Connacht Sligo Stages Rally - NEW DATE - 2 Sep 18

THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR SLIGO RALLY - Preview courtesy of Triton Showers Proud sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship.

Posted: August 31, 2018 3:48 AM

A case of third time lucky as the FAAC Simply automatic/Sligo Park Hotel Rally finally takes place this Sunday. Following the much-publicised cancelations last July and after discussions with the sport’s governing body, Motorsport Ireland and all the Sligo stakeholders it was decided to re-schedule the rally for this weekend.

Clerk of the course Robert Lyttle explained the situation, he told the Sligo Champion, “When neither the original date, nor the proposed second date in July materialised, I took it that the Sligo Stages Rally was not going to happen this year. However, Motorsport Ireland and the Triton Showers National Championship Sub-Committee were both very keen to have the event take place and began investigating if an alternative date could be found to accommodate our event.”

He added, “Thanks to their efforts and to the co-operation of the various parties involved this weekend’s date (September 2nd.) was proposed. We liaised with the Sligo County Council, the Garda Siochana and the stage residents to get agreement for this date and again we got tremendous support and encouragement to proceed.”

The experienced motorsport organiser added that his team at the Connacht Motor Club were on board immediatley putting all the necessary elements of the rally in place. Of course the date change has seen a somewhat different entry as the new date suited some but not all those that had originally intended to compete last July. Robert concluded, “We are optimistic that we will reach close to the 114 crews that had entered for the July event.

I wish to thank all parties involved for their support and co-operation which has enabled us to achieve this revised date and look forward to a safe and successful FAAC Simply automatic/Sligo Park Hotel Sligo Rally this weekend.”

Last year’s Triton Showers National Rally champion Monaghan’s Sam Moffett is the top seed in his Ford Fiesta R5. He won the series on last year’s event here in Sligo and then went on to win the Irish Tarmac Championship and the Irish Forestry series to become the first driver to win all three championships in the same season.

Meanwhile, this year’s Triton campaign is shaping up to be a battle between Sam’s younger brother Josh and Donegal’s Declan Boyle, both in Ford Fiesta WRC’s. The series is decided on the best six scores from seven events and while Boyle has an 18 point lead at present, when the dropped score rule is applied they are actually level on points. Josh Moffett won the last round, the Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally in Clonmel, it was a back-to back championship win as he also won the previous round in Cavan. Boyle, second in Tipperay, will be keen to get back to winning ways in Sligo and not allow the balance of power to slip to Moffett. The one aspect in Boyle’s favour is that he has scored in all five rounds to date while Moffett missed the Circuit of Kerry and therefore, cannot afford to have a non-finish.

Donegal’s Joe McGonigle (Mini WRC), while not on the same pace as Moffett and Boyle has shown great consistencty all season, he is also on the entry along with former triple national champion and indeed Sligo Rally winner Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC).

Donegal’s Stuart Darcy (Darrian T90) is the top two-wheel drive competitor and he will renew rivalry with Cavan’s Chris Armstrong (Ford Escort) as they chase the rally.ie category within the Triton series that is awarded for the highest placed two-wheel drive championship finisher.

The top ten also includes Louth’s Brendan Cumiskey (Skoda Fabia R5) and the Group N Mitsubishi’s of Tyrone’s Aidan Wray and Donegal’s Trevor Bustard. The showroom category also features Maynooth’s Paul Barrett (Mitsubishi EvoX), Carrick on Shannon’s Sean Gallagher, Tyrone’s Gary Cairns and Roscommon’s Colin Flanagan all in Mitsubishi EvoIX’s.

Co-sponsor, Ciaran Phelan of FAAC Simply Automatic is competing in a Honda Civic and will be co-driven by his daughter Aine while another member of the Phelan family, Cormac will campaign a Ford Escort and will be co-driven by Katja Auhl.

Local interest is also provided by Grange driver Colin Currid (Ford Escort) and his co-driver Paul Gallagher (Ford Escort), who were second in class last year and will be aiming to go one better on Sunday. Other locals include Ballinafull’s David Leonard (Mitsubishi), Ballintoher’s Brendan McCarrick (Subaru), Patrick Corcoran and Art McCarrick in Honda Civics and Patrick Herity (Escort),

Aside from being round five of the Triton series, the rally is also a counting round of both the Sligo Pallets Border Championship and the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship.

Mechanical scrutineering takes place at the Carraroe Retail Park, Sligo from 2.30pm on Saturday until 8pm. The competitors briefing that is compulsory for all crews, is scheduled for 8.45am on Sunday morning at the Sligo Park Hotel.

Rally Programmes

Posted: August 31, 2018 3:14 AM

As rally programmes have already gone on sale in the regular retail outlets in and around Sligo , spectators have the opportunity to plan their stage viewing for Sunday next September 2nd well in advance.

Included within the colourful publication is the normal spread of editorial, map detail and event timetable , but an added element of technological advancement is the inclusion of QR codes.

When scanned it will pinpoint on a map recommended safe spectator locations on individual stages with the aid of smart phone maps.

A second group of codes will link to a clear video showing the complexities of specific locations and the safe vantage points recommended on each of the three stages .

The committee appeal to those who want to show their support for motorsport and intending to view the days entertainment to acquire a programme and contribute in some small way to the future of the sport.

Programmes are available at the following outlets;

Rally Headquarters, Sligo Park Hotel
Sligo Gate Service Station GULF -Hot Rods, Collooney
Cannings Spar House and Garden
Applegreen 24 hr Service Station, Pearse Road
Mullen’s Service Station , Bundoran Rd
Checkout Ballintogher
Mc Tiernans Ballygawley
Healy’s Xpress Stop Ballyfarnon
Killorans Foodstore Ballyfarnon
Mullins Service Station Castlebaldwin

Seeded Entry List

Posted: August 28, 2018 3:58 AM

1 Sam Moffett/Noel O'Sullivan (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
2 Josh Moffett/Keith Moriarty (Ford Fiesta WRC+) [20]
3 Declan Boyle/James O'Reilly (Ford Fiesta WRC+) [20]
4 Joseph McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Mini JCW WRC+) [20]
5 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC S12B) [7]
6 Stuart Darcy/Patrick Brides (Darrian T90) [14]
7 Chris Armstrong/Chris Melly (Ford Escort MkII) [14]
8 Brendan Comiskey/Ronan O'Kane (Skoda Fabia R5) [5]
9 Aidan Wray/Kieran McGrath (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [4]
10 Trevor Bustard/John McCafferty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
11 David Leonard/Niall Burns (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
12 Ed Synan/Thomas Collins (Ford Escort MkII) [14]
14 Colin Flanagan/Barry McLoughlin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
15 Paul Barrett/Declan Tumilty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) [4]
16 Sean Gallagher/Claire Gallagher (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
17 Alan Atcheson/Martin Connolly (Ford Fiesta) [20]
18 Cormac Phelan/Katja Auhl (Ford Escort MkII) [13R]
19 Daniel Conaghan/Terence McGee (Ford Escort MkII) [13R]
20 John Cairns/James Cairns (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
21 Gary Cairns/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
22 Anthony Cairns/Mark Preston (Subaru Impreza) [20]
23 Johnny Jordan/Paddy McCrudden (Toyota Starlet) [13R]
24 Shane O'Rourke/Alan McGovern (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
25 Brian Armstrong/Aobhan Gallagher (Ford Escort MkII) [12]
26 William Armstrong/Philip Armstrong (Ford Escort MkII) [12]
27 Colin O'Rourke/Shane Gilhooly (Ford Escort) [14]
28 Dermot Cannon/Bobby Trimble (Ford Escort) [14]
29 Alan Lawson/Sean Harte (Ford Escort) [14]
30 JF Shovelin/Ryan Moore (Ford Escort MkII) [14]
31 Seamus Connolly/Gary McCrudden (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
32 Chris McLaughlin/Loretta Kelly (Toyota Starlet) [11R]
33 Declan Hall/Chris Corr (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
34 Paul Crosby/Trisha Greavy (Toyota Starlet) [11R]
35 Gene McDonald/Emett Kelly (Ford Escort) [11R]
36 Mark Wedlock/Lois Branyan (Ford Escort) [11R]
37 Paul Carron/Sean Brunton (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
38 Aaron McLaughlin/Liam McIntyre (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
39 Ciaran Phelan/Aine Phelan (Honda Civic) [13F]
40 Martin Ewing/James Ewing (Peugeot 205) [13F]
41 Lee McLaughlin/Christy McLaughlin (Honda Civic) [11F]
42 Michael McDaid/Daire Maguire (Ford Escort) [12]
43 John Warren/Ruthann O'Connor (Toyota Corolla) [13R]
44 Darrell Quinn/Michael Laverty (Ford Escort) [12]
45 Paul Clarke/Martin Byrne (Ford Escort) [13R]
46 Jason Black/Jack McKenna (Toyota Starlet) [16]
47 David Kelly/Kenny Bustard (Toyota Starlet) [16]
48 Stephen Faughnan/Amy Faughnan (Ford Escort) [16]
49 Brian Lavelle/David Mannion (Honda Civic) [11F]
50 Damien O'Reilly/Mark Sheridan (Ford Escort) [9]
51 Alan Quinn/Enda McGonigle (Opel Manta 400) [13R]
52 Patrick Herity/Sam Clarke (Ford Escort) [13R]
53 Sean Heraghty/David Gordon (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
54 Sam Stewart/Alan Johnston (Ford Escort) [11R]
55 Gary Meehan/Dermot McCafferty (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
56 Gavin Gallagher/Fintan Monaghan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [15]
57 Liam McMullan/Gerard McGinley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
58 John McQuaid/Thomas Treanor (Ford Escort) [14]
59 Kieran Carroll/Tony Curran (Honda Civic) [11F]
60 Sean Enright/Kevin Doherty (Ford Escort) [12]
61 Colin Currid/Paul Gallagher (Ford Escort) [12]
62 Adrian Cannon/Pauric Keeney (Honda Civic) [3]
63 Ronan Denning/Karl Egan (Peugeot 208) [2]
64 Corey Eves/TBA (Toyota Corolla) [16]
65 Ryan Diver/Dylan Baskin (Honda Civic) [16]
66 Ryan Moore/Neil Martin Brogan (Honda Civic) [16]
67 Darragh McNern/Trevor Graham (Toyota Corolla) [16]
68 Conor Murphy/TBA (Honda Civic) [16]
69 Patrick Corcoran/Leigh Cavanagh (Ford Escort) [11R]
70 John Coughlan/Sean Walsh (Ford Escort) [12]
71 Iarla Carty/Stephen Reynolds (Mini Cooper S) [9]
72 Anthony McCann/Damian McCann (Ford Escort) [12]
73 JT Warnock/Dessie Wilson (Ford Escort) [13R]
74 Roy Baldrick/Dermot Friel (Talbot Sunbeam) [13R]
75 Art McCarrick/John McCay (Opel Adam R2) [2]
76 David Quinn/James McDermott (BMW E30) [14]
77 Sean Maloney/Kevin Cogan (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
78 Ferlin Taylor/Deirdre Benson (Vauxhall Chevette) [13R]
79 Stephen McGurk/Mark O'Connor (Ford Escort) [13R]
80 Shane Carr/Ciaran Carr (Vauxhall Nova) [10]
81 James McGreal/Chris Mitchel (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) [15]
82 Roger Kennedy/Wendy Blackledge (Peugeot 306) [3]
83 Ronan Quinn/Ian McCord (Ford Escort) [11R]
84 Christy Gallagher/Lee Cullen (Toyota Starlet) [11R]
85 Des Lyons/Des Sherlock (Honda Civic) [11F]
86 Sean McQuaid/Evan Wilkinson (Ford Escort) [12]
87 Ger O'Brien/John Liston (Ford Escort) [13R]
88 Davy Hunt/Gillian Gilmartin (Peugeot Maxi) [11F]
89 Michael Hamilton/Dylan Donoghue (Honda Civic) [11F]
90 Brian O'Neill/John Murphy (Toyota Corolla) [13R]
91 Dylan Grogan/Keelan Grogan (Skoda Fabia R2) [2]
92 Keith McFadden/Sara McFadden (Renault Clio) [3]
93 Brendan McCarrick/John Quinn (Subaru Impreza) [20]
94 Brendan Friel/Jason McCahill (Micra) [9]
95 Christopher Brennan/Martin Hughes (Honda Civic) [11F]
96 Gordon Nimmo/Crystal Culkeen (Ford Fiesta) [11F]
97 Anthony McDonald/Oisin Sherlock (Corsa) [10]
98 Keith Ewing/Sean Quigley (Honda Civic) [1]
99 Paul McLoughlin/Brian McLoughlin (Talbot Sunbeam) [10]

Entries Received

Posted: August 15, 2018 1:52 PM

Available at:

Connacht Motor Club

NEW DATE BRINGS FRESH INCENTIVES

Posted: August 11, 2018 4:33 PM

As before , the organising committee of the Faac Simply automatic / Sligo Park Hotel - Stages Rally 2018 ,have unveiled a new series of incentives to encourage prospective competitors to submit their entries early, enabling the club to put the planning in place for the numbers expected . For those already having decided to compete on Sunday September 2nd , nothing should inhibit crews from submitting a fully completed entry, as no lodgements will be made before August 24th.

The first incentive draw will take place on August 15th with all entries received by 6pm on that date in with a chance of winning the Carty Group 500 euro win back voucher .The draw will go out live on Facebook and the winner will be contacted immediately following the draw.

A further draw will take place on August 22nd , which will include the total field of entries received at that point , including those eligible for draw one .The voucher will be redeemable against the entry fee providing the competitor starts the event. A reserve will be drawn on both nights, in the event of the initial winner not starting.

A third draw , sponsored by National Automation , will take place on the Sunday morning of the event at drivers briefing, among all on the starters list , a further win back opportunity for competitors , one for main and one for junior field, consisting of the entry fee less the insurance levy.

Ideally any competitors fully committed to starting Sligo should act immediately to avail of all three draw opportunities and maybe be one of the lucky winners.

Entries are open and Regulations are now available:

Photo: James Burke

SLIGO SEPTEMBER REBORN - Triton National Rally Championship

Posted: July 28, 2018 10:51 AM

The Motorsport Commission has approved a date change request from the Connacht Motor Club to host the FAAC Simply automatic Sligo Park Hotel Rally on Sunday September 2nd. next.

The rally was originally scheduled to take place on July 8th. last, however, due to the effects of the extremely hot weather conditions that led to melting tar on the road surface, the Sligo organisers with consideration for all road users - in particular the local residents along the rally route - and the other relevant stakeholders, took a responsible decision and postponed the event for a week. However, within a few days and with all the original concerns remaining, the Connacht Motor Club subsequently decided to cancel the rally.

Since then, the club has been involved in further discussions with all parties including Motorsport Ireland, who admitted that the loss of the event would be detrimental to both their own and the Sligo based club’s financial resources.

An application for a new date and for championship status within the Triton National Rally Championship was endorsed by the Rallies Committee and within hours was approved by the Motorsport Commission. The series will still comprise of seven rounds with the best six scores to count.

The revised Triton National Rally Championship is as follows:

Round 4: Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally (August 12)
Round 5: Sligo Rally (September 2)
Round 6: Clare Rally (September 16)
Round 7: Donegal Harvest Rally (October 13)

1. Declan Boyle 59pts;
2. Joe McGonigle 44pts;
3. Donagh Kelly 42pts;
4. Josh Moffett 38pts;
5. Stuart Darcy 34pts;
6. Kevin Barrett & Roy White 26pts;
8. Niall Maguire 25pts;
9. Chris Armstrong 19pts;
10. Desi Henry 16pts.

Regulations available for new date:

Posted: July 23, 2018 7:08 AM

Having being granted a new date of September 2nd , it was imperative to have regulations published for the rescheduled Faac Simply Automatic / Sligo Park Hotel - Stages Rally 2018 as early as possible. As counting rounds of the Triton National , the Sligo Pallets Border and the Top Part Rally Championships it was necessary to accommodate crews in altering their plans.

The club sincerely thanks those who had entered the original date , but we would appeal , should they be available to compete on the new date , to submit a new entry , in order to keep the administrative process efficient. We apologise to those whom the rescheduled date does not suit but we look forward to having them join us in the future. We look forward to welcoming new entrants who find that the September 2nd date fit better into their competitive calendar.

Connacht Motor Club are highly appreciative of the loyalty and support from sponsors through the difficult period of the last number of weeks and look forward to giving them a new platform as we approach the new September 2nd date .

Regulations are now available to download from the club website

Entries open on July 23rd and close on August 22nd .

Connacht Motor Club

PRESS RELEASE - NEW DATE - 2 Sep 18

Posted: July 18, 2018 7:25 AM

Connacht Motor Club are delighted to be granted a date change to run their Sligo Stages Rally 2018 on Sunday September 2nd having a traumatic period of uncertainty over the past number of weeks . The work and effort by the organising committee in preparation for the original date will be hugely beneficial in the run into the new date.

The Club sincerely acknowledges the support and encouragement from Motorsport Ireland , the Rallies Committee ,the National Championship sub committee , the Local Authorities and fellow Motor Clubs during this difficult period.

The team are extremely appreciative of all the volunteers who had made themselves available for the planned date and appeal to their loyalty to assist us again.

We thank competitors for their patience and understanding to date and ask that they indicate their commitment and submit their entries at an early date .

Regulations will be available to download at www.connachtmotorclub.com

SLIGO STAGES RALLY DATE CHANGE - 2 Sep 18

Posted: July 18, 2018 6:49 AM

"As many of you will be aware, due to the high temperatures we have being experiencing over the last few weeks, Connacht Motor Club had to move their Sligo Stages Rally from its original date, July 8th, to a week later, July 15th. Unfortunately as the temperatures did not drop considerably in that time, the club in consultation with their stakeholders made the very difficult decision to cancel the event. The loss of this event, which had a very respectable entry, was going to leave quite a considerable hole in Motorsport Ireland’s finances along with the financial hurt to the club.

Through a huge effort on the part of the club and with the blessing of the Rallies Committee, an alternative date has been found. The Motor Sport Commission today approved a date change application from the Connacht Motor Club to run their successful Sligo Stages Rally on Sunday the 2nd of September retaining National Rally Championship status. The Motor Sport Commission made this decision having considered all events which might be affected by the date change along with what was for the greater good of the sport."

Yours sincerely,
Leo Hassett
Chief Executive
Motorsport Ireland

2018 Connacht Sligo Stages Rally - POSTPONED

Posted: July 7, 2018 5:16 PM

(Was 15 Jul 18 / 8 Jul 18)

New Date - 3 Sep 18

Press Release - NEW DATE 15 Jul 18

Posted: July 5, 2018 4:46 AM

Further to our press release of the 3rd July, Connacht Motor Club have secured the necessary permissions and support from the Local Authorities and Motorsport Ireland and are committed to running the event on Sunday the 15th July.

The exceptional weather and associated risks that influenced our original decision remains a concern. We will continue to monitor the conditions and will make a further statement on Saturday evening.

Thank you to our sponsors, competitors, fellow motor clubs, local authorities and all residents along the route for their understanding and continued support.

Event Postponed

Posted: July 3, 2018 4:54 AM

"Due to the current exceptional weather conditions the committee of Connacht Motor Club have made the difficult decision not to run the Sligo Stages Rally on Sunday next, 8th July.

We wish to sincerely acknowledge the support of the various stakeholders and agencies to date, In particular the residents on the route, and competitors entered for the event.

Currently , we are exploring our options including a potential window of opportunity for Sunday 15th July and after consultation with the key stakeholders a further statement will be issued on the evening of Wednesday, 4th July."

Entries Received

Posted: June 26, 2018 7:35 AM

Available at:

Connacht Motor Club

Entry incentives could contribute to cheaper entry

Posted: June 3, 2018 2:32 PM

With entries for Faac Simply automatic / Sligo Park Hotel Stages Rally now open , the Club are delighted to announce no less than three draws in which competitors could , upon being drawn out of the hat , receive a rebate on a portion of their entry fee.

National Automation , a subsidiary company within the Faac Group have kindly , in addition to Title sponsor, are planning giving something back to the competitor. National Automation with bases in Boyle Co Roscommon and Citywest Business Park Dublin , are sole Irish distributors for the Faac and Genius range of automation for gates , barriers , entrances and automatic doors. They are also mainline distributors other quality associated products and provide the training, technical support and service , both on and off site .

The NAL draw which will take place immediately before drivers briefing on the morning of the rally, will comprise of a Win Back for the Main/Historic field and one the Junior field , to the tune of the entry fee less the insurance levy. Ciaran Phelan ,General Manager of National Automation ,and a regular competitor himself would have great empathy with those competing and the costs involved , therefore he is very conscious a Win Back on the morning of the rally would put a crew in a good frame of mind starting the event.

Following on from last years introduction , two early entry incentive draws will take place again this year. The draws which will take place at close of business on June 20th and again the 27th will include all those having a fully completed entry submitted to event secretary at that time and a lucky winner will be picked out to receive a rebate of 500 euro on their entry fee. It hoped that again this will encourage those who are already planning to enter, submit theirs early assisting the planning process in advance of July 8th.

The first draw due on June 20th has kindly been sponsored by the Carty Group , a long established company ,with its headquarters in Collooney Co Sligo with expertise in major ,Civil , Water ,Wind and Marine projects .Irla Carty of Carty Group , himself an avid competitor in the historic category for numerous years would be very aware from both prospectives of the importance of entering at an early date .

Prospective competitors are encouraged to focus on the earlier date , as that will make them eligible all three draws.

Regulations available

Posted: May 28, 2018 4:25 PM

Connacht Motor Club

Faac Simply Automatic / Sligo Park Hotel Stages Rally 2018

Posted: April 1, 2018 4:44 AM

With planning progressing well for the July 8th Sligo Stages , Connacht Motor Club are delighted to bring together a winning formula similar to last year, to host the 2018 event.

Taking on the mantle as Clerk of the Course, Robert Lyttle who now holds the record of most number of events at the helm, will undoubtedly bring some innovative edges to the already well primed event management. His knowledge in both the planning and deliverance of stages events , supported by a dedicated experienced team , will present competitors with a well run , well orchestrated event on the day.

One of the key ingredients in event preparation is the financial support from sponsors , and once again Connacht Motor Club are delighted to confirm, both Faac Simply Automatic and Sligo Park Hotel as joint title sponsors .

Faac Simply Automatic, a leading global brand in the manufacturing of automation for Gates & Barriers, Entrances & Automatic Doors & Access Control Systems are now synonymous within rallying circles, with Ciaran, Aine, Cormac and Katja regular participants at rallies around the country. Following a successful association last year with Faac and the local distribution wing National Automation, Connacht Motor Club are excited to expand this relationship in 2018.

Of course Sligo Park Hotel has been connected with Sligo Stages Rally now for nearing three decades , renowned for it hospitality and generally accepted as the home of rallying in Sligo. Its recent extensive programme of refurbishment and branding has further enhanced the comforts and profile of this contemporary style four star hotel.

Sligo Stages Rally is once again a round of three of the most prestigious championships in the country , the Triton National Championship , the Sligo Pallets Border Championship and the Top Part West Coast Championship.

Club Website

Posted: April 1, 2018 4:44 AM

Connacht Motor Club