Tipperary Stonethrowers Stages Rally - 11 Aug 13

Andrew Slattery & Shaun Forde – 208 R2 Report

Posted: February 7, 2014 2:14 PM

Round 6 of the Dunlop National Rally Championship took place in South Tipperary last weekend, based in the Clonmel Park Hotel, 3 special stages repeated 3 times in the Fethard area with a total competitive mileage of almost 90 kilometres.
Huge crowds turned out to spectate on the stages & in the Service area at Clonmel Racecourse.
The Tipperary duo, Andrew Slattery & Shaun Forde took a very cautious start to the event in their Peugeot 208 R2 after the accident on the Circuit of Kerry, Slattery reporting a time loss of almost 1 minute on ss1 due to the rear of the car being too soft & felt it was moving a lot.
Throughout the rest of the 6 competitive stages Slattery steadily improved his times & was happy to have a drama free run….. except for ss8 where the crew lost 15minutes when their Peugeot 208 R2 stopped 50 metres before the finish, a problem they were able to fix & finish the rally.

Next event for the Peugeot Ireland & Finol Oils/ Total Oil backed Peugeot 208 R2 is the Galway Summer Stages Rally based in Loughrea on September 1s

BOYLES WIN DUNLOP NATIONAL RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP - Report courtesy of Dunlop – proud sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship

Posted: February 6, 2014 1:55 PM

DONEGAL cousins, Declan and Brian Boyle (Subaru WRC) clinched the Dunlop National Rally Championship with a resounding victory in the Clonmel based Sepam Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally.

On what was their fifth win of the Dunlop season, they finished the nine stage rally a minute and 57 seconds ahead of Roy White/James O’Brien (MG S2000). The Welsh crew of James Belton/Mark Glennerster (Subaru WRC) were 29 seconds further behind in third.

In Group N, Monaghan’s, Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly finished 10.1 seconds ahead of fellow Monaghan crew, Josh Moffett/John Rowan, both in Mitsubishi Evo IX’s.

The top Modified crew was that of Donegal’s, Declan Gallagher/Ryan Moore (Toyota Starlet).

Wexford driver, Conor Moore, co-driven by Ella Ryan (Honda Civic) won the Junior category and the Historic section was won by Ellis Belton/Gwynfor Jones (Ford Escort).

On the opening stage just outside Clonmel, Cork driver, Daragh O’Riordan (Ford Fiesta WRC) set the pace albeit a fraction of a second ahead of the Dunlop title chasing Declan Boyle (Subaru WRC) with local ace, Roy White (MG S2000) occupying third from the Subaru duo of James Belton and Niall Maguire.

O’Riordan was also quickest on S.S. 2 to extend his lead to 2.2 seconds, the Cork driver completed fastest times on the loop of stages and arrived at the Clonmel service park with a 9.7 second lead over Boyle. There was major drama on S.S. 3, south of Fethard, when Niall Maguire crashed his Subaru out of the rally in slippery conditions as a heavy rain shower led to very slippery conditions.

Leader O’Riordan was happy with his pace while second placed Boyle endured a spin on S.S. 3 where the slippery conditions drew comment from all the drivers. White, 11.4 seconds further behind had an untroubled run through all three stages. Belton occupied fourth with Paddy McVeigh (Subaru WRC) completing the top five.

Sam Moffett led Group N but the Monaghan driver was fortunate that he didn’t lose too much time with an off road excursion on S.S. 3, he led his younger brother, Josh by 5.2 seconds with the latter remarking that it was taking him time to get in the groove. Eighth placed, Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet) led the Modified category albeit by four tenths of ascend from Jonathan Pringle, who spun on S.S. 2 and then made some suspension adjustments prior to Stage 3. Gallagher had intercom problems on the opening stage. Stephen Wright (Mitsubishi) completed the top ten, he reckoned that his pacenotes were too conservative.

Elsewhere, Kevin Barrett in his recently acquired Subaru S14 opined,
“It’s a baptism of fire.” Barry Greer (Ford Fiesta R2) had gearbox woes and Desi Henry lost time after a gearbox mounting broke on the opening stage.

O’Riordan’s rally ended on the fourth stage after he slid off on gravel and broke a track control arm after the impact with the Clonmel scenery. Boyle took over at the top and with three fastest times, arrived at the final service halt with a lead of 38.1 seconds.
“I’m concentrating on the Dunlop Championship that’s for sure, I really want to win it here today.”

Second placed, White forgot to turn on the power steering pump at the start of Stage 5 but that was his only blemish on a fine performance through the second loop. Belton was slightly concerned with a read out from the dash that was sorted at the service halt while Paddy McVeigh (Subaru WRC) had a slight issue with the fuel pump.

In the race for the Modified category, Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet), who was third quickest through S.S. 4, slotted into fifth, his main rival, Jonathan Pringle retired his Escort on S.S. 6 with a sensor problem.

The battle for supremacy in the Group N category intensified between the Moffett brothers, Sam and Josh. The margin between them was 2.3 seconds with Josh closing on every stage. The top ten was completed by Stephen Wright, Kevin Barrett and Eugene Meegan. Wright attributed most of improved performance to a better tyre choice. Barrett admitted that he was pacing himself as he acclimatised to his S14 Subaru WRC while Meegan had a steady run through the three stages. Barry Greer (Fiesta R2) crashed out on S.S. 4.

The Boyles blitzed the opposition on the final loop and with their fifth Dunlop win of the season clinched the title and the Vard Memorial Trophy. At the finish, they were a minute and 57 seconds ahead of the MG S2000 of Roy White/James O’Brien - for local driver, White, it was his best ever result on his home event. The Welsh crew of James Belton/Mark Glennerster (Subaru WRC) were third and Omagh’s, Paddy McVeigh (Subaru WRC) finished fourth.

Donegal’s, Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet) took a fine fifth place to secure the Modified category while in Group N, Sam Moffett (Mitsubishi) withstood the challenge of his brother, Josh to win the category by 10.1 seconds. Non-starters included James Stafford (Darian) and Colm Murphy (Subaru).

Results

Posted: February 6, 2014 1:33 PM

1 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC) 56m 35s,
2 Roy White/James O’Brien (MG ZR S2000) 58m 32s,
3 James Belton/Mark Glennerster (Subaru Impreza WRC) 59m 01s,
4 Paddy McVeigh/Stephen O’Hanlon (Subaru Impreza WRC) 59m 36s,
5 Declan Gallagher/Ryan Moore (Toyota Starlet RWD) 60m 01s,
6 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 60m 04s,
7 Josh Moffett/John Rowan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 60m 14s,
8 Stephen Wright/Susanne Wright (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 60m 32s,
9 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) 61m 08s,
10 Eugene Meegan/Sarah Whelan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 61m 33s.

Motorsport Safety Team Group N Production class:
1 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly,
2 Josh Moffett/Jason McKenna,
3 Stephen Wright/Susanne Wright.

rally.ie Two wheel drive award:
1 Declan Gallagher/Ryan Moore.

Dunlop National Escort Mk 2 award:
1 Kevin Bradley/Graham Henderson.

Historics:
1 Ellis Belton/Gwynfor Jones (Escort) 46m 57s.

Juniors: 
1 Conor Moore/Ella Ryan (Civic) 42m 07s,
2 Damien Boyle/Aisling Boyle (Civic) 42m 49s,
3 Colin Roche/Leon Galvin (Starlet) 43m 33s.

Leaders After:
SS1-3 Daragh O’Riordan/Tony McDaid (Ford Fiesta WRC)
SS4-9 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Stage Winners
SS1 Daragh O’Riordan/Tony McDaid (Ford Fiesta WRC)
SS2 Daragh O’Riordan/Tony McDaid (Ford Fiesta WRC)
SS3 Daragh O’Riordan/Tony McDaid (Ford Fiesta 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 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS9 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Full Results: results.shannonsportsit.ie (Angus Sealy)

Updated Entry Lists / Final Instructions

Posted: August 9, 2013 3:46 PM

Available at:

Tipperary Motor Club

Programme Outlets

Posted: August 9, 2013 3:45 PM

Rally Programme outlets as follows -

• Clonmel Oil Service Station, Waterford Road
• Texaco service Station, Waterford Road
• Texaco, Cahir Road
• Prior Park Service Station
• Meaghers Daybreak, Fethard
• Wards Garage, Fethard
• Bourkes Daybreak, Killinaule
• Corner house, Drangan
• Clonmel Park Hotel (Rally HQ)
• Maxol, MoanGarrif Roundabout

marshal Meeting Points

Posted: August 9, 2013 3:44 PM

Stage 1,4,7
Location - Topaz Petrol Station, Waterford Road, Clonmel
Time - 7:45am

Stage 2,5,8
Location - Meaghers Filling Station, Fethard
Time - 8:00am

Stage 3,6,9
Location - Meaghers Filling Station, Fethard
Time - 9:00am

Please contact Chief Marshal on 087-9804174 / +353 87-9804174 if you can help out.

TRIP TO TIPP COULD DECIDE OVERALL DUNLOP CHAMPIONSHIP - Preview courtesy of Dunlop – proud sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship.

Posted: August 9, 2013 3:35 PM

DONEGAL cousins, Declan and Brian Boyle are on the cusp of clinching their inaugural Dunlop National Rally Championship as Sunday’s, Sepam Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally offers them the first of three such title clinching opportunities. On board the S12B Subaru WRC that Tim McNulty/Paul Kiely drove to Dunlop victory in 2011, the Boyle’s have taken four outright victories in the five rounds to date. Their first, in the opening round in Abbeyleix was followed by wins in Cavan, Waterford and most recently, Sligo.

Currently 26 points ahead of the Monaghan pair of Niall Maguire and Enda Sherry, the Boyles will take the title provided they secure maximum points in the nine stage Clonmel Park Hotel based rally. Commenting ahead of the event, Declan said,
“I will be nervous, as anything could happen. I am close to winning the championship, I need to try and get into my head drive the car fast and safe, no mistakes, however, on the day, it's not that simple - but I will try hard.”

Boyle, who led in Monaghan and then went off the road before recovering to take twelve Dunlop points admitted that this was his toughest event this far. On his title rival, Niall Maguire, he added,
“I have to say Niall is always there in the end, he finishes all the time, no offs, which at that pace is very good.” The last time that Boyle competed in Clonmel was in 2010 when he came fourth overall in his Mk. 2 Escort to win the rally.ie award within the Dunlop series.

About his S12B Subaru WRC, Boyle opined,
“The car is fully checked now, ready to go. I wasn't happy with the power in Sligo but we got it up to speed, so hopefully it will be alright on the stage. Michael McGill, the team boss from MMG Motorsport are doing a great job all season.”

Meanwhile, triple national champion, Niall Maguire is running out of time to take that unprecedented fourth crown. Realistically, he has to win or at least finish ahead of Boyle to keep the title aspirations alive. Otherwise, for the first time in 20 years, the national title could be decided in Clonmel. In 1993, Ian Greer and Dean Beckett (Toyota Celica) were crowned champions in the premier county.

Welsh driver, James Belton (Subaru WRC) currently lies third overall in the Dunlop series and having missed the last round in Sligo, he will have aspirations on closing the four point deficit to Maguire. The number four berth will be occupied by Cork driver, Daragh O'Riordan in his Ford Fiesta WRC, he took third in Monaghan - his only other Dunlop outing this season.

Roy White in his MG S2000 is the top local entry, having failed to finish the last round in Sligo the Clonmel driver will be intent on improving his current standing and will be buoyed by his first ever outright rally victory on the recent Imokilly Rally. Wexford’s, James Stafford in his Darrian T90 also failed to finish in the west of Ireland and will be keen to edge ahead of Cavan’s Jonathan Pringle (Ford Escort) in the race for supremacy in the rally.ie award category. Both drivers are level on points after the opening five rounds.

Meanwhile, former Billy Coleman award winner, Monaghan’s, Sam Moffett, who won his home event in a Subaru WRC, reverts to a Group N Mitsubishi while his younger brother, Josh, in a similar car, will concentrate on cementing his strong lead in the Motorsport Safety Group N category.

Elsewhere, Maynooth’s, Kevin Barrett will have his first national outing in his recently acquired S14 Subaru WRC and it will be interesting to see if the Dunlop regular can present a stronger challenge to the top seeds. Monaghan’s, Stephen Wright (Mitsubishi), a recent nominee for the 2013 Bully Coleman award, completes the top ten.

Other entries include Eugene Meegan (Mitsubishi), Eddie Power (Toyota Corolla WRC), Paddy McVeigh (Subaru WRC), the aforementioned Jonathan Pringle (Escort), Declan Gallagher(Toyota Starlet), and the Escort trio of Shay Power, Liam Howlett and James Coleman. Incidentally, Pringle is also inching closer to the Dunlop Mk. 2 Champions Trophy.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland pair, Jonathan Greer and Desi Henry compete in Citroen DS3’s while local interest features Andrew Fanning (Ford Puma) and the Honda Civic duo of Michael Ormond and Colum Browne.

The Dunlop Junior category is a two-way battle between Donegal’s, Kevin Eves (Toyota Corolla) and Kerry’s, Robert Duggan (Honda Civic), who lost the lead on the last round in Sligo. On events where both have finished, Duggan has held the upper hand.

Welsh ace, Berian Richards has already clinched the Dunlop Historic series, his rival, Ellis Belton (Escort) and Luke McCarthy (Porsche 911) compete in Clonmel. The first car away from the Clonmel Park Hotel is at 9.24am on Sunday morning. The stage locations are at Kilmore, Rathkenny and Coleman with servicing is at Powerstown Racecourse at 11.26am and 1.48pm. The finish ramp celebrations at the Clonmel Park Hotel, co-sponsors of the rally along with Andrew Fanning Motor Factors, is scheduled for 4.14pm.

Time and Distance Schedule

Posted: August 8, 2013 9:07 AM

Available at:

Tipperary Motor Club

Seeded Entry Lists

Posted: August 5, 2013 11:15 PM

Tipperary Stonethrowers Stages Rally - 11 Aug 13 - MAIN FIELD
Tipperary Stonethrowers Stages Rally - 11 Aug 13 - JUNIORS
Tipperary Stonethrowers Stages Rally - 11 Aug 13 - HISTORIC

Latest Update

Posted: July 31, 2013 11:04 PM

Less than 2 weeks to go to this year’s SEPAM Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally 2013 the event has attracted some of the top Dunlop National crews such as Declan Boyle, Niall McGuire, Kevin Barrett, Roy White and James Belton are all confirmed so far. As well as some BRC regulars and some of the top 2wd crews in the country. Coupled with this both Eugene Meegan and Stephen Wright will be sure to have a fierce battle for group N awards. A fantastic modified section is on the cards with cars such as Jonathon Pringle and Shay Power in their escorts and Lloyd Hutchinson in his mini. All these crews are sure to be kept on their toes by the local men such as Column Browne, Andrew Kearney, Michael Ormonde, Andrew Fanning and Andrew Sheehan.

On The Pacenote have carried out their Recce and to quote Killian Duffy
“It's going to be a great event, & one all crews will enjoy.” So please get your entries in as early as possible as seeding will be carried out by the team this Thursday 1st August.

Telephone entries will be taken so please contact event secretary on 087-6181858 / +353 87-6181858

Rally Launch - (Fri) 26 Jul 13

Posted: July 23, 2013 11:43 AM

Rally launch will take place this Friday 26th July at the Clonmel Park Hotel at 8pm.

Three weeks and counting...

Posted: July 23, 2013 11:41 AM

With preparations for the event in full swing it is fair to say Clerk of the course - John Ward has been working his team vigorously to ensure this year's SEPAM Stonethrowers Rally 2013 runs like clockwork. Tipperary LC & MC are proud to have SEPAM onboard again as per previous years as title sponsors and thus maintaining the tradition of sponsoring the event by the Kearney Family. John and his team and put together fantastic 120km of stages for this event which will be round 6 of the Dunlop National Championship as well as round 6 of the Trition Showers Southeast Stages and Round 4 of Citroen C2 Cup. Head Quarters for the event which is sure to be buzzing with activity over the rally weekend from 10th - 11thAugust, will again be the Clonmel Park Hotel who Tipperary LC & MC are delighted to have onboard again as co-sponsors as well as Andrew Fanning Motor Factors of Cahir.

To date John and his team have completed all their PR duties for the event and submitted all necessary documentation to Motorsport Ireland. John team are now focusing on the rally launch which will take place on 26th July 2013at the Clonmel Park Hotel at 8pm. All are welcome to attend and meet the team working on this fantastic event. And like previous year's rally cars will be on display.

As with any event the support of marshals is an essential ingredient to any event. For this year's event the Chief Marshal will be Edgie O'Brien. If you or your fellow club members are available to assist in the event in any way please do get in touch with the Chief Marshal on 087-9804174 or Clerk of the Course on 086-6030121.

Entry forms can still be submitted until the 29th July with an entry list provisionally due to be posted on the 6th August. To help competitors and spectators alike Tipperary LC & MC have produced a Google map showing all the key things you may need over the course of the rally weekend which is located on www.tipperarymotorclub.com . For more information on the event please do visit www.tipperarymotorclub.com or get in touch with the Clerk of the course for info on the launch night or rally weekend.

Google Map of the Event:

Posted: July 12, 2013 2:38 PM

Available at:

Tipperary Motor Club

Regulations / Entry Form

Posted: June 30, 2013 6:16 PM

Tipperary Stonethrowers Stages Rally - 11 Aug 13 - Regulations / Entry Form

Preliminary Details

Posted: June 7, 2013 8:27 PM

Sepam Stonethrowers Rally on 11th August, Round 6 of the Dunlop National Championship and Round 6 of the Trition Showers Southeast Stages, Round 4 of Citroen C2 Cup.
Approx 120km stage and 105 km road
HQ again in Clonmel Park Hotel

Club Website

Posted: June 7, 2013 8:26 PM

Tipperary Motor Club