Fastnet Stages Rally (Bantry) - 30 Oct 11

Message from Skibbereen & District Car Club

Posted: July 5, 2012 1:53 PM

Skibbereen & District Car Club would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all who took part in this years Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally which took place over the October Bank holiday weekend. Especially to Daragh O'Riordan and his Co-Driver Tony McDaid on their win.
The Club would also like to acknowledge Eugene Donnelly & Alan Keena for really bringing this event down to a nail biting finish on the last stage with just a six secound deficit dividing the Midleton man from The Maghera man. Conditions on the day were very trying for event organisers and crew's alike but all ran on time which is fair testament to the hundreds of marshal's and officials who man all there posts with supreme professionalism. To you we the club are truly grateful.

H.Q for the weekend was the Westlodge Hotel & Pondlodge Cottages under the Guidance of Eileen O'Shea and her team and they really made all rally people welcome.

To the press for the coverage that they have given this event since Martin Walsh scooped the story of the move and up to and after the event this brings Rallying into the mindset's of people that never had a interest before. We would also like to Thank Brian Duggan of Rally.ie for his coverage of the Rally.

To all class winners and to all Competitors who give us a entry to make this probably the best Rally of the year you are the real heroes and we hope that you have the October Bank Holiday weekend pencil'ed in For 2012 as we will be delighted to do it all over again.

See you all next year!

Fastnet Success for Carbery Plastics Team

Posted: July 5, 2012 1:52 PM

The junior championship crew of Cal McCarthy & Eamonn Dullea enjoyed some unexpected success on the Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally, run by their home club, Skibbereen & District Car Club. Seeded at 36, they arrived home in 13th place overall much to their delight in what was their first ever mainfield Dunlop national round.

Sunday morning brought wet foggy conditions, something which the team had very little experience of except for the recent trip to the Donegal Harvest Rally which brought wet and mucky conditions. Amazingly the crew were positioned in 13th place after the first stage, mixing it with the best of the more powerful 2wd category, in fact only 3 seconds separated them and the next four cars ahead. Sadly their lightening start suffered a hiccup on stage 2 when they endured a spin on a slippery section and bent a rear arm, resulting in the civic having to limp through over the remaining 6 miles of the stage.

In service, the crew’s back-up team did some sterling work to get the Honda Civic back into shape for the next 6 stages. Naturally surprised to have only dropped 20 seconds to the class leaders, the team were both disappointed and buoyed by their prospects on the event. Navigator Eamonn Dullea commented
“ I was surprised to see us climb so high after stage one as the competition is fierce but we did have a good clean run without going pushing too hard”

The crew then set about re-establishing themselves in the top 3 of the class which was their original aim before the event. And do that in style is what they did, climbing back up to 13th overall and 2nd in class 11 after 8 tough stages in the challenging conditions. Their performance also allowed them to scoop the coveted award of Dunlop Drive of the Day which recognises exceptional performances on each round of the Dunlop series. Speaking after the finish, Cal said
“We are delighted with the result, to be 13th overall on our first national round is unbelievable and the Drive of the Day award caps it all off, I must thank our crew for getting the car right after my mishap and our sponsors whom which without we wouldn’t be here. Also well done to Ger hayes and his team, the event is a major credit to them and the townspeople of Bantry”

O'RIORDAN/McDAID WIN WESTLODGE HOTEL FASTNET RALLY IN BANTRY - Courtesy of Dunlop - proud sponsors of the National Rally Championship

Posted: July 5, 2012 1:48 PM

The Bantry based Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally, the final round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship was won by Cork driver, Daragh O'Riordan (Subaru WRC) and his Derry co-driver, Tony McDaid, who fended off the challenge of Eugene Donnelly/Alan Keena (Toyota Corolla WRC) and emerged victorious by six seconds. Local crew, Denis Cronin/Coleman Hurley (Subaru WRC) were third, 41 seconds further adrift. Lisburn's, Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Escort) clinched the rally.ie award within the Dunlop series.
Meanwhile, Barry Meade/Liam Moynihan (Ford Escort) were the top Modified crew, they were fourth overall. Stephen Carey/Breda O'Driscoll (Honda Civic) won the Group N category.

O'Riordan was quickest on the opening stage where he took an eleven second lead over Denis Cronin (Subaru WRC) with Brian O'Mahony, also in a Subaru WRC, a further two seconds behind in third. Top seed and last year's Fastnet Rally winner, Mel Evans was fourth ' 27 seconds off the lead. Eugene Donnelly lost well over a minute when he punctured his Toyota Corolla WRC. Barry Meade (Escort) was the top Modified performer. Donnelly punched in the best time on the second test, eight seconds quicker than both O'Riordan and O'Mahony. O'Riordan led the event with O'Mahony second - 13 seconds behind followed by Cronin, who was a further 16 seconds adrift. Leader O'Riordan commented on the foggy conditions while Cronin reckoned that he was a little rusty as he hadn't competed since early June. O'Mahony eased off a little after he thought he damaged a front suspension after a heavy landing over a jump. Donnelly moved into fourth courtesy of fastest time on the second test where Evans retired with transmission troubles. At the Bantry service park, Donnelly said, 'I punctured ten kilometres from the end of the opening test, you can drive these cars on a puncture, it was great to get fastest time on the second stage.' Meade led the Modified section, his Escort was 19 seconds ahead of that of Wesley Patterson with the Darrian of James Stafford next in classification. Ninth placed Frank Kelly (Escort) was concentrating on the rally.ie award where Wesley Patterson was his main rival. The final place in the top ten was annexed by Damien McCarthy (Honda Civic).

Elsewhere, Steve Simpson reckoned his car wasn't suited to the bumpy roads of West Cork, Tommy Doyle (Renault Clio R3) was well down the leader board as the windscreen misted over, his own spectacles were also giving a similar problem. James Belton punctured his Subaru midway through the opening stage and lost over seven minutes.

Donnelly was quickest on the third stage near Ballylickey. O'Mahony had a slight off road excursion and punctured a wheel, however, he lost only two seconds to O'Riordan, who led his fellow Corkonian by 15 seconds. O'Mahony punched in the best time on the fourth test even though his Subaru was handling erratically due to the incident on S.S. 3. Having cut O'Riordan's lead to eleven seconds, O'Mahony's hopes were dashed as his rally ended on the fifth stage due to a broken seal in the hydraulic gear selection system.

In foggy and slippery conditions, Donnelly set the pace on stages five and six. At the final service halt, O'Riordan held a 46 second lead over Cronin with a hard charging Donnelly a mere two seconds further behind. O'Riordan admitted he couldn't relax especially with Donnelly pushing hard. Donnelly opined, 'I pushed hard, especially on stage five, I came here with no expectations, I had a few moments, but we are on the pace.' Meade, who led the Modified category, was untroubled, but admitted he had to watch the pace of James Stafford (Darrian), who was 17 seconds behind.

The Escorts of Sam Smyth, Frank Kelly and Wesley Patterson were next, the latter duo were in contention for the rally.ie award within the Dunlop series, Patterson reckoned he made an incorrect tyre choice. Damien McCarthy (Honda Civic) and Fergus O'Meara (Ford Escort) completed the top ten.

Out on S.S.6, Donnelly set yet another fastest time, on this occasion, he moved into second ' 33 seconds behind leader, O'Riordan. The penultimate test brought the Derry driver to within 22 seconds. Even though he stormed through the final stage and trimmed a further 16 seconds off the deficit, O'Riordan won by a margin of six seconds. Cronin took third.

Meade was a convincing winner of the Modified section and even though Frank Kelly finished ahead of Wesley Patterson, the latter won the rally.ie award. O'Meara (Escort) came through to claim seventh. Local driver, Damien McCarthy brought his Class 11 Honda Civic home in eighth place in a top ten rounded off by George Condell (Escort and Steve Simpson (Subaru). Sam Smyth (Ford Escort) had a troubled time on the final stage and slipped to 53rd in overall classification.

The Dunlop 'Drive of the Day' award was won by Clonakilty's, Cal McCarthy/Eamonn Dullea, seeded at 36, he finished 13th. overall. The Group N category was won by another local crew, Baltimore's, Stephen Carey/Breda O'Driscoll.

Photos

Posted: July 5, 2012 1:45 PM

barronpix.com
James Burke Motorsport Photography

Results

Posted: July 5, 2012 1:28 PM

1 Daragh O’Riordan/Tony McDaid (Subaru Impreza WRC) 81m 59s,
2 Eugene Donnelly/Alan Keena (Toyota Corolla WRC) 82m 05s,
3 Denis Cronin/Colman Hurley (Subaru Impreza WRC) 82m 46s,
4 Barry Meade/Liam Moynihan (Ford Escort MkII) 85m 51s,
5 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan (Ford Escort MkII) 86m 45s,
6 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Ford Escort MkII) 86m 47s,
7 Fergus O’Meara/Brian Doherty (Ford Escort MkII) 88m 06s,
8 Damien McCarthy/Eamonn Hayes (Honda Civic) 88m 19s,
9 George Condell/Declan Stafford (Ford Escort MkII) 88m 50s,
10 Steve Simpson/Frank Curtin (Subaru Impreza WRC) 89m 06s.

Motorsport Safety Team Group N Production class:
1 Stephen Carey/Breda O’Driscoll (Honda Civic),
2 Brian O’Keeffe/Donnacha O’Callaghan (Subaru Impreza N11),
3 Pat Price/Stephen Price (Subaru Impreza N12B).

rally.ie Two wheel drive class:
1 Barry Meade/Liam Moynihan,
2 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan,
3 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity.

Juniors: 1 Mark Horgan/Tommy Hayes (Civic) 75m 54s,
2 Jonathan Delaney/Jonathan Carroll (Civic) 76m 38s,
3 Darren Loftus/David Beamish (Civic) 77m 14s.

Leaders After:
SS1-8 Daragh O’Riordan/Tony McDaid (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Stage Winners:
SS1 Daragh O’Riordan/Tony McDaid (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Eugene Donnelly/Alan Keena (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS3 Eugene Donnelly/Alan Keena (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS4 Brian O'Mahony/John Higgins (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Eugene Donnelly/Alan Keena (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS6 Eugene Donnelly/Alan Keena (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS7 Eugene Donnelly/Alan Keena (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS8 Eugene Donnelly/Alan Keena (Toyota Corolla WRC)

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

DUNLOP SERIES CONCLUDES WITH A BUMPER ENTRY IN BANTRY - Preview Courtesy of Dunlop Proud Sponsors of the Dunlop National Rally Championship 2011

Posted: October 28, 2011 6:41 PM

THE competitive element of the Dunlop National Rally Championship comes to a conclusion on Sunday next in County Cork with the Bantry based Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally, the tenth and final round of the series. It’s a new base for this popular season finale as the Skibbereen and District Car Club switch to the maritime town on the south-west coast of the rebel county.
A cracking entry featuring no fewer than seven World Rally Cars is an indication of the standing of the Dunlop series within Irish rallying. Despite the current economic climate over 140 crews will line-up for the eight stage event in Bantry.

Former Dunlop National Rally champion, Derry driver, Eugene Donnelly is a dramatic late entry and he will be re-united with the Toyota Corolla WRC that gave him nine of his eighteen event victories in the Irish Tarmac Championship where he won the title on a record equalling five occasions. He remarked,
“It was always my intention to do something before the end of the year. It’s a one-off for now, but it will be great to get out again on the stages. I want to see if the two year lay-off makes any difference. The car won’t have the pace of the Subaru S12’s, it won’t be easy at the start but my pace should be much better on the repeat loops.” The Derry driver won the Dunlop National Rally Championship in 2003, a year after he claimed the National Forest series.

His last outing in the Toyota Corolla WRC was a charity fundraising event on the 2006 Donegal Harvest Rally, an event he also won. His last ITC outing was the 2009 Cork "20" International Rlly where second place netted him his fifth Tarmac title.

Donnelly is no stranger to the Fastnet Rally, last year, he drove a 1600cc Opel Corsa as part of a fundraising event, in previous yaers, he has campaigned a Skoda Fabia WRC and a Citroen C2R2 on the County Cork event. He will be co-driven by Sligo’s, Daragh Mullen (20), who accompanied him in the Lurgan Park Rally a few years ago. Whilst not seeded in the published entry list in the rally programme, Donnelly will be slotted into the top ten.

Meanwhile, Welsh ace and 2010 Dunlop National Rally champion, Mel Evans (Subaru WRC) is the top seed. He won the Fastnet last year and is hugely popular in West Cork. Evans hasn’t competed in the current Dunlop series since taking second place to the new Dunlop champion, Tim McNulty (Subaru WRC) on the opening round in Abbeyleix.

In Bantry, Evans will have a trio of local drivers trying to deny him an event double. Ballylickey ’s, Denis Cronin (Subaru WRC), who won the Fastnet Rally in 1994 and 2009, is certainly a strong contender for victory. Midleton’s, Daragh O’Riordan (Subaru WRC), who has tasted victory in both this season’s Rally of the Lakes in Killarney and the Cork “20” International Rally. will also be expected to mount a serious challenge. Having made his debut in a Subaru WRC on the Cork “20” at the beginning of the month, Carrigaline’s, Brian O’Mahony, who will drive a McKinstry prepared Subaru WRC, should also be very competitive even though his outing in the Cork “20” lasted only a few stages. He actually led the event initially and there is no doubt that the former Irish and British S1600 champion, British Junior champion and a Class 6 winner in the Dunlop series cannot be overlooked.

Limerick’s, Colm Murphy in his Group N Subaru was very impressive on the earlier rounds of the Dunlop series, he was third overall in Abbeyleix and was one of the contenders for the Motorsport Safety Team Group N award until a series of non-finishes put an end to his challenge. Kerry ace, Thomas Fitzmaurice (Mitsubishi), fresh from his second overall in the recent Garda Siochana Motor Club event in Baltinglass, is seeded directly behind Murphy.

Overseas drivers, James Belton (Wales) and Steve Simpson (Manchester) will compete in Subaru WRC’s, the top ten seeded list is completed by Longford’s Tommy Doyle and Lisburn’s, Wesley Patterson. Doyle, a very talented driver, will campaign his Renault Clio R3 while Patterson will wheel out his Mk. 2 Ford Escort.

The rally.ie two wheel drive award will be decided on the Fastnet with Patterson and his Tyrone rival, Frank Kelly (Ford Escort) battling for success. In a very competitive season, Kelly, seeded at eleven, is a mere point ahead, with dropped scores taken into consideration, they are level on points.

Within the Dunlop series, almost half of the 15 class awards involving crews from all over the country are still very much in the balance.

The entry for the Modified category is very competitive. Banteer’s, Barry Meade (Ford Escort) will be expected to be at the forefront of proceedings, however, the likes of Adrian Hetherington (Escort), Washington James (Darrian), Trevor Mulligan (Ford Escort), Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet), Sam Smyth (Ford Escort) and Damien McCarthy (Honda Civic) will ensure that there will be plenty of competition.

Up until recent events, James was very much involved in the rally.ie award, but a number of problems dropped him down the order. He still has an outside chance of the title, however, he would have to get as many as 18 Dunlop points and both Kelly and Patterson would have to non-finish if he is to succeed.

Elsewhere, Escort duo, David Condell and John Waring, Lloyd Hutchinson (Mini), who has already won Class 9 in the Dunlop series, Fergus O’Meara (Ford Escort), John Hendy (Toyota Corolla), Richard Burke (Subaru) and Rodney White (Sunbeam) are all on an impressive entry list.

While Denis Cronin is the top local driver, others, aside from those previously mentioned include Jason McSweeney (Honda Civic), Cal McCarthy (Honda Civic), Diarmuid Keohane, Ray O’Sullivan and Martin Lordan, all in Ford Escorts, Stephen Carey ((Honda Civic), Ger O’Connell (Ford Escort), Clonakilty’s, Luke McCarthy (Honda Civic), Philip Giles (Toyota Corolla) and Mick Cremin (Mitsubishi).

The Historic category includes Cork driver, Luke McCarthy (Porsche 911) and the Junior section has locals, Vincent McSweeney and Padraig McCarthy, both in Honda Civics, as the top two seeds.

Ceremonial Start - Saturday 7:00pm

Posted: October 26, 2011 4:24 PM

This weekends Westlodge Hotel fastnet Rally in Bantry has yet again drawn all the top Drivers from home and further afield.With this in mind the promoting club Skibbereen & District car club in conjunction with associate sponsor Bantry Business Association are organising a Ceremonial Start to take place in Bantry Town Centre on this coming Saturday 29th at 7.00p.m.
We would urge everybody to come out and show the Rally there support as well as meet some of the top competitors and Local drivers a like Action gets underway on Sunday before 9.00a.m and there will be plenty of action guaranteed.
Programmes are available from local outlets at the mere price of 10euro.
Full list of outlets on below.

Bantry is certanly the place to be this bank holiday weekend.We the club appreciate everything the sponsors have done and would urge people to support those business that have supported us.

Entry List Updates (24/10/11)

Posted: October 25, 2011 2:04 PM

Late Entries

129 Sean O'Donovan/Harold Atkinson (Subaru Impreza N9) [4]
130 Michael Forde/Simon Duggan(Talbot Sunbeam) [11]
131 Noel Brady/TBA (Ford Escort Mark II) [13]
132 Michael Caine/Niall Kynch (Ford TBA) [10]
133 Eugene Donnelly/Darragh Mullen (Toyota Corolla WRC [8]
134 Mark Greene/Debbie Greene (Peugeot 205 GTI) [10]
135 Barry McKenna/James McCarville (Ford Escort) [13]
136 Vincent O'Shea/Brian Hickey (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
137 Anthony Whelton/Noel Crowley (Ford Escort Mark II) [11]
138 John Cullinane/Kenneth Cullinane (TBA) [13]
139 Donie McCarthy/tba (Opel Manta) [10]
140 John Davies/Eurig Davies (Vauxhall Nova) [13]
141 Andrew Fanning/Derek Gibbs (Ford Puma S1600) [6]
142 Sean White/Jill White (Honda Civic) [11]
143 Patrick Kiernan/Darren O'Brien (Ford Escort) [10]

Junior
J19 Mark Shaughnessy/Kieran Doherty (Peugeot 106) [16]

6 Thomas Fitzmaurice/Fionn Foley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
14 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
30 John McQuaid/Seamus O'Connor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
76 Owen Murphy/ TBA (Talbot Sunbeam) [11]
86 Brendan Dunne/Brendan Murphy (Honda Civic EK4) [2]

J2 Martin Casey/Tommy Commane (Honda Civic) [16]

Eugene Donnelly for Bantry in Toyota Corolla WRC

Posted: October 21, 2011 10:40 AM

Skibbereen & District car club are proud to announce the Entry of Eugene Donnelly in his infamous Toyota Corolla W.R.C to this years Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally based in Bantry October 30th.
This continues a great association with the Maghera champ as it was on last year's Fastnet Rally that Eugene partnered By Corkman Alan Whyte that he won the class 10 award which was a fundraising drive for West Cork rapid Response in a car Donated for the weekend by Club Chairman Alan Clarke.

This time Eugene will be partnered by Sligo's Darragh Mullen who has previously sat with Eugene in the past.
Ger Hayes C.O.C for the event said that we as a club are delighted that a driver such as Eugene Donnelly has chosen our event to compete on and said that the entry list is really brimming with talent in all classes.

Fastnet Radio partnership

Posted: October 21, 2011 9:43 AM

Skibbereen & District Car club are delighted to announce that Cork's 96/103FM are coming on board for this years Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally Based in Bantry for the first time.
They will be starting giveaway's on Saturday 22nd October on Both 96FM in the city and 103FM in the County to launch this flagship event.
The prizes are Kindly sponsored by Associate Sponsors The Bantry Business Association who have organised the radio giveaways.
Also on Rally weekend the Street Fleet will be in the square in bantry so come along and who know's you might even win some spot prizes.

Seeded Entry Lists

Posted: October 21, 2011 8:36 AM

No. Driver/Navigator (Car) [Class]
1 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
2 Denis Cronin/Coleman Hurley (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
3 Daragh O'Riordan/Tony McDaid (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
4 Brian O' Mahony/John Higgins (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
5 Colm Murphy/Don Montgomery (Subaru Impreza N12) [4]
6 Thomas Fitzmaurice/Fionn Foley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
7 Belton James/Mark Glennerster (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
8 Steve Simpson/Frank Curtin (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
9 Tommy Doyle/ TBA (Renault Clio R3) [7]
10 Wesley Patterson/Martin McGarrity (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
11 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
12 Barry Meade/Liam Moynihan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
14 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
15 Washington James/Llinos Jones Davies (Darrian T90 GTR) [14]
16 Trevor Mulligan/Sean Hayde (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
17 Declan Gallagher/Ryan Moore (Toyota Starlet RWD) [13]
18 Sam Smyth/Alan Smyth (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
19 Damien Mccarthy/Eamon Hayes (Honda Civic) [11]
20 David Condell/ TBA (Ford Escort) [14]
22 Lloyd Hutchinson/Kevin Flanagan (Austin Mini Cooper S) [9]
23 Fergus O'Meara/Brian Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
24 John Hendy/Alan Whyte (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [13]
25 Leonard Downey/Mark Murphy (Ford Escort) [13]
26 Brian O'Keeffe/Donnacha O'Callaghan (Subaru Impreza N11) [4]
27 Richard Burke/John Burke (Subaru Impreza WRX) [15]
28 Rodney White/TBA (Talbot Sunbeam) [13]
29 George Condell/ TBA (Ford Escort) [13]
30 John McQuaid/Seamus O'Connor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
31 Liam Howlett/ TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
32 James Coleman/Kaye Shanahan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
33 Charlie Hickey/Johnny Hickey (Ford Escort RS) [13]
34 Shay Power/Katie Power (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
35 Jason McSweeney/Ruth McSweeney (Honda Civic) [11]
36 Cal McCarthy/Eamonn Dullea (Honda Civic) [11]
37 Diarmuid Keohane/Peter Keohane (Ford Escort RS Mk2) [13]
38 Paul Fitzgerald/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
39 Neil Pierce/Enda O'Leary (Honda Civic) [11]
40 Gwyn Thomas/Liam Brennan (Ford Puma 4x4) [15]
41 Pat Price/Stephen Price (Subaru Impreza N12B) [4]
42 Martin Donnelly/Colin Fitzgerald (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
43 Ray O'Sullivan/Derek O'Brien (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
44 Martin Lordan/Rory Hennessy (Ford Escort Mk2) [9]
45 Stephen Carey/Breda O'Driscoll (Honda Civic) [3]
46 Ger O'Connell/Niall O'Sullivan (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
47 Maurice Fitzgerald/Alister Wyllie (Toyota Corolla GT) [11]
48 James Fitzgerald/Eoin Fitzgerald (Honda Civic Type R) [11]
49 Gerard McQuaid/Gareth Quinlan (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
50 Luke McCarthy/Pakie McCarthy (Honda Civic) [11]
51 Philip Giles/William Buttimer (Toyota Corolla ) [11]
52 Eamon O'Connell/Mark Linehan (Honda Civic) [11]
53 William Walsh/Finbarr Quirke (Toyota Corolla) [11]
54 Eoin Woods/Cathal McGrath (Ford MK11) [13]
55 Paul Curley/Dean {muscles} Raftery (Honda Civic EK4) [6]
56 Ian Chadwhick/Stephen Quin (Subaru Impreza) [15]
57 Mick Cremin/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5) [15]
58 John Hickey/John McCarthy (Fubaru Escort RS 4x4) [15]
59 Enda McCormack/Martin Brady (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [15]
60 Daniel Cronin/Sean Duggan (Peugeot 206) [6]
61 Tommy Kelly/Andy Hayes (Honda Civic) [6]
62 Stephen Sheehan/Paul Sheehan (Talbot Sunbeam) [10]
63 Victor Beamish/Susan Beamish (Vauxhall Nova) [10]
64 Peter Desmond/Brian Magan (Vauxhall Nova) [9]
65 John Forde/TBA (Peugeot 205) [10]
66 Joey Carroll/Mark Kirwan (Citroen C2) [11]
67 Adrian O'Driscoll/Conor Hanlon (Ford Escort) [13]
68 Johnny Curran/Mikey Walsh (Ford Escort RS Mk2) [13]
69 Jerry O'Callaghan/Jonathan O'Callaghan (Vauxhall Nova) [12]
70 Lee Perry/Mike Jones (Ford Escort Cosworth) [15]
71 Patrick Calnan/Trevor McCarthy (Peugeot 106) [6]
72 Paul O'Driscoll/Andy Donoghue (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
73 Jerry O'Mahony/Willie Buchanan (Ford Escort) [10]
74 Cyril Kerr/Peter Keohane (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
75 Derek Butler/Olivia McCarthy (Honda Civic) [11]
76 Owen Murphy/ TBA (Talbot Sunbeam) [11]
77 Tony Calnan/Aidan Calnan (Subaru Impreza) [8]
78 Thomas White/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
79 Greg McCarthy/TBA (Subaru Impreza) [8]
80 James Dunphy/Shane Gazely (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
81 Liam Lynch/Kieran Madden (Toyota Corolla RWD) [11]
82 Dermot O'Riordan/Tony Hennessy (Honda Civic 1.6VTI) [11]
83 Sean Hickey/Jeff Gordon (Ford Fiesta) [12]
84 Con Lucey/Michael Lucey (Ford Escort) [12]
85 Jason Roycroft/Nicole O'Shea (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
86 Brendan Dunne/Brendan Murphy (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
87 Michael Conneely/Aisling Grimes (Honda Civic Vtec) [2]
88 Sean Agnew/Seamus Connolly (Citroen C2 R2) [6]
89 Martin McLaughlin/Danny McLaughlin (Ford Escort) [11]
90 Michael Linehan/Trish Hogan (Ford Escort F2) [7]
91 Christopher Dineen/Alan Mulligan (Honda civic) [11]
92 Jonathan O'Mahony/TBA (Honda Civic) [11]
93 Paul McMahon/Brian Oakes (Peugeot 106 Cup Car) [6]
94 Adam Platt/Alan O'Flynn (Ford Focus) [7]
95 George Wiley/Kevin Wiley (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [6]
96 Adrian Levis/Eric Deane (Suzuki Swift) [9]
97 Shane Stanley/Liam Fouhy (Honda Civic) [9]
98 Gordon Dreaper/Derek Bovenizer (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
99 Gearoid Beamish/Fearghal Beamish (Ford Escort) [10]
100 David Duggan/Sean O'Crowley (Toyota Corolla GT) [11]
101 Denis Dineen/Donal Dineen (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
102 Connie Tarrant/Timmie O'Callaghan (Skoda Fabia VRS TDI) [8]
103 Eamonn McCafferty/ TBA (Ford Puma) [5]
104 Shane Timony/Jeffrey Case (Ford Puma Kit Car) [5]
105 Colum Browne/Lawrence McGrath (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
106 Cathal McCarthy/Declan Buttimer (Peugeot 106 GTi) [2]
107 Brian O'Mahony/Michelle Gallwey (Honda Civic) [2]
108 Emma Britton/ TBA (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
109 Colm Forde/Jonathan Trill (Peugeot 206) [6]
110 John O'Keeffe/ TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
111 Sean O'Carroll/Ian Stanley (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
112 Shane Moriarty/Kenneth Cullinane (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11]
113 Gerard Dineen/Sean Hegarty (Toyota Starlet RWD) [12]
114 Noel O'Mahony/Cliff Desmond (Toyota Starlet) [9]
115 Padraig Dineen/Stephen Ferriter (Vauxhall Nova) [9]
116 Jamie O'Flaherty/Conor McCarthy (Honda Civic) [11]
117 Patrick O'Regan/Dylan Coffey (Honda Civic) [11]
118 Paudie O'Callaghan/Danny Murphy (Toyota Starlet RWD) [9]
119 Kieran O'Sullivan/Patrick O'Gorman (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
120 Brian Goggin/Katy Ford (Peugeot 205) [10]
121 Owen Crowley/John Caverley (Ford Escort) [10]
122 Conor Nash/David Kearney (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
123 Stephen Oshea/Kenneth O'Shea (Toyota Starlet) [11]
124 Robert Beamish/Orla Beamish (Opel Corsa) [9]
125 Jim Cronin/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
126 Edward McNamara/Raggett Padraic (Nissan Sunny) [9]
127 Liam Devaney/ TBA (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
128 Arthur Kierans/Mac Kierans (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]

J1 Vincent McSweeney/Michael Kearney (Honda Civic Vtec) [16]
J3 Padraig McCarthy/Peter Murphy (Honda Civic 1.6VTI) [16]
J2 Martin Casey/Tommy Commane (Honda Civic) [16]
J4 David Carmody/Donal Balfe (Honda Civic) [16]
J5 Alan Keena/ TBA (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
J6 Jonathan Delaney/ TBA (Honda EG6) [16]
J7 Damien Doolan/TBA (Vauxhall Nova) [16]
J8 Andrew Beamish/Ella Ryan (Opel Corsa) [16]
J9 Colin Roche/Micheal Feeney (Toyota Starlet RWD) [16]
J10 Mark Horgan/Tommy Hayes (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
J11 Paul Dullea/Daniel Walker (Honda civic) [16]
J12 Jill White/Sean White (Honda Civic) [16]
J14 Eoin O'Sullivan/Eoin Leahy (Toyota Corolla) [16]
J15 Diarmaid O'Crowley/Hourihane Patrick (Vauxhall Nova) [16]
J16 Martin Crowley/Martin Barry (Suzuki Swift GTI) [16]
J17 Sean O'Donovan/Harold Atkinson (Subaru Impreza) [16]
J18 Leon Galvin/Ger Foley (Ford Escort) [16]

H1 David Cremin/Johnny O'Shea (Ford Escort Mk1) [17]
H2 Jeremaih O'Flynn/TBA TBA (Ford Escort Mk1) [17]
H3 Luke Maccarthy/David Hogan (Porsche 911) [17]
H4 Philip McKibbin/Andrew McKibbin (Ford Cortina) [17]
H5 Brian Hickey/Adrian Randles (Ford Escort) [17]

Programme Outlets

Posted: October 21, 2011 8:33 AM

Programs available from the following on 22/10/11:

Skibbereen
Connelly’s Great Gas Service Station
Hegartys Service Station
John O’Driscoll Motor Factors

Ballydehob
Camier’s Service Station

Durrus
Ryan’s Shop

Caheragh
Kirby’s Service Station

Drimoleague
Three Lakes Service Station
Collins Centra

Bantry
Casey’s Service Station
Quickpick
Hegarty’s Mace
Centra
The Gift Shop
Westlodge Hotel

Ballylickey
Cronin’s Service Station

Dunmanway
Walsh’s Londis
Galvin’s Service Station

Bandon
Billy Cahalane’s Service Station

Ballinascarthy
Donovan’s Service Station

Clonakilty
Whites Service Station
Crowley’s Clonakilty Service Station


Rosscarbery
Rosscarbery Service Station

Leap
Leap Service station

Time and Distance Schedule

Posted: October 21, 2011 8:29 AM

Fastnet Stages Rally (Bantry) - 30 Oct 11 - Time and Distance Schedule

Top Junior to Claim Joe O'Sullivan Memorial Cup

Posted: October 20, 2011 11:11 AM

The Joe O'Sullivan Memorial Cup Was first introduced By Joe's Family in 2010 to Recognise young talent from the Skibbereen&District Car Club in the junior section of the Fastnet Rally.

The Late Joe O'Sullivan had a long association with the Skibbereen club infact he Marshalled on the first rally that the Club ran and infact kept this up until three years ago.Joe enjoyed nothing better and in particular young up and coming driving talent and watched there progress with great interest and enthusiasm.Joe loved to see west corks finest drivers battle it out for class and indeed overall honours.
The Club were then very pleased when the O'Sullivan family decided to remember Joe by presenting this cup to the Best overall Junior driver from the Skibbereen & District car club.
Indeed the first crew to win the Joe O'Sullivan memorial cup was Clonakilty's Cal McCarthy and his Co-Driver Eamonn Dullea.
On this first occassion the Cup was presented by Joe's widow Maureen Joe's sister Patsy and his son Niall who is a regular competitor himself around the local area.

So who's going to get there hands on it this year all will be revealed in the Westlodge Hotel Bantry October 30th.

Programme Launch - (Sat) 22 Oct 11

Posted: October 19, 2011 10:03 AM

The Programme for this years Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally will be launched on the 22nd October 2011 at 8.30p.m in the Westlodge Hotel Bantry.
All sponsors,club members and rally Enthusiast's are invited to attend what is always a most enjoyable night where everybody is welcome.
So please come out and show your support.

• SKIBBEREEN & DISTRICT CAR CLUB

Closing date for Entries Extended

Posted: October 18, 2011 11:38 AM

The entry Period for this years Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally has been extended until 28/10/11.
Entries to date are coming in well and this is the Final oppertunity to be part of this inaugral event in Bantry and also the Final round of the 2011 Dunlop National rally championship as well as the Windscreen Company Southern 4 Rally championship.
Any club members who still have not entered remember that this is a counting round of the T.M.C Window's Skibbereen & District car Club Championship.

Group B's for Fastnet Rally

Posted: October 17, 2011 11:39 AM

This years Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally is Gearing up to be something very special. Not only have the Promoting club skibbereen & District car club moved to a new area but also have secured the presence of the Slowly Sideways Ireland group.
For those of you who do not know what slowly sideways ireland are they are a group of Motorsport and in particular rally enthusiasts who drive ex-works Rally cars of yesteryear.
This years fastnet rally has a whole host of these guy's to entertain and to rekindle memories of such greats as Duez,Blomquest,Mouton,Sainz,Llewellin,Ragnotti and Maunsell.
Now down this part of the country names such as Cathal Curley and Co.Cork's very own Billy Coleman will be remembered by all, for there flamboyant style of driving and if you can remember these drivers then October 30th, Bantry is the place for you.

Leading the Slowly sideways crews ,are as they are better known in rallying terms the Group B's are Todd Falvey and Dan Barry in there Belga works Porsche 911.
Next crew up are Bantry's Noel Hurley guided by Cyril Casey in there Saab Ems from the 77 Swedish rally.
Pat Horan/Noelle Horan are next up in the alwys crowd pleasing Audi Quattro (Acropolis 81)
Then something for the Billy Coleman fans his British championship Escort from 74.
For the younger people who cannot remember so far back there is the Toyota Celica GT4 which Carlos Sainz used on the world rally scene to such good effect driven by Mark and Mick Courtney.
Next up is the ex Cathal Curley Porsche 911 driven by Conor Falvey/Liam Buckley.
B.7 on the road is the Audi Quattro S2 Coupe used dy Dai Llewelin on the 86 british championship driven by James Hall/Tony Roche.
Then you have in the ex Jean Ragnotti Monte carlo winning Renault 5 Turbo from 81 are Jonathan Radley/Philip Heery.
B.9 in there ex Maunsell Avenger are Denis Nagle/Irene O'Donovan and at
B.10 we have the Opel Ascona 400 driven by Pat Laracy/Ian Laracy this car will be remembered fondly in the hand's of Billy Coleman.

The Group B cars will be on display on Saturday in Bantry and on the stages on Sunday.
This will be a chance to witness some Rallying History and rekindle a lot of great memories.

Countdown has begun

Posted: October 12, 2011 2:32 PM

The countdown has begun for the Bantry based Westlodge Hotel Fastnet Rally (Sunday October 30th.) that will conclude the competitive action in the Dunlop National Rally Championship. One of the most popular events in Irish rallying, it is also a round of the TMC Windows Skibbereen & District Car Club Championship and the regional Windscreen Company Southern 4 Rally Championship. Already, the entry list includes local and national crews along with the very welcome Welsh contingent.

Despite the downturn in the economy, the rally has still retained its popularity. Clerk of the Course, Ger Hayes commented,
“We are delighted with the entry so far and the level of interest, especially as we move to our new base in Bantry. The entire community are extremely enthusiastic and helpful. We are also very grateful to the residents along the rally route.”

Entries remain open and competitors can log on to the Skibbereen and District Car Club’s website - www.skibbdcc.com for further information. The club website is updated on a continual basis.

Throughout the weekend of the rally, the Bantry Business Association, who are also co-sponsors of the rally, are hosting events in and around the service area that will be located in the town centre, thus bringing a carnival atmosphere to this popular tourist destination.

Even though Meath’s, Tim McNulty has won the Dunlop series and Monaghan’s, Sam Moffett has clinched the Motorsport Safety Team Group N award, the rally.ie award for the top two-wheel drive crew will be decided in Bantry. Currently and with dropped scores taken into consideration, Tyrone’s, Frank Kelly and Lisburn’s, Wesley Patterson are equal on points. Several of the class awards within the national series are also down for decision.

Meanwhile, in the Windscreen Company Southern 4 Championship, the situation is equally intense with Cork “20” International Rally winner, Midleton’s, Daragh O’Riordan a mere point ahead of Kerry driver, Charlie Hickey (Ford Escort).

In the TMC Skibbereen and District Car Club series, Rosscarbery’s, Brian O’Mahony leads the way.

The Westlodge Hotel Rally will consist of eight special stages, three repeated thrice and one repeated twice with the action getting underway shortly after 9.00am on Sunday October 30th. next. Currently, the organisers, the Skibbereen and District Car Club are processing the entries and a seeded list will be available issued well in advance of the rally.

• SKIBBEREEN & DISTRICT CAR CLUB

Marshal's Training - (Tue) 18 Oct 11

Posted: September 22, 2011 3:02 PM

Marshal's Training night to take place on Tuesday October 18th @ 8.30p.m. sharp @ the Westlodge Hotel Bantry.
All welcome to attend

Entries Received

Posted: September 15, 2011 12:16 PM

Available at:

www.skibbdcc.com/entries_received.html

Regulations (Rev 3) / On Line Entry

Posted: September 2, 2011 3:34 PM

Fastnet Stages Rally (Bantry) - 30 Oct 11 - Regulations (Rev 3)

Shannon Sports IT (EVO On line Entry)

PRESS RELEASE NO: 1

Posted: August 31, 2011 11:33 AM

After 5 years the Fastnet Rally which is the final round in the Dunlop National Rally Championship is moving from Skibbereen to a new home in Bantry.

The Rally will again be taking place on the October bank holiday weekend, and will run over eight special stages covering over 148 stage kms in close proximity to Bantry town on Sunday, October 30th. The event organisers, the Skibbereen & District Car Club, are delighted to welcome the new sponsor, the Westlodge Hotel & Pondlodge Cottages. The Westlodge is the ideal place for those looking for hotel or self-catering accommodation in West Cork. It offers amenities such as a superb Health and Leisure Centre Indoor Heated Swimming Pool and outdoor amenities include 9 hole Golf Course, Hardcore Tennis Court, Football Pitch, 20 Acres of Nature Trails all overlooking the beautiful Bantry Bay.

The Fastnet Rally is not only the final round of the Dunlop series but is also a counting round of the Windscreen Company Southern 4 Rally Championship and the TMC Windows Skibbereen and District Car Club Championship.

The organisers are thrilled not only with the involvement of the Westlodge Hotel but also with the backing of the Bantry Business Association which is a huge bonus to the running of the event.

The West Cork town of Bantry already has an excellent reputation as host town for the many events held through out the year and the Fastnet Rally will only help to further raise their profile both nationally and internationally.

It is anticipated that there will be a top line up of local and international competitors with entry fees at a very competitive rate for all. With the main field entry fee at €460, Historics and Juniors entry fee at €280 who will be competing over 6 stages.

Fastnet moves to Bantry

Posted: June 3, 2011 11:16 AM

The 2011 Fastnet Rally will be based in Bantry, Co. Cork, with the HQ at the West Lodge Hotel

www.southernstar.ie/article.php?id=2720

Club Website

Posted: January 2, 1990 3:05 PM

• SKIBBEREEN & DISTRICT CAR CLUB