Limerick Circuit of Munster Stages Rally - 3 Jun 12

Message for the COC

Posted: July 19, 2012 10:41 AM

“This is just a small little letter to all the people that gave a hand in one way or another in the safe and successful running of the circuit of Munster 2012.

As you are well aware it was a hard week for all of us in the motorsport family.

As you came from the four corners of Ireland to help run the event I said I won’t get the chance to meet you and thank you in person. So I said I’d put these few lines together and hope that people well understand how grateful I am for your help and support both on the lead up to the event and on the day to be honest with out your help I would not have got to the Sunday morning never mind the Sunday evening and for this I am ever so grateful. As the year roles on and if you want a hand with your event just give me a shout and I’ll do my best to help in one or another. Once again I thank each and every one of you and if I do meet you out there during the rest of the year I will say it in person to you. “

Yours in motorsport

Kieran Ambrose

MURPHY/MONTGOMERY WIN CIRCUIT OF MUNSTER RALLY - Courtesy of Dunlop - proud sponsors of the National Rally Championship

Posted: July 19, 2012 10:20 AM

LOCAL hero, Colm Murphy and his Cork co-driver, Don Montgomery, in their Group N Subaru, have won the Adare based Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel Circuit of Munster Rally, the fifth round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship.

At the conclusion of the day's eight stages, they were eleven seconds ahead of the Subaru WRC of Donegal's, Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan. Roy White/James O/Brien (MG S2000) were third ' a further 49 seconds behind.

Donegal's, Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Ford Escort) were the top Modified crew, they finished fifth overall.

Murphy also consolidates his position as leader of the Motorsport Safety Team Group N category.

On the opening stage, local ace, Colm Murphy (Subaru) revelled in the wet conditions and opened up a lead of nine seconds over Subaru WRC debutant, Kevin Kelleher with the MG S2000 of Roy White a further five seconds behind in third.

Ed O'Callaghan, was fourth ' three seconds further adrift with Tommy Doyle (Mitsubishi EvoIX) and Donagh Kelly (Subaru WRC) completing the top six, the latter spun and stalled at one junction and also had an altercation with the scenery that damaged the back right wing of his Subaru.

Murphy was also quickest through the second stage while the final stage of the loop was cancelled due to timing issues.

At the Newcastle West service halt, leader Murphy was untroubled. Donagh Kelly, who was 16 seconds behind was happy enough with his performance through the second test. Roy White in equal third with Kelleher - eight seconds further back ' admitted he was not totally committed and wasn't taking any risks. Kelleher was troubled by a sticking wiper blade that led to poor vision.

Ed O'Callaghan, who was fifth, hit a wall on the second stage as he tried to avoid having to overshoot a junction. Tommy Doyle (Mitsubishi) dropped one place to sixth with Declan Boyle (Ford Escort), like so many others remarked on the slippery nature of the stages. The final places in the top ten were annexed by Frank Kelly, Josh Moffett and Mike Quinn. Kelly remarked that visibility was a huge problem on both stages as his windscreen misted over. Moffett's co-driver, Domhnall Lennon felt unwell and they withdrew later.

Elsewhere, John McQuaid (Ford Escort) lost time when he encountered Alan O'Callaghan's Subaru and was unable to pass for some six kilometres. Tom Flaherty (Ford Escort) had no intercom and also had troubles with the power steering.

James Coleman retired his Escort with electrical problems on the first stage, the problem was later traced to a faulty fuse holder for the ECU.

Murphy extended his lead on the fourth stage ' the Limerick driver moved 31 seconds ahead of Donagh Kelly with White just two seconds behind in third. Kelleher's rally ended on S.S. 5 when he spun and temporarily blocked the stage, Kelly, Murphy and White and several other drivers received a scratch time for the stage as they had to assist the Cork driver by pushing his car into a safe location to allow the rally to continue.

Murphy was also quickest through Stage 6 and arrived at the final service halt with a 34 second lead over Kelly. Leader Murphy was very composed as his Subaru was untroubled. Kelly meanwhile recalled a spin on fourth stage at the exact location where he spun the first time. On S.S. 6, he stalled mid stage and dropped time.

White ' a further nine seconds in arrears ' reckoned his car was handling much better after his service crew removed the anti-roll bar. Fourth placed Ed O'Callaghan (Ford Escort) was still the top Modified competitor.

Tommy Doyle (Mitsubishi) was sixth followed by the Mk. 2 Escort of Frank Kelly, who stated that he times were much better given that his windscreen wasn't misting over. The Escort trio of Mike Quinn, Tom Flaherty and Jonathan Pringle completed the top ten. Pringle recalled a major overshoot on the sixth stage.

Although Donagh Kelly was fastest on the final pair of stages, Murphy had done enough to secure his first ever outright victory in a round of the Dunlop series. Kelly finished eleven seconds behind with Roy White (MG S2000) completing the top three.

Tommy Doyle (Mitsubishi) came home in fourth and Declan Boyle pushed hard on the final stage to claim the Modified category ' he was five seconds ahead of long time category leader, Ed O'Callaghan. Boyle took maximum points in the quest for the inaugural Dunlop National Mark 2 Escort Champions Trophy.

The quartet of Escorts driven by Mike Quinn, Tom Flaherty, Jonathan Pringle and Frank Kelly completed the top ten, the latter lost over four minutes when he had to stop and changed a punctured wheel on the penultimate stage.

The Dunlop 'Drive of the Day' award was won by Willie Cavanagh/Olivia Coen (Ford Escort), they also won Class 12.

The Historic section was won by Denis Collins/Tommy Commane (Ford Escort) and Damien Boyle/Joseph Boyle Honda Civic) took the honours in the Junior category

Photos

Posted: July 19, 2012 10:15 AM

crspics.com - Counihan Rallysport Pictures

Results

Posted: July 19, 2012 9:36 AM

1 Colm Murphy/Don Montgomery (Subaru Impreza N12 Gp N) 80m 16s
2 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Subaru Impreza WRC) 80m 27s
3 Roy White/James O’Brien (MG ZR S2000) 81m 16s
4 Tommy Doyle/Liam Moynihan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) 81m 47s
5 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Ford Escort MkII) 81m 58s
6 Ed O’Callaghan/Ger Clancy (Ford Escort MkII) 82m 03s
7 Mike Quinn/Grainne McEnery (Ford Escort MkII) 84m 06s
8 Tom Flaherty/Enda Hallinan (Ford Escort MkII) 84m 49s
9 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne (Ford Escort MkII) 85m 56s,
10 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan (Ford Escort MkII) 87m 02s.

Motorsport Safety Team Group N Production class:
1 Neil Tohill/Gerard Tohill (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) 90m 43s,
2 Stephen Carey/Breda O’Driscoll (Honda Civic) 92m 55s,
3 Pat Price/Stephen Price (Subaru Impreza N12B) 93m 35s.

rally.ie Two wheel drive class:
1 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle,
2 Ed O’Callaghan/Ger Clancy,
3 Mike Quinn/Grainne McEnery.

Historics:
1 Denis Collins/Tommy Commane (Escort) 75m 20s,
2 David Dee/Rita Dee (Mini) 85m 55s.

Juniors:
1 Damien Boyle/Joseph Boyle (Civic) 67m 01s,
2 John O’Connor/Gerard Conway (Citroen C2R2) 67m 27s,
3 Ger Lyons/Steve O’Brien (Civic) 69m 31s.

Leaders:
SS1-8 Colm Murphy/Don Montgomery (Subaru Impreza N12 Gp N)
Stage Winners:
SS1 Colm Murphy/Don Montgomery (Subaru Impreza N12 Gp N)
SS2 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 CANCELLED
SS4 Colm Murphy/Don Montgomery (Subaru Impreza N12 Gp N)
SS5 Top Ten given bogey time
SS6 Colm Murphy/Don Montgomery (Subaru Impreza N12 Gp N)
SS7 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Subaru Impreza WRC)

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

CIRCUIT OF MUNSTER IS LATEST DUNLOP CHALLENGE - Courtesy of Dunlop - proud sponsors of the National Rally Championship

Posted: June 2, 2012 9:34 AM

THE Dunlop National Rally Championship enters the second half of the season on Sunday next with the Adare based Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel Circuit of Munster Rally.

The top three seeds Brian O’Mahony, Thomas Fitzmaurice and Kevin Barrett have withdrawn their entries as have Niall Maguire and JJ Fleming as a mark of respect following last week’s tragedy in Cavan.

Tyrone’s, Frank Kelly (Ford Escort) will be the first car on the road, he leads the chase for the inaugural Dunlop National Mark 2 Escort Champions Trophy, he also heads the rally.ie category. His rival, Declan Boyle (Escort) is a late entry

Cork driver, Kevin Kelleher, a former Dunlop Group N National champion, will debut the ex-Connor McCloskey S9 Subaru WRC. Late entry, Eoin Doyle, also in a Subaru WRC, is amongst the opposition.

Top Group N driver, Colm Murphy (Subaru) will be on his home event and seeking to secure a top result allied to strengthening his position as leader of the Motorsport Safety Team Group N award.

The top ten includes the MG S2000 of Clonmel’s, Roy White, who was hampered by a misfire in Carlow and he will be hoping to have a clear run in Limerick. Monaghan’s, Sam Moffett, the current Billy Coleman Award winner is another late entry, his brother, Josh (Mitsubishi Evo IX) is also competing. Brendan Cumiskey is another of the 25 late entries.

Elsewhere, the modified category features local ace, Ed O’Callaghan and Kerry’s, Mike Quinn, both in Ford Escorts and well capable of posing a threat.

Other entries include Limerick duo, Ed Synan (Ford Escort) and Eamonn Hanley, who has yet to decide what type of car he will drive.

The Group N duo of Brian O'Keeffe (Subaru), Tyrone’s, Paddy McVeigh (Subaru) and Limerick’s, Frank Sweeney (Ford Escort).

Elsewhere, the popular Mk. 2 Escort is well represented by James Coleman, Ken Lyons, Eamonn Dervan, John McQuaid, Gerard McQuaid and Jim McKenna. Aidan Walsh will drive a Peugeot 205.

In the Historic category, Denis Collins (Ford Escort) is the leading driver followed by Philip McKibbin (Ford Cortina).

Meanwhile, John O’Connor (Citroen), Damien Boyle (Honda Civic) and Derek Butler (Honda Civic) are the top three seeds in the Junior category.

Radio updates on West Limerick 102

Posted: June 1, 2012 9:09 AM

Live rally updates on West Limerick 102 with Trevor Payne.
Tune in to 102.2fm frequency on Sunday 3rd of June.

Entry List Update: (31/5/12)

Posted: June 1, 2012 9:04 AM

Withdrawals:

1,2,3,8,10,17,20,22,31,37,41,46,48,60,62,68,97,118

Late Entries

Niall Shorten,
Sam Moffet,
Hazel O'Callaghan,
Alan O'Callaghan,
Joseph McGonigle,
James Coleman,
Tom Curley,
Kevin Dolphin,
Tommy Howard,
John Murphy,
Niel Tobin,
Micheal Carbin,
Ed Twomey,
Eoin Woods,
John Forde,
Dave Dunne,
Declan Boyle,
Neil Pierce,
Tommy Doyle,
Donagh Kelly,
Mike Horgan,
David Walsh,
Eoin Doyle,
Martin McLaughlin,
Brendan Cumiskey

Final Instructions / Time and Distance Schedule

Posted: May 30, 2012 9:28 AM

Available at:

• Limerick Motor Club

Marshal Meeting Points

Posted: May 30, 2012 9:24 AM

Meeting point stage 1 Dee’s Topaz west End filling station Newcastle West @7.00am
Co-ordinates
N52.44439
W009.07339

Meeting point stage 2
The church Tournafulla @7.30am
Co-ordinates
N52.36375
W009.15782

Meeting point stage 3
Dee’s Topaz West End filling station Newcastle West @8.00am
Co-ordinates
N52.44439
W009.07339

Message from CoC

Posted: May 30, 2012 9:22 AM

"As of late tonight (Tuesday 29th of May) the Limerick Motor Club have received the help support and backing from the Motorsport Ireland commission, Rallies committee and affiliated clubs to run the Woodlands House Hotel Circuit of Munster 2012 rally."

Seeded Entry Lists

Posted: May 24, 2012 2:15 PM

No Driver/Navigator (Car) [Class]
1 Brian O'Mahony/John Higgins (Subaru Impreza WRC S11) [8]
2 Thomas Fitzmaurice/Fionn Foley (Subaru Impreza WRC S11) [8]
3 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC S11) [8]
4 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan (Ford Escort MK2) [14]
5 Kevin Kelleher/Gerard Seaman (Subaru Impreza WRC S9) [8]
6 Colm Murphy/Don Montgomery (Subaru Impreza N12) [4]
7 Roy White/James O'Brien (MG ZR) [15]
8 John Joe Fleming/Rob Ward (Ford Focus WRC) [7]
9 Josh Moffett/Domhnall Lennon (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
10 Eamon Daly/Brian Doherty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [15]
11 Edward Callaghan/Ger Clancy (Ford Escort MK2) [13]
12 Mike Quinn/Grainne McEnery (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
14 ED Synan/Denis O'Connell (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
15 Eamon Hanley/TBA (TBA) []
16 Brian O'Keeffe/Donnacha O'Callaghan (Subaru Impreza N11) [4]
17 Paddy McVeigh/Stephen O'Hanlon (Subaru Impreza N12B) [4]
18 Frank Sweeney/Jane Cogan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
19 Gary Reidy/Charlie McEnery (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
20 Pat Kelly/Jonathan Kelly (Subaru Impreza STI) [8]
21 Jonathan Folan/Ger Myers (Subaru Impreza STI) [8]
22 Tom Cahill/Ross Forde (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [15]
23 Paraic Cummins/Graham Kelly (Ford Escort G4) [13]
24 Sean Moran/Keith Moriarty (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [13]
25 Ken Lyons/Paddy McDonnell (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
26 Eamon Dervan/Keith Gardiner (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
27 John McQuaid/Seamus O'Connor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
28 Gerard McQuaid/Gareth Quinlan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
29 Aidan Walsh/Jim Casey (Peugeot 205) [13]
30 Jim McKenna/Thomas Treanor (Ford Escort) [14]
31 David Murphy/Tony Healy (Ford Escort) [14]
32 Tom Flaherty/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
33 Thomas Doody/Jonathan Keane (Honda Civic) [11]
34 Anthony Collins/Donal Falvey (Honda Civic) [11]
35 Benny Kennedy/Brendan Ryan (Honda Civic) [11]
36 Stephen Carey/Breda O'Driscoll (Honda Civic) [3]
37 Seamus Doyle/Kevin Barry (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
38 Paul Fitzgerald/Stephen Quinn (Ford Escort MK2) [11]
39 William Cavanagh/Olivia Coen (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
40 John Danaher/Keith Curley (Ford Escort) [14]
41 Eugene O'Donnell/TBA (Honda Civic Type R) [3]
42 Kyle Orr/Damian Garvey (TBA TBA) [3]
43 Seamus Connolly/Gary McCrudden (Toyota Corolla Twincam) [11]
44 Johnny Curran/Mikey Walsh (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
45 Sean Lyons/John Devine (Ford Escort RWD6) [14]
46 Andrew Slattery/Shaun Forde (Subaru Impreza N10) [4]
47 Tony Tuttle/Sean Kiernan (Ford Escort) [13]
48 Jason McSweeny/Denis O'Mahony (Honda Civic) [11]
49 Moss Fitzgerald/Alister Wyllie (Toyota Corolla GT) [11]
50 Pat Aherne/TBA (Subaru GC8 group A) [15]
51 John O'Sullivan/AL Meaney (Citroen C2) [15]
52 Liam Higgins/Mike Ward (Mitsubishi Evo 7) [15]
53 Derek Daly/Jakes Kelly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
54 Paul Curley/Jason Ollerenshaw (Subaru Impreza N) [3]
55 Pat Price/Patrick Price (Subaru Impreza N12B) [4]
56 Liam Dennehy/John Lynch (Subaru Impreza STI) [8]
57 Declan Gannon/Alan Leonard (Subaru Impreza S10) [14]
58 Anthony Breen/Mark O'Looney (Subaru Impreza STI) [8]
59 Mike O Connor (jnr)/Gerry Lynch (Mitsubishi Evo) [15]
60 Gavin Kelly/Shaun Boyle (Honda Civic Type R) [3]
61 Stephen Greaney/Kieran Feeney (Citroen C2 R2) [6]
62 Roger Donnan/Pierce Doheny (Ford Puma) [6]
63 Adrian Cannon/Caroline Cleary (Honda Civic) [2]
64 Pat Ryan/TBA (Ford Escort MK2) [9]
65 Denis Dineen/Donal Dineen (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
66 Michael O'Sullivan/Eoin O'Leary (Ford Escort) [12]
67 Mike Walsh/Ger Ryan (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
68 Pat Barry/Stephen O'Connell (Ford Escort) [14]
69 Mike Dolan/Carrie Moroney (Honda Civic eg6) [11]
70 Sean O'Carroll/Ian Stanley (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
71 Paudie Casey/Tony McCarthy (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [13]
72 Mick Walsh/Damien Walsh (Ford G3) [14]
73 Mike Costello/Paddy Costello (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
74 Eamonn Barrett/Ken Kenneally (Ford Escort) [9]
75 TJ O'Connell/Calvin Kirby (Vauxhall Nova) [10]
76 Eddie Kennelly/TP McNamara (Ford Escort) [10]
77 Michael Kelleher/Paul Kelly (Ford Escort) [10]
78 Kieran O'Connell/Gerard Buckley (Honda Civic Type R) [7]
79 Gary Walker/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
80 George Whelan/Noel McMahon (Honda Civic) [11]
81 Mark Kane/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
82 Alan Naughton/Neil Jordan (Peugeot 205 GTi) [12]
83 Victor Beamish/Susan Beamish (Vauxhall Nova) [10]
84 Sean Maher/Jason O'Brien (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
85 Ryan Loughran/James McCarville (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
86 Declan Leahy/TBA (Ford Escort) [11]
87 JJ Carroll/Stephen Buckley (Vauxhall Astra GTE) [13]
88 Niall O'Sullivan/Tom Ryan (Citroen C2) [9]
89 John O'Keeffe/Brendan Duffin (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
90 Gerard Dineen/Anthony Madigan (Toyota Starlet RWD) [12]
91 John O'Donnell/Philip McDonald (Peugeot 205 RWD) [10]
92 Tommy McDonagh/Paul Hickey (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
93 Paul Murphy/Sean Kennedy (Toyota Corolla RWD) [11]
94 Podge Doody/Catherine Nolan (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
95 Edward Hallahan/Barry Murphy (Ford Escort Mk1) [10]
96 Dan Kelleher/Aileen Shanahan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
97 Philip Darcy/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
98 Shane Kenneally/Eamonn Harte (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
99 Jason Roycroft/Nicole O'Shea (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
100 Maurice Browne/James Browne (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
101 Pat McDonagh/TBA (Ford Cortina) [10]
102 Mike Murphy/Eileen Murphy (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
103 Patrick Slattery/Tommy Healy (Honda Civic) [11]
104 Timmy Ahern/Conor Galvin (Honda Civic eg6) [11]
105 Edward Kennedy/Maurice O'Connor (Peugeot 106) [11]
106 Pat Roche/PJ Costello (Peugeot 106 GTi) [11]
107 David O'Flaherty/Tommy O'Connor (Ford Escort Mk4) [10]
108 Liam Fitzgibbon/June Fitzgibbon (Ford KA) [5]
109 Matt Behan/David O'Brien (Peugeot 205) [10]
110 Frank Dwyer/Michelle Stafford (Ford KA) [5]
111 Denis Dillon/Sinead Keys (Nissan Micra) [5]
112 Ronan Keys/TBA (Peugeot 106) [9]
113 Sean Allen/TBA (Vauxhall Corsa) [9]
114 Justin Comer/Shane Reidy (Honda Civic EK4) [6]
115 Pauric McGee/TBA (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
116 Paul McHugh/Paul Commins (Honda Civic) [2]
117 Maurice Greaney/Keith McHugh (Honda Civic) [6]
118 Allen Buckley/John Masterson (Suzuki Swift GTI) [9]
119 Donal O'Reilly/Tomas O'Reilly (Peugeot 106 Cup Car) [6]
120 Terry Carmody/Don Bosco Rogers (Ford Escort) [11]
140 Denis Collins/Tommy Commane (Ford Escort) [17]
141 Philip McKibbin/Padraig Brick (Ford Cortina) [17]
142 David Dee/Rita Dee (Mini Marcos Cooper) [17]
143 John Newman/Pat Looney (Triumph 2.5 pi) [17]

J1 John O'Connor/Gerard Conway (Citroen C2 R2) [16]
J2 Damien Boyle/Joseph Boyle (Honda Civic) [16]
J3 Derek Butler/Aaron O'Regan (Honda Civic) [16]
J4 Michael Nolan/Jimmy Kiely (Honda Civic VTi) [16]
J5 John O'Flaherty/Patrick Lawlor (Toyota Starlet RWD) [16]
J6 Andrew Ryan/Tommy Hayes (Peugeot 106 Cup Car) [16]
J7 David Carmody/TBA (Honda Civic) [16]
J8 William Meade/Sarah McGowran (Suzuki Swift GTI) [16]
J9 William Nolan/TBA (Honda Civic 1400) [16]
J10 Conal Doherty/Declan Doherty (Citroen Saxo) [16]
J11 Jill White/Grace O'Brien (Honda Civic) [16]
J12 Johnny Rooney/David Rooney (Peugeot 205 RWD) [16]

60th Anniversary of Circuit of Munster Rally set to bring in excess of €3million to the Limerick economy

Posted: May 17, 2012 9:33 AM

Photo: Carmel O'Connor

Motoring enthusiasts around the country and beyond are gearing up for one of the main event of the Irish motorsport calendar – the annual Circuit of Munster Rally in County Limerick. The Circuit is part of the 5th round of the National Championship and the 3rd round of the West Coast Championships, and 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the prestigious event.
“Have no doubt about it – this year’s Circuit of Munster is set to be the biggest one yet,” promised Donie O’Connor, the PRO for the Limerick Motor Club who run the event.
“Every year the rally brings drivers, navigators, their support team and families, marshals and rally enthusiasts from around the country to Limerick. This results in massive upsurge for local products and services including restaurants, accommodation, bars and shops over the June Bank Holiday weekend.”

He estimated that an additional €3million plus would be spent in the local economy as a direct result of the rally.
“Everyone recognizes the tough times we are in at the moment, so it is vitally important that events such as the Circuit of Munster can contribute to the local economy and make good use out of the power of networking and supporting each other.”

The official launch of the rally took place in the Woodlands House Hotel, one of the main sponsors of the event, on Wednesday May 2.
Guests included a large number of Limerick Motor Club members; Peter Byrne, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in Newcastle West; and Jack Kingston, the founder of the Irish Festival of Speed, which was held in Adare Manor in July 2012.
The launch was also attended by Irish racing legend Rosemary Smyth, who blazed a trail for women in motorsport throughout the 1960s and ‘70s. Ms Smyth drove for prestigious global teams in the likes of the Monte Carlo Rally, the London to Mexico Rally, the London to Sydney Rally and other World Rally Championship events in the US, Africa, Europe and New Zealand.

Ms Smyth spoke about the hard work of the event behind the scenes, from the organizers to the marshals, and said she would love to see more lady drivers participating in motor sport. She runs a driving school for young people at Goffs in Co. Kildare.

This year the rally will be held in the West Limerick area and Clerk of the Course Kieran Ambrose extended his thanks to local residents and urged rally enthusiasts to “keep the race in its place”.
“Anyone who has been involved in organizing such a large-scale event will appreciate the amount of time and effort it takes to get it off the ground. The Circuit of Munster is organized by people who volunteer their time and as always we are grateful to those supporting us as we organize the 60th running of the Circuit of Munster Rally.

“Thank you to all the local residents who give their support for the day and allow us to bring this event to their locality.

“I would like to reiterate to drivers and fans – keep the race in its place. Speeding or driving on the routes prior to the day of the event will not be tolerated. It is difficult to get insurance and the go-ahead for days like this so respect the organisors and the locals and stay off it please!”

Long-time member of the Limerick Motor Club, Denis Hogan and spoke of how long the Limerick Motor Club are associated with not just car racing but also with motor cycle racing. He stated that the origin of the race goes back to 1907 when the first president Lord Dunraven oversaw over the proceedings. Again in 1948 the next Lord Dunraven opened proceedings for the official start of the Limerick Motor Club and the Circuit of Munster car rally. Limerick Motor Club was the first club in Ireland to be affiliated to the F.A.I. The club also runs hill climbs, forestry and mini trials. Mr Hogan was one of the organizers of the successful Festival of Speed in the grounds of Adare Manor which brought major revenue to both Limerick City and County.

He also acknowledged Martin Bourke of Limerick Classic cars and Jack Kingston of the Festival of Speed.
Peter Byrne chairperson of Newcastle West Chamber of Commerce welcomed this event and promised to do everything in the Chamber’s power together with the people of Newcastle West and surrounding area to make this 60th event a success.
Conor Fitzgerald who represented the Woodlands House Hotel referred to the long relationship with the club and praised the level of revenue generated by the club’s events not alone to Adare but the Mid-West region as a whole.

Club PRO Donie O’Connor promised plenty of surprise announcements in the run up to the June 3rd event.

More Details

• Limerick Motor Club

Rally Launch - (Wed) 2 May

Posted: April 30, 2012 3:24 PM

Circuit of Munster Launch 7:30pm Wednesday 2nd of May Woodlands House Hotel, Adare.

On Line Entry / Regulations

Posted: April 13, 2012 11:37 PM

On Line Entry:

Shannon Sports IT (EVO On line Entry)

Club Website

Posted: April 13, 2012 11:36 PM

• Limerick Motor Club