Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Subaru Impreza WRC) SS14
Gary McPhillips & Paul Sheridan (Ford Escort MkII) SS19
MANUS KELLY & DONAL BARRETT (Ford Escort MkII) Glen
Glenn Alcorn & Alvin Alcorn (Toyota Corolla) SS14
Moffett/O'Rielly master Donegal
Posted: June 7, 2014 9:16 PM
Sam Moffett in a Subaru Impreza WRC S14 was the surprise winner of the Donegal International Rally this past weekend. Although a strong showing was predicted, it was felt that experience could count against him such was the quality of the lineup. With leading pair Garry Jennings and Darren Gass encountering problems late on Saturday evening, Moffett held his head to win by just under 90 seconds from Donagh Kelly in a Focus WRC with Jennings fighting back to finish third overall. It wouldn’t have been the Donegal International without some drama, and the latter stages of the event certainly provided that in spades.
As top seed and favourite to make it back to back wins, Garry Jennings led the 130 plus cars away from the start ramp in Letterkenny closely followed by cousins Declan & Brian Boyle who were hoping to join a select few of locals to have won the event. With both of the top two Subaru mounted, Derek McGarrity was at three in a Focus WRC followed by Daragh O’Riordans Fiesta at four. Darren Gass was hoping to finally get among the points having had only one previous outing the championship this year, a non-finish in Galway and he was driving his usual Subaru Impreza WRC S10. The top six was rounded off by Donagh Kelly in the ex-J.J. Fleming Focus WRC. Other championship contenders included Sam Moffett at eight in the McKinstry Impreza S14 WRC in which he had won Monaghan, while Stephen Wright and Josh Moffett were in the hunt for valuable group N points.
Fine weather greeted the crews on the Friday stages where Boyle took a narrow early lead from Jennings with McGarrity, Gass, Moffett and O’Riordan making up the top six while Kelly stalled on the start line. By the next stage however Boyle rally was over when a broken brake pipe cost him over nine minutes and he decided to withdraw from the event, bitterly disappointed. Jennings then inherited the lead with Gass and Moffett in pursuit, but everything was so tight that the slightest mistake could be severely punished. McGarrity was having problems with the car cutting out while O’Riordan was very unhappy with his cars handling over the bumps. By the end of the first day Jennings held a narrow 9.7 second lead over Gass, with Moffett a further 16 seconds back. McGarrity despite his problems managed to hold fourth overall while Donagh Kelly had got more used to his new car and was now challenging Seamus Leonard for fifth.
The weather was far from kind the second day, with roads on Knockalla and Garrygort streaming wet in places, and Gass started to attack by taking fastest on the Garrygort test. Jennings replied by taking fastest again on Knockalla, but on the second run of Garrygort his rally nearly ended when he got caught out on the wet roads and went into a hedge with very little damage and a small time loss. With the second run on Knockalla being cancelled due to oil on the road it was still all to play for. By stage 11 Gass had reduced the deficit to just six seconds, while Moffett was now dropping back slightly with McGarrity in fourth overall. Donagh Kelly had now climbed to fifth place while Daragh O’Riordan was still struggling to get a suitable suspension set up for his Fiesta. Josh Moffett had retired his Subaru earlier on the event which left Stephen Wright in a very strong position in Group N.
Stage 12 saw the Gass challenge come to an end when he slid off the road and out of the rally leaving Jennings comfortably in control. However a road penalty collected after the final service at the end of the day cost him three minutes and dropped him back to fifth place overall.
As the last day dawned very wet, Moffett knew what he had to do to collect his first ever international victory and he wasn’t about to take any changes with two trips over Glen, Atlantic Drive and the fearsome Fanad to come. McGarrity who was now in second and although almost a minute behind was hoping that his experience of the stages would help his cause. Kelly was still holding third place while Jennings had started a charge back from fifth to close within a few seconds of Seamus Leonard in fourth. O’Riordan was having a miserable rally and still lying outside the top six while Stephen Wright was now in the top ten overall and top registered Group N contender. Despite coming under increasing pressure from McGarrity, Moffett held his head to take his first ever international win, a superb achievement in only his second run in a WRC car. There was late disappointment for McGarrity as his engine seized on the final stage allowing Donagh Kelly into second place. Third place was a minor consolation for Garry Jennings after the disappointment of the road penalty, but he still holds the lead in the championship. Daragh O’Riordan and Stephen Wright also added to their tarmac championship points tally with sixth and seventh overall respectively.
In fact Wright performance has now put him right in the running in overall terms as well as strengthening his hand in the Group N category with Sam Moffett not scoring any points and his brother Josh failing to finish. Rory Byrne and Shane Maguire also moved into overall Group N contention with another healthy batch of championship points. In the Modified Challenge, Fergus O’Meara continues to hold a comfortable lead despite having to miss the Donegal event due to illness. His closest rival Billy Coogan failed to finish but still holds second place while Frank Kelly finally got off the mark to move into third place overall with two rounds still to go. Wesley Pattersons inexorable push towards the Historic championship continued with another maximum score and as none of his close rivals competed in Donegal; he now has a 20 point lead over James O’Mahony with Ray Cunningham and Niall Creighton in joint third.
Group N Production class:
1 Stephen Wright/Susanne Wright,
2 Seamus Heron/Gerry McVeigh,
3 Shane Maguire/Martin McGarrity.
Class winners:
Gavin Kelly/Eamonn Gillespie (Honda Civic),
Ian Chadwick/Andy Hayes (Skoda Fabia),
Joe McGonigle/Mac Kierans,
Seamus Leonard/Paul McLaughlin.
NATIONAL RALLY:
1 Gary McPhillips/Paul Sheridan (Ford Escort) 2h 27m 11s,
2 Frank Kelly/Stephen Quinn (Ford Escort) 2h 29m 07s,
3 Damian Gallagher/Mac Walsh (Ford Escort) 2h 29m 34s,
4 Adrian Hetherington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort) 2h 29m 47s,
5 Daniel Conaghan/Terence Magee (Ford Escort) 2h 31m 16s,
6 Paul Reid/Karl Reid (Ford Escort) 2h 31m 21s.
Yes, with less than one week to go until the 2013 Donegal International Rally, excitement in County Donegal is starting to build.
On Friday the 21st June 2013 at 11am, Rally cars will begin to leave the start ramp from An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, with a huge entry of over 180 cars and 360 competitors starting out on one the biggest motorsport adventures in Europe. With three days of action spread out across County Donegal, it promises to be another classic event, even for those not normally interested in motorsport.
The Historic field, for older cars enjoying a second life, joins the fun on Saturday morning, while the ever spectacular Junior competitors (aged under 27) start on Sunday morning. It promises to be a weekend of thrills and spills.
An innovation for 2013 from the press and media team is a press conference after each leg of the Rally in the lobby of the Mount Errigal Hotel. The top three competitors from both the International and National fields, along with some special guests, will be on hand to discuss the stages. The daily press conference will give the media and fans a chance to hear the Drivers and Navigators thoughts on their days rallying and on the event overall.
With competitors from all over the world beginning to arrive in Donegal, everyone is starting to get into ‘rally mode’ and a festival atmosphere has already started. Preparations for 2013 started after the 2012 Rally finished with the final touches now being made by the organisers.
For the competitors, many have worked to the same timetable but some have gone the extra mile to be in Donegal. Or Kilometre, to be precise. In the case of one crew, their car has travelled 14989 Kms from Perth in Australia to compete in Donegal. And it has to go back again!
The festival atmosphere has been building with an annual Karting event organised by DMC Club Member John Dolan having raised over €800 for Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Not content with that John and his cohorts in the renowned ‘Off the Kuff’ band have launched a “Donegal Rally Song” which has proved a surprise hit on YouTube.
The Tir na Nog Bar in Letterkenny ran a quiz night for competitors in town for the rally recce on Saturday 15th and the Dry Arch Complex organised a car show and Bar B Que on the Sunday. Both raised funds for the Donegal Hospice and proved a great hit.
With the main event almost here accommodation is at a premium with record demand being reported by local providers.
The event Organisers have stressed that safety, both for competitors and ordinary road users, will as be their top priority. “We want to see everyone back at the Mount Errigal Hotel safely on Sunday evening” said Clerk of the Course Eamon McGee. “We are reminding everyone, be they rally fans, spectators, competitors or supporters to Drive carefully when they are coming to, attending or leaving the event: “Keep the race in its Place” is our message and Never, Ever, Drink and Drive. “
He added: "We are making a final call out for Marshals for this year’s event. In particular we want to hear from motorsport marshals, or people who would like to marshal. Please get in contact with the event to offer your help by using the rally website donegalrally.ie, the Club website donegalmotorclub.com or contacting the Chief Marshal or Deputy CoC at 087-756-6863 / +353 87-756-6863 ".
Craig Breen Rallying - Unfinished Business for Breen in the Mk2 Escort
Posted: June 17, 2013 2:18 PM
FIA European Rally Championship title contender Craig Breen takes to Irish roads again next weekend at the renowned Donegal International Rally for the second of his planned two event outings in the Suirway Forklifts/Farm Machinery Mk2 Escort
In April it was announced that Craig would take part in both the Cartell.IE International Rally of the Lakes on 3-5 of May and the Topaz Donegal International Rally on 21-23 of June, competing in the national section of both events driving a class 13 Mk11 Escort owned and sponsored by James Coleman of Suirway Forklifts & Suirway Farm Machinery.
Breen gave a scintillating display of sideways action over the opening day’s stages in the kingdom but his performance was cut prematurely short with engine failure early on day two. Next weekend however Breen is back for the second of his outings in the Mk2 at the Donegal International Rally.
Craig Breen:
“It’s a case of unfinished Business for me in the Mk2. I was very disappointed with the way things ended in Killarney and now we get a second bite at the cherry in Donegal. When we released details of these two outings for me with the car, I was delighted to get opportunity to drive the Escort, Killarney was initial taste and I’ve been eagerly awaiting the stages in Donegal since our retirement in Kerry.”
“I want to thank James Coleman for the opportunity to compete. We compete under intense pressure in the ERC but in Killarney it was so enjoyable to drive in front of my home fans with no championship points to think about. We had a great opening day in Killarney, with my confidence growing with every stage. Misfortune struck us on Molls Gap but with the car fully repaired now I’m looking forward to the battle. Donegal will be a tough challenge, there’s an unbelievable entry in the national section and being the only three day event in Ireland it will be a long demanding rally.”
Championship Shootout in Donegal
Posted: June 16, 2013 9:07 AM
With the month of June now upon us, the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is about to get even more exciting with round three, the Donegal International Rally looming on the horizon. The Letterkenny based event, which is one of the jewels in the crown of Irish Rallying, takes place from the 21st to the 23rd of June, making it the only three day rally in the country. This is the event where all of the championship contenders come out to play, and this year promises to be no different as the series is still wide open with three rounds to go, including bonus points on the final round, the Cork 20 International Rally. The main championship and modified championship now has four counting rounds from five events, while the historic championship has six rounds to count from seven with four events left.
Garry Jennings is the championship leader following his win on the Rally of the Lakes, and having won in Donegal in 2012, will be one of the favourites to extend his lead. Derek McGarrity is a Donegal veteran, and although he has never won the event, having been Tarmac Champion twice in the past could put this experience to good use. He is only four points behind Jennings in championship terms and with bonus points being awarded at the end of the second and third legs, knows how important it is to be on the ball from the word go. Keith Cronin currently lies third overall having won in Galway but is unlikely to be in Letterkenny, so next in the standings is local man Donagh Kelly fresh from third overall in Killarney. He has reportedly acquired J.J. Flemings Focus WRC in place of his Impreza WRC S11, and once he gets to grips with it, can’t be discounted.
In terms of championship success there is nobody to match Eugene Donnelly who currently lies in fifth place, but he is unlikely to be taking part in Donegal. Other registered drivers who could be in for a shout for overall honours include Sam Moffett, Declan Boyle, Darren Gass and Daragh O’Riordan. Moffett is reportedly hiring a Subaru Impreza WRC and he will be quick enough to challenge, while Declan Boyle & Brian Boyle on their home event will be looking to win the rally outright having won several national events this year. O’Riordans retirement in Killarney was a blow, but having competed in Donegal for the past few years, and as he gets more used to his potent Fiesta WRC he could get a very good result which could bring him back into the frame. 2012 Tarmac Champion Darren Gass has a lot of ground to make up, but can be expected to go very well in Donegal.
The group N battle is also intense, with Josh Moffett, Stephen Wright and Alan Ring all in the hunt for the honours, but at present only Moffett and Wright have entered the event. Fergus O’Meara currently has a comfortable lead in the Modified Challenge despite not having much Donegal experience to date, with Billy Coogan currently second in his BMW M3 and third place is tied between David Armstrong and Tommy Randles in their Escorts. In the Historic section, Wesley Patterson currently leads in his beautiful RS1800 heading into an event he is traditionally very quick on, while his closest rivals in championship terms have not entered to date.
Competitors are also reminded that this is the final chance to register for the Tarmac Championship and in the main championship there are no entries received to date for class 6A which is a perfect opportunity for out of homologation cars to score points. Also in the Modified Challenge, there are no registrations yet for the M4 Class (Class 20 cars under MSI rules which are older 4WD cars that have been modified). Any competitor who intends to register for points will need to do so prior to start of the Donegal International Rally.
Seeded Entry Lists
Posted: June 7, 2013 9:31 AM
No: Driver/Co-Driver (Car) [Class]
1 Garry Jennings/Neil Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
2 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
3 Derek McGarrity/James McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
4 Darragh O Riordan/Tony McDaid (Fiesta WRC) [6]
5 Darren Gass/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
6 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
7 Seamus Leonard/Paul McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
8 Sam Moffett/James O Reilly (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
9 Josh Moffett/John Rowan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
10 Martin Doherty/Damian McCauley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
11 Craig Breen/Karl Atkinson (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
12 John O Donnell/Aidan Friel (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
14 Stephen Wright/Susanne Wright (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
15 Shane Maguire/Martin McGarrity (Subaru Impreza N11) [4]
16 Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
17 Gary McPhillips/Paul Sheridan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
18 Rodney Wilton/Conor McMahon (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
19 Frank Kelly/Stephen Quinn (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
20 Phil Collins/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
21 Damian Gallagher/Mac Walsh (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
22 Brian Brogan/Damian McGettigan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
23 PJ McDermott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
24 Brendan Kelly/TBA (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
25 Martin McGee/Denis O Mahony (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
26 Camillus Bradley/Danny O Neill (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
27 Fergus O Meara/Brian Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
28 Conor Harvey/Darragh Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
29 Edward O Callaghan/Raymond Scott (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
30 Paddy Kiernan/James McCarville (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
31 Chris Armstong/Tom Clinton (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
32 Daniel Doherty/Michael Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
33 Robbie Peoples/Keith Stewart (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
34 Adrian Hethrington/Gary Nolan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
35 Seamus Heron/Gerry McVeigh (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
36 Ivan Stewart/TBA (Ford Escort RS Cosworth) [15]
37 Pat Kirk/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
38 Gavin Harris/David Doherty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
39 Kieron Graffin/Paddy Robinson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
40 Colm McFall/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [16]
41 Tony Jardine/Maurice Hamilton (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) [15]
42 Daniel Conaghan/Terence Magee (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
43 James Browne/Brendan McElhinney (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
44 Paul Reid/Karl Reid (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
45 William McFadden/Francie Devine (Escort G3) [13]
46 John McQuaid/Seamus O Connor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
47 Conor Curley/Nigel Frazer (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
48 Steve Wood/Johnny Baird (Subaru Impreza WRC) [6]
49 Joseph McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Clio R3 Maxi) [3]
50 Stephen Carey/Breda O Driscoll (Civic) [1]
51 Gary McElhinney/Paddy McCrudden (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
52 Seamus Hegarty/Shaun McMacken (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
53 Thomas Keys/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
54 Mark Wedlock/Leon Jordon (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
55 John Dolan/Liam McIntyre (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
56 Kevin Kelly/Paul Hegarty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
57 Michael McCollum/Michael Pearson (Subaru Impreza WRC) [15]
58 Dermot Cannon/Bobby Trimble (Corolla) [13]
59 Kevin Bradley/Graham Henderson (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
60 Seamus Doherty/Peter Byrne (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
61 Liam Doherty/Kyle McGettigan (Corolla) [11R]
62 Gerard McQuaid/Gareth Quinlan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
63 Peter McCarry/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
64 Michael Peoples/Stephen Gallinagh (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
65 Paddy O Donnell/Gareth Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
66 Andrew McLoone/William Kehoe (Escort RS) [13]
67 Thomas O Connell/Brian Duggan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
68 Paul Doherty/James Logue (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
69 Darren Doherty/Dean O Sullivan (Subaru) [20]
70 Liam Egan/Raymond Coppinger (Corolla WRC) [6]
71 Rory Byrne/James Byrne (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
72 Stewart Liddle/Barry Callaghan (Subaru ) [4]
73 Gary Cooney/Rory McBride (BMW M3) [14]
74 Billy Coogan/Diarmuid Falvey (BMW M3) [14]
75 William Vance/Billy Vance (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [15]
76 Derek Gurney/Keith McEvoy (Sierra) [13]
77 Darragh Doherty/James McDermott (Corolla) [11R]
78 Vincent Collins/Fintan Kilroe (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
79 Paul Corcoran/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
80 Barry McLaughlin/Aodhan Gallagher (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
81 Patrick Bonner/Patrick McHugh (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
82 Pauric McGee/Niall McDaid (Civic) [1]
83 Liam McMullan/John Coll (Civic) [1]
84 Declan Leonard/Dermot McCafferty (Fiesta ST) [3]
85 Paddy McDaid/Oliver Doherty (Civic) [1]
86 Dara Leonard/Matthew McKenna (Fiesta ST) [3]
87 Ian Chadwick /TBA (Skoda Fabia) [2]
88 Hugh Martin Toye/Jason Kavanagh (Civic) [13]
89 Aidan Wray/Kieran McGrath (Civic) [2]
90 Gavin Kelly/Eamonn Gillespie (Civic) [1]
91 Kieran Roarty/James Doherty (Civic) [1]
92 Richard Tanahill/TBA (Peugeot 208 R2) [2]
93 Garry Gallagher/Lee Cullen (Corolla) [11R]
94 John Bonner/Damien McElhinney (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
95 Declan Hall/Chris Corr (Corolla) [11R]
96 Brendan Friel/JP Boyle (Corolla) [11R]
97 Ollie Harvey/Donal Kelly (Corolla) [11R]
98 Glenn Alcorn/Alvin Alcorn (Corolla) [11R]
99 Leonard Craig/Derek Gallagher (Corolla) [11R]
100 Shaun Callaghan/Paddy McBride (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
101 Brian Quigley/TBA (Civic) [1]
102 Patrick Walker/Paul McClay (Peugeot 206) [2]
103 Mark Ewing/TBA (Civic) [3]
104 Ian Grahan/Liam Regan (Fiesta ST) [16]
105 Michael McCarroll/Conor O Loan (Fiesta) [16]
106 John Mulholland/Sean Devlin (Ford Puma) [9]
107 Alistair Glenn/Tony Curran (Peugeot 206) [2]
108 Paul Rowley/Patrick Durning (Civic) [6]
109 Joe Gallagher/Gerard Mullan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
110 Andrew Stewart/Tony Gallagher (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4) [15]
111 Ashley Dickson/Wendy Blackledge (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [16]
112 Clive Kilpatrick/Averil Morton (Evo) [15]
113 Eunan McCosker/TBA (Impreza N15) []
114 Callum Devine/Liam McLaughlin (Citroen C2R2) [16]
115 Terence Diver/TBA (Cicic) [1]
116 Glenda Boyle/Kylie Boyle (Civic) [2]
117 Michael Black/Pauric McGinley (Civic) [1]
118 Johnny Wilhare/Paddy Gorman (Civic) [11F]
119 Mark Glackin/Michael Glackin (Corolla) [11R]
120 Eamon Russell/Gavin O Donnell (Civic) [16]
121 George Baskin/Odhran McLaughlin (Golf) [14]
122 Shane Henry/Joey Kane (Swift) [9]
123 Caolan Gaffney/Terence Furey (Corolla) [11]
124 Mark Boyle/Charles Gallagher (Civic) [2]
125 Liam Branley/Nathan Burrows (Peugeot 206) [2]
126 Eamon McLaughlin/Sean Topping (Vaux Nova) [10]
127 Andrew McLaughlin/Shaun Gallagher (Civic) [16]
128 Paul McDermott/Jordan Murphy (Civic) [16]
129 Kevin McDaid/Paul McCafferty (Corsa) [9]
130 Martin Geraghty/TBA (Civic) [1]
131 Gareth Irwin/Gareth McGinley (Corolla) [2]
132 Rodney Stewart/Stephen Narin (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
133 Ivan Warwick/Evelyn Warwick (Audi S2 Coupe) [20]
134 Roy Baldrick/Darren Harvey (Sunbeam) [13]
135 Adrian Cannon/Derek Heena (Civic) [11F]
136 Declan Gallagher/Ryan Moore (Starlet RWD) [13]
137 Gavin McMenamin/Niall Burns (Corolla) [11R]
138 Connor Watters/Barry McGill (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
139 Mark O Leary/David O Leary (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
140 Jim McKenna/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
HISTORICS
H1 Wesley Patterson/Sean Hayde (Escort RS1800) [K]
H2 Donal Connolly/Danny McLaughlin (Ford Escort Mk2) [D3]
H3 Seamus O Connell/Sean Magee (Escort) [K]
H4 Anthony Robinson/Chris Williams (Porshe 911) [C4]
H5 John Keatley/James McKeefrey (Porshe 911) [B5]
H6 Aidan O Connor/Ian Regan (Escort ) [C3]
H7 John Spiers/Susanne Niedrum (Porshe 911) [D4]
H8 PJ Wilhare/TBA (Escort) []
H9 Niall Creighton/Gregory Roberts (Cortina) [B3]
H10 William Todd/Aaron Johnston (Mini) [B2]
H11 Ian Millar/Ronan O Neill (Escort RS1800) [K]
JUNIORS
J1 Kevin McLaughlin/Kieran McGinley (Civic) [J2]
J2 Amy Cox/Emmett Sherry (Citroen Saxo) [J2]
J3 Kevin Eves/Chris Melly (Corolla) [J2]
J4 Damian O Reilly/Damien McCabe (Ford Escort Mk2) [J2]
J5 Chris McLaughlin/Niall O Donnell (Corolla) [J2]
J6 Adrian Sweeney/Sam Pearson (Peugeot 207) [J2]
J7 Shane Carr/Barry McBride (Nova) [J2]
J8 Conal McNulty/James Heraghty (Swift) [J1]
J9 Barry Gallagher/Mark Gallagher (Civic) [J2]
J10 Cathal McCarthy/Eamonn McCarthy (Civic) [J2]
J11 Sean Heraghty/Jonathan Edwards (Corolla) [J2]
J12 David Gallagher/Eamonn Boyle (Civic) [J2]
J14 Lee McLaughlin/Aaron McLaughlin (Civic) [J2]
J15 Ryan McKenna/Nicola McKenna (Corolla) [J2]
J16 Nicholas Alcorn/Niall Campbell (Swift) [J1]
J17 Brian Brady/Thomas Melia (Peugeot 205) [J2]
J18 Kelvin Gorney/Kieran Burke (Citroen Saxo) [J2]
J19 Conal Doherty/Jonathan Dinsmore (Citroen Saxo) [J2]
J20 Eamonn Brady/Sean Brady (Civic) [J2]
J21 Paul Creamer/Danny McCloskey (Civic) [J2]
J22 Jonathan Orr/Martin McBrearty (Civic) [J2]
J23 Lee Jacob/Jonathan Jacob (Swift) [J2]
J24 Alan Moran/Jared Gill (Opel Kadett) [J2]
NEW PROMOTIONAL VIDEO HITS THE WEB
Posted: June 7, 2013 9:20 AM
he Organisers of the Donegal International Rally have announced the arrival of a spectacular promotional video which has gone live on the internet on the Donegal Motor Club’s dedicated YouTube channel.
Produced by Tyndall productions (RPM), the video draws on their huge archive of Donegal Rally footage going back to the 1970s, and is peppered with memorable action from all its heroes including Garry Jennings and Neil Doherty, the 2012 Champions.
Clerk of the Course Eamon McGee commented:
“We are really happy with the result. We asked RPM to come up with a package that would sum up the Rally and the setting of our classic stages, so that people who maybe haven’t been here before would consider a visit, whether as a competitor or as a spectator. It’s a super piece of work.”
“This year we decided to stream our Press Launch live on the internet. It was held on Tuesday 4th June at Hegarty’s Ford in Letterkenny and the response has been simply incredible. We were getting phone calls from all over the world, and people sending in photos of themselves at their laptops watching the live stream with big grins on their faces. While it’s sad that so many are away from home these days, it’s great that they can stay in touch. The video will put a smile on their faces, as it has on ours.”
Chief Marshal, Tony Boyle "We continue to receive offers of help from Marshals but we need MORE. In particular we want to hear from experienced motorsport marshals and there is also a plan to provide training for the less experienced or novice. So, you marshals and potential marshals out there, please get in contact your help: 0877566863 / +353877566863".
Donegal International Rally Press Reception - (Tue) 4 Jun 13
Posted: May 30, 2013 9:50 AM
2013 Donegal International Rally Press Reception will take place Tues 4th June @ 8pm in Hegartys Ford Garage Carnamuggagh Letterkenny.
‘THE GATHERING’ DRAWS COMPETITORS TO THE 2013 DONEGAL INTERNATIONAL RALLY IRELAND – IT’S GATHERING PACE!...
Posted: May 28, 2013 11:35 AM
News of the Failte Ireland Irish Tourism Board’s ‘The Gathering’ in Ireland has travelled far and wide for the 2013 Donegal International Rally Ireland.
Among the galaxy of rally talent in Ireland there are some overseas entries, from different continents. O’Donnell may have been kings of Donegal in the past, but in rally terms, names like Cullen, Bonner, McDaid, Boyce, Harvey, McMahon, McGettigan or Ward held court in a past era when the Donegal Interational Rally took to the roads in the 1970’s. Local names were usually on the extended entry lists, and drew competitors from across Ireland and further afield, including one famous Finn, a very young Ari Vatanen, when the Donegal event was a round of the European Rally Championship. Today, this event will draw a competitor from half a world away, to the Letterkenny rally base. Entries Secretary Suzanne Mulhern, confirmed last week that there some of the entries has been received from outside the Irish shores, and one of the names is familiar to the Donegal county.
Glenn Alcorn, has been living and working in Perth, Australia for the past number of years, and has decided to make the journey home to his native County Donegal in response to the national calling of ‘The Gathering’ in place for 2013. When contacted about his entry to the 2013 event, Glenn said, “This rally means the world to me. I have looked forward all year to getting home and competing in this sport in Ireland. I tell everyone here in Australia about the Irish tarmac, but they just do not understand that every road is sealed unlike the roads in Oz. It’s just the best rally in the world and has one heck of an after-party!”
The Donegal Motor Club is in the final preparations for the 2013 event with a capacity entry, for the popular June motor rally.
Press Officer John McCay said , ” We are delighted to say that the level of entries for the Donegal event, is as strong as ever, and will be releasing full details to the Press on Tuesday 4th June. The venue for the Press Conference is the Hegarty’s Ford Garage, at Carnamuggagh, Letterkenny.” John added, “there may be a few places left on some of the sections of the rally, so final call now!”
John went on to say, “I hope to bring more news about some of the entries received to date, and I will a great story about a special shipment to these shores next week.”
Clerk of the Course for the event, Eamon McGee will be announcing the full details of the ‘Top 10’ entries for the International, National, Historic and Junior sections of the rally, along with route details and the 2013 version of the annual Programme for the event. The rally takes place on Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd June 2013. Eamon advised competitors and visitors to complete their accommodation bookings early for the June 21st weekend. He said, “Our accommodation officer has noted a sharp rise in interest from competing crews in the apartments beside Rally HQ, and several of the hotels in Letterkenny are almost full already. The ‘Gathering’ project is obviously having an effect and the enthusiasm for midsummer’s night in Donegal is, if anything, on the rise. We are expecting a bumper weekend and a great atmosphere.”
Competitors and spectators are reminded to keep in contact through the Donegal Motor Club website – www.donegalmotorclub.com, Twitter:- @donegalrally_ie, and on Facebook - www.facebook.com/donegalrally.ie
2013 DONEGAL INTERNATIONAL RALLY IRELAND APPOINTS NEW PRESS OFFICER
Posted: May 22, 2013 9:42 AM
The 2013 Donegal International Rally Ireland has just announced the appointment of a new generation Press Officer to its ranks.
Tourism and Events Management student, John McCay, who has previously worked closely with the organisers of the famous Donegal event, recently completed press duties for 2013 City of Culture Lark in the Park event. He will take up the post with immediate effect as Press Officer for the 2013 Donegal International.
Speaking from the Donegal Motor Club offices in Letterkenny, John said, “I am keen to promote the event and increase the online profile in a similar fashion to the way the Donegal Motor Club’s Harvest Rally was promoted. It is important to assist move the social media coverage for the event into modern era, and with the current facilities, it is the right time to do that. I am a keen user of modern on-line media formats and the Donegal Motor Club is keen to promote the event through Twitter, Facebook and other such sources, through which events of this type now demand.”
John continued that, “I will be aiming to give this event the best possible profile available, and try some new ideas over the course of the countdown to the event. Entries are making their way to the Entries Secretary, and I would remind competitors on behalf of the Clerk of the Course, Eamon McGee, such entries must be in place to allow time to get everything in place for the start on Friday 21st June.”
Competitors and spectators are reminded to keep in contact through the Donegal Motor Club website – www.donegalmotorclub.com, Twitter:- #donegalrally_ie and on Facebook - www.facebook.com/donegalrally.ie .
Details of the Letterkenny based event, planned for Friday 21st June to Sunday 23rd June 2013, will be appearing regularly by a variety of methods over the next few weeks.
Press Release 2 - Friday Stages
Posted: May 13, 2013 11:50 AM
With just six weeks until the Donegal International Rally 2013 we are excited to launch an overview map of the Friday Stages. This is with a view to provide competitors and spectators with an idea of the route and what they should hope to expect from the weekend. The Friday loop is extremely compact and the road miles for competitors are minimal.
Over the next three Friday’s maps will be release through Facebook indicating the stages of each leg of the event.
Clerk of the course, Eamon McGee commented “This is the first time we have produced such a series of maps for the Rally, and I am pleased that we have produced them in time for the competitors to plan for their participation in the 2013 event. Valuable information is available, allowing crews to plan the weekend that will face them in Donegal. Over the next two weeks the maps will be released, entries are now open and filling up quickly so we would urge all potential competitors to get them sent in a soon as possible."
Regulations and entry forms are available on www.donegalrally.ie.
For all the latest news as well as the maps log onto our facebook page www.facebook.com/donegalrally.ie. and remember to log on next week for the Saturday stages map!
It is with great delight that Clerk of the Course Eamon McGee can release information for this years Donegal International Rally. Eamon a Donegal Native and father of Donegal Football stars Neil and Eamon will tackle the running of this mighty event for a second consecutive year. The event will adapt its usual three leg format over the weekend of the 21st-23rd of June, just ten weeks away. This years event will be bigger and better than ever with crowds in their tens of thousands expected to invade Donegal over the weekend.
This event is the pinnacle in Irish Motorsport and has been for several years now. All the competitors want a piece of the action in Donegal as do the loyal fans who travel from all ends of the country for this great event.
On speaking to Eamon lately he said “This years event will take place over three days as always, We’ll will be using new territory as well as the older classics, lets just say spectators and competitors will enjoy the stages some having not been used in several years"
The event is based in Letterkenny over the three days, with the cars starting and returning to Letterkenny each evening. “New faces are always welcome at the event” McGee added.
All event details will be released over the next number of weeks, for all the latest news and competitions please like and share our facebook page www.facebook.com/donegalrally.ie.
We would like to take is opportunity to thank everyone who make this picture possible. As you can see this is Donegal at its best. Thanks to Declan Boyle, Ian Millar, Joseph McGonagle, Brendan McDaid and Joe Gallagher for bringing there ultimate rally cars and Kevin Glendinning of www.kgrallypics.com for taking the picture.
DONEGAL INTERNATIONAL RALLY IRELAND GATHERS ITSELF FOR A ‘CLASSICO’
Posted: May 2, 2013 12:04 PM
The organisers of the Donegal International Rally Ireland, set for the weekend of 21st – 23 June 2013, have announced preliminary details of this years event.
The biggest of its type in Ireland, the three-day rally brings enormous economic benefit to the region and is set to play a major part in ‘the Gathering’, the year-long Government tourism initiative.
In addition to outlining route information Clerk of the Course Eamon McGee confirmed that Craig Breen will enter the June spectacular– in a Mark 2 Escort!
Breen the current Super 2000 World Rally Champion & Peugeot Rally Academy factory driver in the European Rally Championship, is certain to add zest to proceedings with his entry.
Speaking after finishing second overall in the Azores Rally last weekend, which moves him into second place in the European Rally Championship, Ireland’s foremost Rally driver outlined his determination to make the starting line at An Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny in June:
“My last run in Donegal in a Super 2000 car ended abruptly on Fanad Head. A sudden tyre puncture led us to stop against what felt like a piece of Fanad Head itself. It was a shame as we were up to third overall at the time, and having a real go. Those stages are legendary for a reason, and when the chance came through Suirway Forklifts to go back, I jumped at it. For me it’s a case of unfinished business.”
“The modified battle in Donegal is special. Just about everyone who has a quick Escort turns up there and it’s a real test of speed. I have the option to run a 2- litre Class 13 car or a Millington- engined 2.5 litre Class 14 Escort, We’ll decide closer to the time which to use.”
“I’ll also be flying the flag again for The Road Safety Authority and Motorsport Ireland’s “Keep the race in its Place” campaign with Donegal’s Toni Kelly. I expect that on the rally stages – and only on the rally stages - it’s going to be some race this year!”
Clerk of the Course Eamon McGee commented:
“We are delighted that Craig will be with us in June and I can promise him a classic Donegal to enjoy. We’re going back to basics with the route for 2013. Thanks to Donegal County Council’s help, we’ve revised the route to include areas not seen for some time. It’s a real driver’s challenge.”
“Mindful of costs, we’ve cut the road mileage by well over half from last year. The stage miles will be pretty much the same, subject to some final revisions, but the feedback from our stage planners is very strong. The roads are in really good condition and, subject to some minor adjustments, we’re ready to roll. This will be a classic Donegal in every respect. We expect the Regulations to be available this week and both competitor and spectator information can be sourced from our website: www.donegalmotorclub.com.
More details will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Statement by Topaz and Donegal Motor Club
Posted: April 30, 2013 11:31 AM
Thursday March 28th 2013. Topaz has announced that it will not be renewing its sponsorship of the Donegal International Rally after this year’s event, which takes place on June 21st – 23rd.
Paul Candon, Marketing and Corporate Services Director at Topaz, said the Company’s sponsorship of the event had been of tremendous benefit to the Topaz brand and indeed the Rally.
“We have enjoyed a very fruitful relationship with the Rally and the Donegal Motor Club over the last six years. As an Irish owned and managed Company we were delighted to support an event which enjoys huge support from the people of Donegal and the rallying community all over Ireland.
The Sponsorship of the Donegal International Rally played a huge part in assisting us with establishing our brand in the North West and Northern Ireland. I would like to thank the DMC, the drivers and their support teams, the thousands of volunteers who help out with the Rally every year and the people of Donegal for their tremendous support for the Rally and Topaz over the years. As well as seeing some fantastic rallying, we also made many friends and visited some beautiful parts of the country” Candon said.
Candon also pointed out that in order to facilitate the Donegal Motor Club in its search for a replacement sponsor it would not be insisting on branding of the event this year.
Damian Crawford, Chairman of the DMC thanked Topaz for their wholehearted support of the Rally over the last six years.
“Our experience with Topaz has been fantastic. Their involvement has led the Rally to a professional standard, and developed its standing internationally. It now stands as the pre-eminent event in the Irish Motorsport calendar, the only three-day International Rally in Ireland, and one of only two in the British Isles.”
“We’re happy that the Donegal International Rally has played its part in establishing the Topaz brand, and that Topaz chose the Rally as part of that process. We’ve learned a lot, in particular the commercial opportunities the Rally provides, and their flexibility on the branding of this year’s Rally is greatly appreciated.”
“We are now in contact with interested parties for the future, and everyone in Donegal Motor Club, and all who enjoy the Donegal Rally, will want to join me in thanking Topaz for their sponsorship and enthusiasm. They’ve been a joy to work with.” Crawford said.
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