GERRY KEYES - 2002 FORD IRELAND KA CHAMPION

Posted: November 20, 2002 8:57 AM

Gerry in the O'Dwyer Steel/ PJ Matthews/ Lyons of Limerick Ford KA has been the pace setter all year, dominating the series with four wins, one second and one third place finish on the seven round national series. However this domination was due to a steely determination and total commitment by the Limerickman, despite a bad accident in September which would have sidelined a lesser mortal. Gerry made a miraculous recovery to compete on the final round of the series, where he only had to finish in ninth position to clinch the title. Gerry cruised home in a magnificent third position despite the inclement weather to claim the national title after competing on six out of the seven round series throughout Ireland.

"It has been an extremely tough year. It was all going to plan until the accident I was involved in September, I am fully recovered but it was a definite setback. However I must admit that it was also a brilliant year, I was determined to win the Championship form the very first event and it has been a long time coming but I will savour the victory all the more now. You always have to work extremely hard for everything worth while in life. I would like to thank all the people who helped me this year. Pirelli tyres for excellent rubber that kept us on the ground, all my sponsors, my brilliant navigator Christian Shanahan and of course my Ford KA which is an amazing rally car it has been 100% reliable" said Gerry.

In a final twist to the series Gerry's navigator Christina Shanahan also from Limerick has won the co-drivers section of the 2002 Ford Ireland KA Rally Championship for the second year in a row but she is also the girlfriend of second placed David Lyons.

"We must congratulate Gerry Keyes on a brilliant and well deserved victory despite all his setbacks he clinched the title in style on the final round. It has been an extremely tough year for all involved and the final Championship positions were not finalised until the final round of the Championship." said Declan Foley, KA Brand Manager.

Kerry Single Stage:



POS.	NAME	        TIME
 1	Mark Kane	0
 2	David Lyons	0.06
 3	Gerry Keyes	0.31
 4	Martin Laverty	0.55
 5	Vivian Noone	0.02
 6	Kenneth MulvaneyDNF 
 7	Cathal Greaney	DNF 
 8	James Eivers	DNS
 9	Emily O'Mahony	DNS
10	John Folan	DNS
11	Austin Bishop	DNS
12	Trevor Hutton	DNS
13	Trevor Harding	DNS
14	Keith Colton	DNS

Championship Positions

POS.	NAME	       POINTS
 1	Gerry Keyes	 169
 2	David Lyons	 149
 3	Martin Laverty	 107
 4	Kenneth Mulvaney 105
 5	Vivian Noone	 102
 6	John Folan	  95
 7	Mark Kane	  90
 8	James Eivers	  80
 9	Emily O'Mahony	  30
10	Trevor Harding	  21
11	Walter Walsh	  19
12	Trevor Hutton	  12