steven & Philip Armstrong

Thousands of pounds raised for charity at Loughgall Festival of Motorsport!

Posted: July 6, 2010 1:42 PM

Thousands of pounds have been raised for Cancer Research UK (Northern Ireland) and other Lions charities after Saturday's Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture Loughgall Festival of Motorsport!

The event, which was based in Loughgall Country Park and jointly organised by North Armagh Motor Club Ltd and Armagh Lions Club, attracted thousands of spectators to the venue for the motorsport extravaganza.

Featuring the Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest, static classic and historic car displays, as well as an autojumble, the event provided plenty of entertainment for spectators who flocked to the beautiful venue.

"It was fantastic to see so many people in Loughgall Country Park helping to raise funds for some very worthwhile charities," said Malcolm Dawson of the Armagh Lions Club organising committee. "Everyone who attended played their part in raising money, at the same time as enjoying a great day out for all the family. Thank you to everyone who helped and we're already looking forward to another successful Festival in 2011."

Mayor of Armagh City and District Council, Councillor Jim Speers, flagged the Historic Rally Car Challenge competitors away from the start ramp. More than 60 crews tackled eight stages through the Loughgall Country Park lanes, which remained dry throughout the course of the day.

In the historic category, it was Tommy O'Connell who headed crews home in his Ford Escort RS1800. Navigated by Sean Magee, the result marked an early 21st birthday present for the Dungiven driver, in what was his maiden rally victory.

"I'm over the moon!" O'Connell said afterwards. "It was very close between myself and Keith McIvor. Thankfully it stayed dry, or I reckon it would have been even closer!"

Two stages from home, less than seven seconds separated O'Connell and McIvor. Sadly for challenger McIvor, his Porsche 911 broke its differential during the penultimate stage, slamming the brakes on his rally.

Just 12 months earlier, it was O'Connell's father, Seamus, who won the event. But this year it was O'Connell junior who was overjoyed when he lifted the winning trophy. He finished ahead of the Mini Cooper S belonging to Colin McDowell and Ian Evans, with Paul Cartmill and Adrian Park third in their Sunbeam.

In the modified category, Wesley Patterson and Martin McGarrity again proved to be unbeatable in their Mark 2 Escort. The crew have dominated the event in recent years so there were few surprises when they emerged victorious once again.

Patterson arrived home almost 36 seconds clear of second placed Mervyn Wedlock and Damien McCabe, with Michael Conlon and Aaron McQuaid third. Such was the domination of the Escort crews the only one competitor inside the top 15 overall was not driving an Escort!

The Festival also featured the Apple Blossom Autotest, which was organised in conjunction with MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster). A number of leading autotesters displayed their skills, with Robert Dickson emerging as the winner in his Mini Special.

Dickson performed some inch perfect driving manoeuvres to take the victory from Mark King's Vauxhall Nova, while Noel Cochrane was third in his Ford Special.

"Thanks to everyone who attended to make it another successful day for the charities," said Historic Rally Car Challenge Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton. "Thanks must also go to Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture who were title sponsors for the second year, as well as many other associate sponsors."

There were numerous rally winners and autotest winners, but the real Festival of Motorsport victors were Cancer Research UK (Northern Ireland) and other charities. Monies are still being counted but it is expected that a substantial amount has been raised once again.

With another successful event behind them, Armagh Lions Club and North Armagh Motor Club Ltd are already making plans for 2011.

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Posted: July 4, 2010 8:39 PM

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Posted: July 4, 2010 8:38 PM

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Full Results /Times - Historic, Modified, Autotest

Posted: July 4, 2010 8:37 PM

Historic Rally Car Challenge - top 5 overall
1 Tommy O'Connell/Sean Magee (Ford Escort RS1800) 34m15.8s
2 Colin McDowell/Ian Evans (Mini Cooper S) 36m23.1s
3 Paul Cartmill/Adrian Park (Talbot Sunbeam Ti) 37m00.8s
4 John Hughes/Mark Daly (Ford Escort Mk I) 37m06.0s
5 John Byrne/Keith Byrne (Talbot Sunbeam GLS) 37m11.8s

Modified category - top 5 overall
1 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Ford Escort Mk II RS) 31m32.2s
2 Mervyn Wedlock/Damien McCabe (Ford Escort) 32m08.1s
3 Michael Conlon/Aaron McQuaid (Ford Escort) 32m09.2s
4 Martin Teggart/Russell Harold (Ford Escort) 32m29.5s
5 James Kennedy/Rodney Torrington (Ford Escort Mk II) 32m43.1s

Apple Blossom Autotest - top 5 overall
1 Robert Dickson (Mini Special) 542.5
2 Mark King (Vauxhall Nova) 594.9
3 Noel Cochrane (Ford Special) 612.1
4 Richard Allen (Vauxhall Corsa) 616.5
5 Gareth Dillon (Sylva Stryker) 618.7

Loughgall - 3 Jul 10 - Historic Results

Loughgall - 3 Jul 10 - Modified

Loughgall - 3 Jul 10 - Autotest

Full Entry Lists available

Posted: June 29, 2010 8:50 PM

• North Armagh Car Club

Charity Motorsport Festival ready to blast off in Loughgall Country Park!

Posted: June 29, 2010 7:05 AM

The leading entries for this Saturday's Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture Loughgall Festival of Motorsport, which is jointly organised by North Armagh Motor Club Ltd and Armagh Lions Club, have been announced at Armagh Council Offices.

The event, which is in aid of Cancer Research UK (Northern Ireland) and other Lions charities, has received another stunning entry for the Historic Rally Car Challenge and Apple Blossom Autotest. The Festival will also feature a large array of static historic and classic car displays, as well as an autojumble.

Armagh Lions Club member, Malcolm Dawson, said:
"The Club is very grateful to all of the event sponsors but in particular North Armagh Motor Club. Without their support and expertise over the years, we would not have been able to support the many good causes that we have."

Based within the beautiful surroundings of Loughgall Country Park this Saturday 3 July, a wide range of machinery has entered the Historic Rally Car Challenge. From Porsches to Escorts, as well as Sunbeams, Minis, Kadetts and Anglias, this weekend's spectacular will provide a real blast to the past!

"I'm delighted to once again be involved with this year's event," said event sponsor Harry Burke, director of Burkes of Cornascriebe. "The classic car show, Apple Blossom autotest and high speed historic rally cars from years gone by will be a fantastic spectacle."

Entries in the Historic Rally Car Challenge include Keith McIvor in his Porsche 911. He will lead the field away from the start ramp, while Alan Jardine, who briefly led the 2009 event, starts with number two on his doors.

John Keatley, another competitor in a Porsche 911, is next in line ahead of Tommy O'Connell. O'Connell finished third last year behind his father, Seamus, and second placed Dessie McCartney. Neither of two drivers have entered the 2010 event, leaving O'Connell, who only started rallying in 2009, with high hopes of an even better finish.

The modified category has an equally impressive line-up with last year's winner, Wesley Patterson, topping the entry in his Mark 2 Escort ahead of Mervyn Wedlock. They will face stiff opposition from the likes of James Kennedy, Martin Teggart and Michael Conlon.

Almost 20 entries have been received for the Apple Blossom Autotest, which is being assisted by MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster). Competitors include Robert Dickson in his Mini Special, Trevor Faulkner (Caterham S3), David Jenkins (Beach Buggy) as well as Adam and Wallace McKee in their Chevette.

"It's great to have the support from an enthusiastic Armagh City and District Council as well as Burkes of Cornascriebe and New Holland Agriculture," Clerk of the Course William Fullerton said. "Working with Armagh Lions Club for the fourth year in a row has been a pleasure, and we're looking forward to a safe and enjoyable day."

Gates open at 8.30am and the admission fee of £10 includes free car parking and use of the park and ride system, while accompanied under-12s can enter free of charge. The Historic Rally Car Challenge will start at 9.50am and all proceedings will be finished by 5.30pm, when prizegiving will take place in the centre arena. More details can be found online at

• North Armagh Car Club
Historic Rally Car Challenge - top 10 seeds
1 Keith McIvor/TBA (Porsche 911)
2 Alan Jardine/Jim McSherry (Ford Escort Mk1)
3 John Keatley/TBA (Porsche 911)
4 Tommy O'Connell/Sean Magee (Ford Escort RS1800)
5 Gary Owens/Ciaran Donnelly (Ford Escort)
6 Philip McDowell/Thomas Purdy (Ford Escort Mk1)
7 John Byrne/Keith Byrne (Talbot Sunbeam GLS)
8 Colin McDowell/Ian Evans (Mini Cooper S)
9 Rory Tougher/Harold Armour (Morris Mini Cooper S)
10 Malcolm Pedlow/Billy Regan (BMW 2002)
Modified category - top 5 seeds
22 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Ford Escort Mk2 RS)
23 Mervyn Wedlock/Damien McCabe (Ford Escort)
24 James Kennedy/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2)
25 Martin Teggart/Terence Teggart (Ford Escort)
26 Michael Conlon/TBA (Ford Escort)

All Systems Go For Loughgall's Charity Motorsport Festival!

Posted: May 24, 2010 3:36 PM

Plans are already well advanced for the 2010 Loughgall Festival of Motorsport, which will be held in aid of charity on Saturday 3 July.

This year's festival, which will be located within the confines of the beautiful Loughgall Country Park, will again be sponsored by Burkes of Cornascriebe New Holland Agriculture, and supported by Armagh City and District Council.

"I'm delighted to once again be involved with this year's event," said Harry Burke, director of Burkes of Cornascriebe.
"Last year's Festival was a massive success and I'm pleased to be able to support such a high profile event once more."

The Festival, which is jointly organised by North Armagh Motor Club Ltd and Armagh Lions Club, will feature a Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest, static displays of vintage and classic cars, as well as an autojumble.

Now in its fifth year, the festivities will again be a huge hit with spectators, and it is all in aid of Action Cancer UK (Northern Ireland) and other Lions charities.

Armagh Lions Club member Malcolm Dawson said:
"The Club is very grateful to all of the event sponsors but in particular North Armagh Motor Club. Without their support and expertise over the years, we would not have been able to support the many good causes that we have. Indeed, thanks to the success of last year's event, we were able to donate £10,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support."

There will be four main themes to this year's festival, with the Historic Rally Car Challenge, Apple Blossom Autotest, static displays and autojumble.

The rally will consist of eight all tarmac special stages, and there will be the added bonus of a cavalcade run through the stage by special historic rally cars and classic vintage vehicles during the midday break.

Meanwhile, the Apple Blossom Autotest, which is being organised in conjunction with MG Car Club Ltd (Ulster), will run independently of the rally. It will feature mostly classic cars and will involve some spectacular precision driving.

Clerk of the Course, William Fullerton, said:
"Every year, the success of the Festival of Motorsport depends upon the co-operation between a large number of volunteers and organisations."

"I'd like to take this opportunity to once again thank Armagh City and District Council, as well as the Department of Agriculture, for the use of Loughgall Manor Estate and Loughgall Country Park," Fullerton continued. "Without their continual support through providing such a wonderful venue, an event of this calibre would simply not be possible."

The event provides a perfect opportunity for a family outing, with entertainment for all ages guaranteed. Free car parking will be in operation during the day.

An admission fee of £10 will be payable at the entrance gates, which open at 8.30am on Saturday 3 July.

The Historic Rally Car Challenge will start at 9.30am and all proceedings will be completed by 5.30pm, when the prize-giving will take place in the centre arena.

More details, including entry forms and regulations, are available below or from:

• North Armagh Car Club

Regulations/ Entry Form for Historic Rally

Posted: May 19, 2010 9:31 AM

Loughgall Historic Regs 2010.pdf

Event Website / Details

Posted: January 1, 2010 12:01 AM

More Details available closer to the event.

• North Armagh Car Club
• Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs - www.motorsportni.org