Posted: December 4, 2001 8:38 AM - 12092 Hits
A full house turned up at the Fincourt to
celebrate Rory's works drive on Friday night last.
Rory's team manager Tom Walsh spoke of his three years with Rory and how he has
matured into the star he is today. And to add a flash of colour to the night,
the King of Irish Tarmac - Billy Coleman attended and spoke to the packed house
about his days driving his various cars and the change from being a privateer
to becoming a works driver. He said that Rory was a natural talent and can go a
long way.
Posted: December 4, 2001 8:38 AM
Rory was presented with a Waterford Crystal \"Outstanding Achievement Award 2001\" on behalf of the Castle Automobile Club. Club President Tommy Curran presented Rory with the award.
A three page feature on Rory appeared in the Meath Chronicle last week as a tribute from his supporters.
The recce car was still his to keep though, and he drove that away after the prize presentation on Saturday night in Daventry.
Rory Galligan said of his championship win; \"I\'m very happy, I\'ve waited a long time for this, 3 tough years, I\'ve had the lowest of lows and the highest of highs.\"
Mick Linford, Motorsport Manager of Peugeot Sport UK, commented, \"We\'ve seen Rory improve and mature over the last three seasons. He\'s exactly the sort of driver we want for the team.\"
Rory, at the prize awards ceremony, said \"The regulations had a terrific prize, but what we\'ve got is well beyond our wildest dreams. Every car I\'ve driven has been a Peugeot and we\'re delighted to be associated with them and do them proud next year. I\'m very honoured.
Once the prize had sunk in, he added \"I think I\'m the only person who has contested every single round of the Super 106 Cup over the last three years, just so that I could learn and get more experience. Maybe I wasn\'t the fastest on every stage, but I never gave up. On reflection, I was perhaps a quicker and better driver last year, but I\'ve driven more sensibly this year, and that\'s given me the championship. I\'ve had many phone calls of congratulation, I\'m just amazed there are so many people behind us. I just want to make the most of this incredible opportunity and do my best.\"
Rory had won the Billy Coleman award last year as reward for his efforts in Ireland. He started rallying in 1993, with only a few events until 1995, when he started rallying regularly to great effect with a 205 Challenge specification car
Full details of the events in the British Rally Championship are yet to be announced, and a calendar will be published as soon as this is available. A co-driver for Rory has not yet been announced, it will likely be in to 2002 before this place is filled.
www.peugeotsportuk.com