Connacht (Sligo) Stages Rally - 14 Jul 13

Video Clips

Posted: February 8, 2014 11:42 AM

BOYLES WIN BOILING SLIGO RALLY - Report Courtesy of Dunlop Proud Sponsors of the National Rally Championship

Posted: February 8, 2014 11:38 AM

SEARING heat that led to melting tar on the stages in County Leitrim brought an early conclusion to the Sligo Park Hotel Sligo Rally, round five of the Dunlop National Rally Championship. Curtailed after six of the nine stages, victory went to the Donegal cousins, Declan and Brian Boyle (S12B Subaru WRC). They finished a minute and 5.8 seconds ahead of the S11 Subaru WRC of Monaghan’s, Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry. Another Monaghan duo, Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi) were a minute and 13.8 seconds further behind in third place.

Even though he reckoned his Subaru was down on power along with the fact that the tyre compounds were far too soft in the hot conditions, Boyle was still quickest through the opening stage near Manorhamilton. He led the Ford Focus WRC of his fellow Donegal driver, Donagh Kelly by 9.5 seconds with Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC) a further 7.5 seconds behind in third.

James Stafford found the bumpy nature of the stage unsuitable for his Darrian, nevertheless, he was fourth followed by the MG S2000 of Roy White. In Group N, Sam Moffett (Mitsubishi) was the early leader, 2.7 seconds ahead of his younger brother, Josh, who drifted very wide at the very first junction.

Out on the second stage, Kelly punched in the best time to cut Boyle’s lead to 5.2 seconds with Maguire continuing in third. Boyle clocked the best time for the third stage but Kelly crashed out. At the end of the opening loop, Boyle led Maguire by 35 seconds, however, the Donegal driver was very concerned about the lack of power in his S12B Subaru WRC. For his part, Maguire had a slight overshoot on S.S. 2. Stafford slotted his Darrian into third.

Meanwhile, fourth placed Sam Moffett led Group N albeit by three seconds from his brother, Josh with another Monaghan driver, Stephen Wright (Mitsubishi) a mere fraction of a second further behind, the trio were fourth, sixth and seventh respectively.

Paddy Kiernan (Escort) occupied fifth with the remaining top ten places annexed by Stephen McCann (Mitsubishi), Jonathan Pringle (Escort) and Ian Gunning (Escort).

Meanwhile, both Desi Henry (Citroen DS3) and Russell Woods (Escort) crashed out of the rally on the second stage. Roy White (MG S2000) lost substantial time when the power steering broke soon after the start of the second stage, he ended the opening leg in 47th. place. Although his service crew replaced the power steering, there were issues with the pipework and having lost so much time, White decided to withdraw from the rally.

On the repeat loop, Boyle, cemented his lead and at the service, that subsequently marked the end of the rally, he remarked,
“We switched to Phase 2 boost and that seemed to sort the power problems, it’s a very warm day and that didn’t help the situation.”

Meanwhile, second placed Maguire arrived at the final service halt with gearbox issues that arose during S.S. 6. James Stafford retired his Darrian with mechanical issues on S.S. 5 and despite some close calls with the chicanes, Sam Moffett (Mitsubishi) was best placed to avail of third place.

Meanwhile, Josh Moffett was untroubled in fourth with Jonathan Pringle (Escort), who spun on S.S. 6, holding fifth position. Roscommon’s, Ian Gunning (Escort) and Monaghan’s, Raymond Conlon (Toyota Corolla) were sixth and seventh respectively.

Stephen Wright (Mitsubishi) lost time at the first junction on the fourth stage, the brake pedal went soft and he had an altercation with the scenery that damaged a rear suspension, he also lost time with a puncture and was eventually classified 42nd.

Searing heat continued to melt the tar and the organisers, the Connacht Motor Club decided to cancel the final loop of three stages.

With his fourth win in the current Dunlop series, Boyle has increased his lead in the series to 26 points with Maguire moving from fourth to second to become his closest rival.

The Dunlop “Drive of the Day” award was won by Paddy Kiernan/Paul Sheridan (Escort).

Results

Posted: February 8, 2014 11:35 AM

1 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC) 50m 21s,
2 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) 51m 27s,
3 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 52m 41s,
4 Josh Moffett/Jason McKenna (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 52m 58s,
5 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne (Ford Escort MkII) 54m 02s,
6 Ian Gunning/Fred Holmes (Ford Escort) 54m 33s,
7 Raymond Conlon/Sarah Whelan (Toyota Corolla) 54m 43s,
8 David Leonard/Darragh Mullen (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) 54m 56s,
9 Enda Haran/Patrick Corcoran (Ford Escort) 54m 56s,
10 Dermot O’Hagan/Pierce Doheny Jnr (Corsa) 55m 41s.

Motorsport Safety Team Group N Production class:
1 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly,
2 Josh Moffett/Jason McKenna,
3 Sean Gallagher/Claire Gallagher (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) 56m 07s.

rally.ie Two wheel drive award:
1 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne.

Dunlop National Escort Mk 2 award:
1 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne.

Class winners:
Francie McKenna/Sean Craig (MG ZR)
Aidan Wray/Kieran McGrath (Civic)
Wesley Roberts/Tony O’Brien (Civic)
Declan Gannon/Alan Leonard (Subaru Impreza)
Damian O’Reilly/Damien McCabe (Escort)
Gary Kiernan/Niall Tierney (Escort)
Dermot O

Historics:
1 Stanley Orr/Brian Cairns (Escort) 56m 50s.

Juniors: 
1 Kevin Eves/Adrian Reynolds (Corolla) 54m 49s,
2 Damien Boyle/Joseph Boyle (Civic) 57m 24s,
3 Noel Murphy/Stephen Monaghan (Civic) 60m 02s.

Leaders After:
SS1-9 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Stage Winners
SS1 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Ford Focus WRC)
SS3 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS6 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7 Cancelled (Melting Tar)
SS8 Cancelled (Melting Tar)
SS9 Cancelled (Melting Tar)

Full Results: results.shannonsportsit.ie (Angus Sealy)
Rallynews (by Brian & Liz Patterson)

DUNLOP ENTERS SECOND HALF IN SLIGO - Courtesy of Dunlop proud sponsors of the National Rally Championship

Posted: July 12, 2013 2:34 PM

THE Dunlop National Rally Championship enters the second half of the season on Sunday next with the Sligo Park Hotel Sligo Rally, round five of the eight round series. It is the first visit to the province of Connacht with Donegal’s, Declan Boyle on board in his S12B Subaru WRC leading the popular series.

Last year’s Sligo Rally winner, Monaghan’s, Shane Maguire (Subaru WRC) will occupy the number one slot in his Group N Subaru, however, he will slot in behind the more powerful cars of the Dunlop contenders.

Having won three of the four rounds to date and with Welsh driver, James Belton (Subaru WRC) unable to make the journey to Sligo, Boyle has a great opportunity to tighten his grip on the Vard Memorial Trophy.

Having retired on the road section to the opening stage of the last round in Waterford, former triple national champion, Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC) can improve on his current fourth place position. The Monaghan ace is 24 points adrift of top spot and knows that the Sligo event is a crucial point in the season. “From my current position, it will be difficult to win the championship. I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Declan (Boyle) has made a pretty good start, with three wins out of four and his car is hard to touch. We’ll see what the next few rounds bring, you never know.” The fickle nature of the sport will provide Maguire with some chink of light, however, he really needs to finish ahead of Boyle in order to keep the prospect of an unprecedented fourth national title alive.

Donegal’s, Donagh Kelly in the ex-JJ Fleming Ford Focus WRC will occupy the number four berth. On his debut outing in the car he was second in the Donegal International Rally just a few weeks ago. Earlier in the season, driving a Subaru WRC, he won the Circuit of Kerry, so he shouldn’t be lacking in confidence.

With two third place finishes already under his belt, Wexford’s, James Stafford in his Darrian T90 is the leading two wheel drive exponent in Sligo, he also leads the rally.ie category as the highest placed two wheel drive competitor in the overall standings. Meanwhile, Roy White (MG S2000) lies third overall in the current Dunlop series and like Maguire, will try and make the make the most of Belton’s absence.

Aside from Shane Maguire, the Group N entry also includes the Mitsubishi Evo IX’s of fellow Monaghan drivers, Stephen Wright, Sam Moffett and Josh Moffett along with Tyrone driver, Pat Kirk, who finished runner-up in Sligo twelve months ago.

Josh Moffett leads the way in the quest for the Motorsport Safety Group N award, Wright is making great progress on tarmac events this season while Sam Moffett, who won his home event in a Subaru WRC, took time to re-adjust to the showroom category on the last round.

Elsewhere, there are places for Tyrone’s, John Cairns (Subaru 555), Donegal’s, Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet) and the Escort duo of Cavan’s, Russell Woods and Jonathan Pringle, the latter is the leader of the Dunlop Mk. 2 challenge Trophy section.

Locals interest is provided by Paul Kiely (Mitsubishi), who clerked the rally for some three years prior to Robert Lyttle taking over at the helm of then organising team. Dominic McLoughlin will campaign his usual rear wheel drive Peugeot 205 while Andrew Mullan will campaign a Mitsubishi. Former Dunlop regular, Carrick-on-Shannon ace, Sean Gallagher will compete in a Mitsubishi.

Elsewhere, the Modified entry features the Ford Escort’s of Cavan’s, Paddy Kiernan and Arthur Kierans. Carrick on Shannon’s, Sean Gallagher will compete in a Mitsubishi and Antrim’s, Desi Henry will drive a Citroen C2. Kerry driver, Robert Duggan (Escort) is amongst the Junior entry, he is the current pacesetter in the Dunlop National Junior Rally Championship.

Seeded Entry List

Posted: July 9, 2013 11:25 AM

Connacht (Sligo) Stages Rally - 14 Jul 13 - SEEDED ENTRY LIST

ENTRIES REMAIN OPEN / Seeding to be done this Sunday

Posted: July 5, 2013 11:32 AM

Entries will continue to remain open for the foreseeable future. Prospective competitors are encouraged though, to submit as early as possible as seeding will be done on Sunday for submission in the Rally Programme.

Entries received will be posted on the club website and updated at regular intervals.

Rally Guide

Posted: July 5, 2013 11:30 AM

Available to download from:

Connacht Motor Club

Rally Launched

Posted: June 30, 2013 5:21 PM

It’s all systems go, as the Stages Rally has had its official Launch on Wednesday last in the Sligo Park Hotel. Attended by sponsors, rally committee members and dignitaries, the sunny summer sunset on the lawns of the hotel provided a perfect backdrop for the photo-shoot.

Sligo s newly elected Mayor, Marcella Mc Garry addressing the gathering, complimented the dedicated team for of volunteers who put in much of their free time for the good of the sport. She admitted that, even with limited knowledge of motorsport, she was overwhelmed by the planning and organisation that goes into the event annually.

Also present was Chamber of Commerce President Trevor Mc Daid who conveyed his best wishes from the business community of Sligo to the rally in general, but particularly to the Scrutiny which takes place Stephen Street Car Park in the heart of the city centre.

In attendance also were representatives from the sponsors ,Joe Whyte from Sasta , Shane Kerrigan from Kerrigan Quarries , Alan Herron from Herron Kia , Stephen Mullen from Sligo Haulage and Distribution , unavoidably absent was Dermot Fallon from Gulf Ireland.

The Border Championship was represented by Brendan Flynn and sponsors , Andrew and Elaine Mullen of Sligo Pallets.

Present also was representation of Garda Siochana , who committed support to the event as a whole but , are delighted to be directly involved with the RSA in the event taking place in Stephen Street Car park as part of Scrutiny.

Elaborating on the pre event Scrutiny, Robert Lyttle COC, unveiled the whole activities which will take place in Stephen Street car park on Saturday July 13th commencing at 11am.The RSA Shuttle bus and roll over simulator will be in attendance all day, and open to the public. On display throughout the day will be a number of WRC Cars as will an identical rally and road car to highlight the distinct difference in safety terms. Also in attendance will be Monster Energy road show. Of course mechanical scrutiny of the competing cars will also take place from 3pm.

Poster for Saturday Evening Activities

Posted: June 30, 2013 5:17 PM

SPONSORSHIP SECURED

Posted: June 16, 2013 8:00 AM

With planning gathering pace for the mid- July Sligo Stages , a body of sponsors have pledged their support for the rally in advance of the launch later this month.

Sligo Park Hotel once again Rally Headquarters, has also committed to title sponsor, and repeating history, will welcome rally enthusiasts, competitors and officials to Sligo for the July weekend.

Sasta, the health, fitness and weight loss Franchise Company, headquartered in Leitrim, has for the second year come on board as a stage sponsor. The young innovative company has also developed its own fitness pod and recently opened its third franchised outlet in Athlone.

Sponsoring the second stage is Herron Kia of Donegal town. The second generation family run business are main dealers for the Kia range in Sligo Leitrim and Donegal. The broad range of cars in the Kia fleet proudly boasts a seven year warranty.

Another family owned business established in 1989, Kerrigan Quarries has committed to sponsoring the third stage. Originally producing quarried rock and crushed stone, Kerrigan’s have advanced to market leaders in the block manufacture and readymix products, to the highest quality standards.

A new feature of the event this year will be the bringing of scrutiny of the rallycars on the Saturday into the heart of Sligo town. A whole package of activities, which will include the RSA Shuttle bus, will be an opportunity for the general public to get an understanding of rallying and the safety standards demanded. Sponsoring the activities on Saturday 13th is Gulf Oil, based in Colooney, a brand with long association with motorsport worldwide. The well known brand extends to oil distribution, lubricants and filling stations.

REGULATIONS PUBLISHED

Posted: May 24, 2013 2:36 PM

Preparation and planning for Connacht Motor Clubs annual Sligo Stages Rally moves up a gear, with the publication of Supplementary Regulations on Friday May 24th. Prospective competitors can look forward to a compact loop of three stages run three times, with something of appeal for all classes. .Robert Lyttle , Clerk of the Course , has taken a lot into consideration in the choice of the approximate 140 kilometre of special stages , including , stage quality and variety and with particular emphasis on safety and access for spectators .

The event has accommodation for all classes as per appendix 29 of the Motorsport Ireland, which includes both juniors and Historics. In addition there is the inclusion of class 20 and the splitting of class 11 to appeal to front and rear wheel drive cars.

The Rally is of course a counting round of both, the Dunlop National Rally Championship and the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship.

In line with tradition, Sligo Park Hotel again plays host as Rally headquarters for the July weekend.

Entries open on June 3rd.

Regs are available for download at

Connacht Motor Club

Robert Lyttle C.O.C for Sligo Stages 2013

Posted: January 13, 2013 8:21 PM

Connacht Motor Club are delighted with the recent appointment of Robert Lyttle as Clerk of the Course for the 2013 Sligo Stages Rally. Bringing his expertise and experience gained over previous occasions as COC of the local event coupled with his extensive national involvement extending to areas of, training, the rallies committee, the Road Safety Campaign and the continued drive to have safety to the forefront of motorsport generally. With the event being a round of both the National and the Border championship, it once again returns to a Sunday allowing for Reece on the Saturday. The crucial mid-way slot which the event holds in both championships, as will the history of Roberts stage selection, undoubtedly be influential in competitors choosing the Sligo, mid-July event.

This is the third period of Roberts stewardship as Clerk of the Course , beginning back in the Millennium year a period which lasted four years , interrupted only by the outbreak of Foot and Mouth in 2001. The second period was during 2008 and 2009, which also coincided with the running of Rally Ireland in the region, which Robert was deeply involved as was many of his fellow club members.

The outgoing COC, Paul Kiely, who undertook the demanding role for the past two years, brought to the event his own individual touch, coming from the competitor prospective.
Running the event to a Saturday with a ceremonial start on the Friday evening will be some of what the event was remembered for during his reign.

Robert is currently recruiting a strong team to support him over the coming months, but as before he will be anxious to nurture some new blood to the organising committee.

Club Website

Posted: January 13, 2013 8:21 PM

Connacht Motor Club