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LinksCavan Stages Rally - 29 May 05
Posted: June 6, 2005 10:36 PM - 28535 Hits
Round 3 - 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship
Round 3 - 2005 Border Rally Championship
- Ferodo Bonus Scheme 2005 Round 3: Cavan Stages Rally
- LYNCH WINS CAVAN RALLY, BREEN HEADS DUNLOP CHAMPIONSHIP
(Report courtesy of Irish Dunlop – sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship) - Lynch dominates Cavan Stages
- More Photos
Posted: June 6, 2005 10:36 PM
Ferodo Bonus Scheme 2005 Round 3: Cavan Stages Rally
After a bit of an early season break, the Ferodo bonus scheme kicked off again last weekend on the Cavan stages rally. There was a bumper entry in the scheme in Cavan, with 7 cars in the top 10 starters, including Kevin Lynch, who joined the scheme for the first time.
After a day in which he took his 3rd maximum score from 3 rounds, Willie Fannin may be looking at the chasing pack, and wondering if he has the €2000 in the bag already! As has become the norm, Willie had a storming drive to win Gp.N, and finished 10th overall, although not before he had a big fight with local driver Michael Curran. Alan Ring moves up to 3rd place with 2nd place points for class 4. James O Sullivan retired from 3rd with engine problems on stage 7.
Behind Willie, there is now a 7 point gap back to the chasing pack, which are all bunched very tightly indeed. Ray Breen hangs on to 2nd place by virtue of his 4th place finish. Kevin Lynch had a very successful debut on the Bonus Scheme, and after tying with Charlie Donnelly on SS1, he stamped his authority on the event, to win it by just under 2 minutes.
The class 6 guys are really taking the fight to the class 4 and 8 drivers, with 3 drivers in the top 10. Ollie McPhillips had yet another steady run, taking 3rd place points for the 3rd time in 3 rallies. Ed Powers screaming Clio lies in 6th place, with Brendan McArees 206 kit car in 10th. Ed took 2nd place points in class 6, despite leading the class going on to the very last stage! Brendan had his first DNF of the year.
Several other Bonus scheme runners took class wins in Cavan. Brendan Cumiskey won class 3 very convincingly, with Tomas O Rourke winning class 7 by almost 11 minutes, despite having to stop several times on the final road section to put water into the radiator. ! Shane Feely was the winner of class 6
With 2nd to 12th covered by just 9 points, things couldn't be closer as we head down south for the circuit of Kerry. The question is though, can any stop Willie Fannin winning the Bonus Scheme for a 2nd time
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Full Results on:
Des Moore Race and Rally (DMR)
LYNCH WINS CAVAN RALLY, BREEN HEADS DUNLOP CHAMPIONSHIP
(Report courtesy of Irish Dunlop – sponsors of the Irish National Rally Championship)
Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru WRC) took their second victory in a round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, on this occasion at the nine stage Hotel Kilmore Cavan Rally where they had a winning margin of a minute and 47 seconds over the Toyota Corolla WRC of Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner, who fashioned a superb recovery to take the runner-up spot ahead of Jim Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru WRC), who also clawed their way up the order to take third.
With three rounds completed, the Dunlop backed Ford Focus WRC of Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell occupies top spot in the Dunlop series courtesy of fourth place in Cavan. The Group N category was won by Willie Fannin/Michael Courtney (Subaru).
The pace on the opening stage matched the searing heat of the day as Lynch and Donnelly punched in equal fastest times – twelve seconds ahead of third placed, Jim Harrison with Ray Breen (Ford Focus) a mere second adrift. The joint leaders expressed their satisfaction with their opening performances, meanwhile, Harrison reckoned the clutch of his Subaru WRC was slipping. Breen had no such worries while fifth placed Patrick Elliott pointed to an overshoot that cost him valuable seconds and places. Reigning Dunlop champion, Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC) was down in ninth place – 27 seconds off the leader’s pace.
Donnelly punctured on the second stage and lost almost a minute to his rival while out on the third stage, Harrison was in trouble, at the end of a long straight, his Subaru caught a gravel patch and slid up a bank damaging the front right hand side of the car, the Macclesfield driver lost some twenty seconds in the episode.
Meanwhile, Lynch dominated the time sheets for both stages two and three and at the service halt near New Inn, the Derry driver was 36 seconds ahead. Local driver, Patrick Elliott settled after his stage one overshoot and moved into second with Breen in close attendance – two seconds behind his Cavan rival.
Sean Devine (Subaru WRC) was trouble free in fourth followed by Mel Evans, who reckoned the suspension of his Subaru WRC needed to be harder for the Cavan stages. Fellow overseas driver, Jim Harrison had to be content with sixth, Monaghan’s, Adrian McElvaney slotted his Subaru WRC into seventh place followed by the Subaru WRC trio of Sean Gallagher, Niall Maguire and Kevin Barrett. The latter lost time when he encountered the stricken Subaru WRC of Noel Redmond. Donnelly dropped to eleventh as a result of his second stage puncture.
In Group N, Willie Fannin (Subaru) held the advantage event though the Cavan born driver suffered great discomfort with a pain in his back, his showroom rival, Michael Curran (Mitsubishi) was ten seconds in arrears and four seconds ahead of James O’Sullivan, also in a Mitsubishi. In the two-wheel drive category, Maurice Moffett (Starlet) was nine seconds ahead of the Escort of Enda Keenan.
Out on the second loop of stages, Lynch consolidated his lead role that was enhanced even further by the retirement of Patrick Elliott due to an electrical problem. Adrian McElvaney (Subaru WRC) also retired from the rally, his demise came on the day’s fifth stage.
Rally leader Lynch remarked he was “taking a steady pace”. Having lost almost a minute with a puncture, Charlie Donnelly certainly made amends on the second loop and his performances saw him move from eleventh to second. With Lynch a minute and 27 seconds ahead, the battle was now focused for the runner up spot. Donnelly’s charge was admirable but Jim Harrison was also trying to improve his position and gain as many Dunlop points as possible. To that effect, he moved from sixth to third – two seconds behind Donnelly and seven ahead of Ray Breen, who found out at the previous service halt that his car was running on safe mode.
Sean Devine slotted into fifth but remarked that his Subaru was well down on power and reckoned he would have to battle hard to retain his place. Mel Evans, one place behind in sixth, was content to leave those around him battle hard.
Dunlop champion, Niall Maguire was in seventh spot and admitted that those in front were “going at a very hard pace.” The top ten was completed by Sean Gallagher, Kevin Barrett and Group N leader, Willie Fannin, who was still experiencing the discomfort in his back.
Lynch entered the final loop with his strong advantage and although he had a slight indiscretion on the penultimate stage, he emerged a worthy winner. Donnelly secured second spot despite no sixth gear for the final few stages while Harrison was pleased to secure 16 Dunlop points for his third placed finish. Ray Breen’s fourth place was enough to give him the lead in the ten round Dunlop series. Reigning champion, Niall Maguire finished fifth from Sean Devine, Mel Evans, Kevin Barrett and Sean Gallagher. The top ten was completed by Group N winner, Willie Fannin. Michael Curran took second in the category but James O’Sullivan retired on the penultimate stage. The two wheel drive category was won by Enda Keenan/Paul Garry (Escort).
Group N Winners - Willie Fannin/Mick Courtney
Results
1 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.10.29
2 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC) 1.12.16
3 Jim Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.12.27
4 Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell (Ford Focus WRC) 1.12.54
5 Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.13.48
6 Sean Devine/James McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.13.50
7 Melvyn Evans/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.13.54
8 Kevin Barrett/Barry Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.14.02
9 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1.14.07
10 Willie Fannin/Mick Courtney (Subaru Impreza N9) 1.15.59
Leaders after:
SS1 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
= Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS2-9 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
Stage Winners
SS1 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
= Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS2 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS6 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS9 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC)
Enda Keenan/Paul Garry - First 2WD Home
Photo: NG Photos
PRE EVENT NEWS
- Updated Entry List and Reserve List - 26/05/05
- Local Preview- Countdown To The Hotel Kilmore Cavan Stages Rally 2005
- Border Championship - It’s a three way tie entering Round 3 in Cavan
- Full Entry & Reserve list on line
- Rally Launch – 22 May 05
- Regulations and Entry Form available
- Prelimerary Details
Updated Entry List and Reserve List - 26/05/05
Ent Driver Navigator Address Car Class
1 Niall Maguire Paul Mc Loughlin Ballinode Impreza WRC 8
2 James Harrison Harvey Bell Cheshire Impreza WRC 8
3 Kevin Lynch Gordon Noble Dungiven Impreza WRC 8
4 Patrick Elliott David Moynahan Cavan Subaru S9 8
5 Ray Breen Andrew Purcell Kilkenny Focus WRC 8
7 Adrian Mc Elvaney Paul Goodman Monaghan Impreza 8
8 Sean Devine James Mc Kee Strabane Impreza 8
9 Melvyn Evans Sean Mullally Wales Impreza 8
10 Charlie Donnelly Paddy Toner Maghera Corolla 8
11 Sean Gallagher Enda Sherry Carrick on Shannon Impreza 8
12 Willie Fannin Mick Courtney Ranelagh Impreza 4
179 Noel Redmond Diarmuid Falvey Wexford Impreza 8
14 Alan Ring Derek Brannigan Kerry Impreza 4
15 Mike Curran Fabian Mc Shane Down Lancer Evo 7 4
16 James O Sullivan Adrian Deasy Cork Lancer Evo 7 4
17 Kevin Barrett Barry Goodman Maynooth Impreza 8
19 Maurice Moffett Jason Mc Kenna Ballinode Starlet 14
20 Enda Keenan Paul Garry Monaghan Escort 14
21 Paddy Boyle Peter Leahy Cootehill Escort 13
22 Mac Mc Kenna John Loughran Emyvale Peugeot 205 RWD 13
23 Gordon Rogers Philip Mc Entee Bailieboro Escort 13
24 David Mc Nulty Martin Mc Garrity Enniskillen Escort Cos 15
25 Joe Mac Hugh Dermot Mac Hugh Frosses Escort Cos 15
26 Rodney Wilton Conor Mc Mahon Crosserlough Lancer Evo 7 4
27 Ian Barrett Eoin O Flaherty Maynooth Lancer Evo 6 4
28 Mervyn Wedlock Philip Smith Cootehill Escort 13
29 Trevor Lancashire Noel Hall Drum Escort 12
30 Gerry Cassidy Paul Sheridan Roslea Escort G3 12
31 Arthur Kierans Conor Foley Aghabog Escort 12
32 Gary Mc Philips Mark Tierney Rockcorry Escort 12
33 Brian Armstrong John Rowland Newtownhamilton Escort 12
34 Raymond Drury Barry Sheridan Bailieboro Escort 12
35 Gerry Smyth Anney Escort 12
36 Thomas Mc Govern Kevin Mc Govern Cavan Escort 13
37 Adrian Quinn Alan Moran Mullingar Lancer Evo 8 4
38 Jack Sleator Timmy England Mullingar Impreza 4
39 Damian Hagan Stephen Hagan Threemilehouse Impreza 4
40 Eamon Daly Ger Healy Rathkeale 4
41 Declan Tansey Collinstown Escort 13
42 Brian Corey Hugh M Mc Kenna Dromore Sierra 15
43 Thomas O Rourke John Mc Grath New Ross Astra 7
44 Seamus Mc Cusker Vincent Fergus Swatragh Escort 14
45 Martin Ward Linda Conroy Loughrea BMW M3 14
47 Garreth Mc Cullagh Dominic Mc Ardle Monaghan Escort 13
48 Raymond Conlon James O Reilly Clones Corolla 11
49 Jim McKenna Tomas Treanor Monaghan Starlet 11
50 Kieran Mc Carra Greg O Reilly Ballinode Civic 11
51 Stephen Armstrong Newtownhamilton Escort 12
52 James Cassidy Joe Cassidy Kells Escort 12
53 Lloyd Hutchinson Kevin Flanagan Ashford Mini Cooper 9
54 Brendan Cumiskey Ronan O Kane Castleblayney Civic 3
55 Eamon Mc Elvaney Alan Keena Monaghan Peugeot 106 6
56 Shane Feely Jim Mc Grath Boyle Peugeot 106 6
57 Adrian Fox Philip Tobin Rockcorry Escort 10
59 Conor Watters Ardara Escort 12
60 Joseph Smith Justin Brady Ballyhaise Escort 12
61 Gene Callan Sean Brunton Crosserlough Escort 12
62 Neville Armstrong Rachel Armstrong Virginia Impreza 4
63 Emily O Mahony Donal Lennon Cork Impreza 4
64 Pat Price Sean Duggan Dublin Lancer Evo 8 4
65 Michael Conlon Aidan Boyle Castleblayney Escort 10
66 Gordon Brown Paul Nolan Dublin Corsa 10
67 Barry Mc Gill Derek Heena Carrick Escort 10
68 Adrian Foley Trevor Cassidy Ballyhaise Corsa 10
69 Eddie Power Aidean Burke Dunmore East Clio 6
71 Paul Kiely Anne Stewart Sligo Peugeot 206 6
72 Enda Hallinan Ollie Ward Craughwell Civic 2
73 Patrick Higgins Liam Higgins Granard
74 Colm Mc Grath Declan O Toole Longford Civic 2
75 Andrew Mullen Elaine Doherty Ballisodare Puma 5
76 Ollie Mc Philips Billy Collins Wexford Puma
77 Shane Brisco Greg Campbell Termonfeckin Civic 6
78 Seamus Cooke Gerard Hyland Cavan Escort 9
79 Andrew Lang Oliver O Reilly Kells Fiesta Rwd 9
80 Derek Coleman Lee Annett Cootehill Escort 9
81 Martin Tynan Ciaran Tynan Clones Corsa 10
82 Sean Mc Caul Pauric Mc Carra Scotshouse Escort 11
84 Paul Elliott Mark Bownes Cavan Peugeot 206 6
85 Patrick Corcoran Amanda Giles Cork Starlet 11
87 Gerry Mc Intyre Pat Shields Cootehill Starlet 11
88 Jim Fannin Kevin Cleare Cootehill Sunbeam 10
89 Michael Mc Mahon Priousias Mc Kenna Scotstown Civic 3
90 Brendan Mc Aree Vincent Mc Aree Ballinode Peugeot 206 6
91 John Duffy John Egan Crossmolina Astra 3
92 Pakie Duffy Colin Duffy Drumlish Astra 3
93 Raymond Gileece Aidan Leonard Sligo Civic 3
94 Nigel Mc Ginn Martin Gavigan Ardee Escort 12
96 Thomas Smyth Monaghan Saxo 2
97 Margo Doyle Maria Dunne Wexford Civic 2
98 Seamus Gorman Cian Gorman Sligo Civic 2
99 Barry Coleman John Corrigan Killucan Civic 2
100 Jarlath Barry Grange Civic 2
101 Paul Kennedy Kathleen Kennedy Tubercurry Swift 1
102 Dermot Reilly Ronan Reilly New Inn Swift 1
103 Brendan Gormonly Aidan Gannon Tubercurry Swift 1
104 Winston Whyte Dundalk Swift 1
105 John Agnew Cavan Peugeot 206 7
106 Cathal O Reilly Gerry O Reilly Cavan Focus 7
107 Ronan Cox Barry Mc Nulty Enniskillen Nova 9
108 Simon Evans Barry Faul Wicklow Mini Cooper 9
109 Thomas Carolan Declan Smith Tierworker Escort 9
110 Martin Burke Pat Taaffe Sligo Micra 5
111 Eamon Mc Cafferty Toney Walsh Ballintra Micra 5
112 Rodney Nesbitt Martin Byrne Virginia Escort 12
113 JP Tate Warren Carleton Cootehill Corolla 11
114 Stephen Kellett Tommy Boylan Bailieboro Peugeot 7
116 Ronan Rudden Des Reilly Stradone Swift 9
117 Alan Pickens Patrick Mc Dermott Cavan Corsa 9
118 Mark Monaghan Thomas Drum Stradone Civic 2
119 Colm Mc Donald Padraig Foster Cootehill Sunbeam 10
120 Tommy Sexton Gavin Reilly Cavan Escort 10
121 Paul Monahan Owen Monahan Cootehill Escort 11
122 Daniel Mc Kenna Andrew Grennan Scotshouse Escort 10
124 Kenneth Mc Hale Derek Mc Carthy Cavan Toyota Yaris 1
125 Fiachra Moran David Walsh Castlebar Civic 2
126 Micheal Boyle Sean Sheridan Cootehill Escort 10
127 Melvin Davidson Mervyn Mc Cullagh Bailieboro Sunbeam 10
128 John Devine Barry Devine Drogheda Sierra 12
129 Peter Mc Donnell Peter Hagan Ballinamuck Escort 10
130 Daniel Toland Sharman Lynch Carndonagh Swift 1
131 Derek Heena John P Breslin Ardara Escort 10
132 Martin Kerley Tommy Martin Kingscourt Fiat Uno 9
138 Padraic Roche Sinead Roche Ballyjamesduff Nova 10
139 Douglas Richardson Paula Richardson Dublin Escort
140 Sean Flanagan Brian Miller Summerhill Impreza 4
141 Damien Finneran Roscommon Impreza WRC 8
142 David Leonard Eamon Ferry Sligo Nova 11
143 Pauric Mc Ardle Christopher Brennan Glaslough Corsa 13
145 Quentin Park Newtownhamilton Peugeot 205 13
146 Gavin Harris Shaun Lafferty Convoy Lancer Evo 4
147 Michael Cunningham Michael Mc Donnell Cavan Corolla 11
Reserve List
150 Patrick Herity Justin Gilmartin Sligo Corolla 11
151 Danny O Donnell Letterkenny Corolla 11
152 Niall Guinevan Leslie Stanley Cork Peugeot 206 6
153 Jonathan Mc Kenna Pauric Mc Caughey Emyvale Peugeot 106 6
155 Martin Lynch Mairead Lynch Falcarragh Escort 13
156 Brian Doyle Tommy Doyle Longford Escort 13
157 Cathal Greaney Maurice Greaney Galway Lancer Evo 6 4
158 Mark Slowey Anthony Gallagher Emyvale Escort 10
159 William White Denis Barnet Dublin Saxo VTS 6
160 John Walsh Sam Clarke Ballinfull Escort 10
161 John Mc Cabe Padraig Doogan Shercock Escort 11
163 Emmett Callan Jason Mahony Bandon Peugeot 106 6
164 Mick Mc Quaid Victor Fields Glaslough Escort 14
165 Gerard Feehan Barry Mc Parland Newtownhamilton Escort 12
166 Emma Britton Paula Nooney Naas Peugeot 205 10
168 Geoffrey Dolan John Mc Ginley Lifford Sunbeam 13
169 Kieran Tuite Alan Tuite Oldcastle Impreza 4
171 Eddie Mc Loughlin Andrew Staunton Knock Corolla 11
172 Martin Howley Kenny Bustard Dunkineely Escort WRC 15
173 Stuart Darcy Steven Fury Donegal Corolla 11
174 Gary Cooney JP Kilmurray Letterkenny Lancer 4
175 Jimmy Brennan Gerard Kenny Lanesboro Escort Cos 15
177 Colin Flanagan Nigel Nicholson Boyle Puma 5
178 Ian Roche Paul Roche Foynes Peugeot 206 6
180 Michael Curran Oldcastle Escort 13
182 Colin Loughney Michael Loughney Ballina Sunbeam 10
184 John Ward Kieran Mc Elhinney Glenties Corolla 11
185 Paddy O Reilly Peter Howley Castleblayney Escort
186 Sheena O Brien Jane O Connor Dublin Kadett 12
189 Daniel Conaghan Liam Mc Laughlin Milford Escort 12
190 Pete Greene Brian Moore Dungloe Escort 14
191 Gregory Mc Groarty Keith Anderson Donegal Escort 10
193 Padraig Mc Gee Noel O Donnell Gwedore Corolla 11
194 Danny Gillespie Eamon Gillespie Letterkenny Civic 2
196 Alan Sheridan Colin Walsh Oldcastle Escort 12
197 PJ Bonner FR Liam Mc Groarty Letterkenny Escort 14
198 Nigel Hicklin Damian Connolly Belfast Skoda Octavia 8
199 Damien Tourish Kevin Duggan Lifford Civic 2
200 Pat Donegan Damien Garvey Kells Escort 13
201 Brian Brogan Joe Friel Letterkenny Escort 13
24/05/05
Local Preview- Countdown To The Hotel Kilmore Cavan Stages Rally 2005
On Sunday 22nd of May last Cavan rally enthusiasts descended on the Hotel Kilmore to view some of the cars that will take part in next Sundays Cavan Stages Rally and to view the display stands and video show to gain an insight into what it takes to run a Stages Rally in 2005. All varieties of Rally car were on show from the best examples of Modified cars through the homologated Group A examples to the state of the art World Rally Cars. There was particular interest in the Subaru Impreza S9 WRC of Cavan Motor Club’s own Patrick Elliott and the all-conquering Toyota Corolla WRC of Eugene Donnelly.
Within the Hotel itself the SMH Rallybitz Playstation2 experience proved a hit with the young and not so young as they contested the Colin McRae 4 game on the big screen with surround sound from the hotel sound system. Other spectators marvelled at the abilities of Cootehill’s Paddy Boyle shown on in-car camera footage from the recent Hillgrove Hotel Monaghan Stages Rally.
As the countdown has well and truly begun to The 2005 Hotel Kilmore Cavan Stages Rally, Paul Henry and his staff are making ready for the 130 plus rally crews and followers that will arrive next Saturday for Pre-Event Vehicle Scrutiny. As in recent years this will take place from 3pm at the Accident Repair Centre to the rear of the Hotel.
The first car leaves the Hotel Kilmore at 11:45am on Sunday Morning and goes directly to Service along the Main N3 Dublin Road at Lisgrey outside Virginia. After the first of three 20 minute services during the day, Stage 1 Killinkere gets underway at 12:40pm, then it’s on to Stage 2 Tunnyduff and then the final stage in the loop is Stage 3 at New Inn before returning to Service at 14:15pm. The loop is repeated twice more during the afternoon before the cars returning to the Hotel Kilmore at 19:35pm for the results and Gala Prizegiving.
The Souvenir program for The 2005 Hotel Kilmore Cavan Stages Rally is once again being prepared by Abbeyset in Farnham Street, Cavan and will be available in all good newsagents and Service Stations in Cavan, Virginia, Baileborough and Cootehill on Friday evening.
23/05/05
Border Championship - It’s a three way tie entering Round 3 in Cavan
As we approach Round three of the Quinn Group Border Rally Championship , which takes place in Cavan on May 29th with headquarters based at the Hotel Kilmore one of the flagship hotels of the Quinn Group, three crews share the Border Championship lead , having all secured maximum points at both earlier rounds.Andrew Mullen supported by wife Elaine Doherty on the notes competing in the Ford Puma has a three point lead on his class five closest rival , Beltra’s Eamon Mc Cafferty , while the Boyle crew of Shane Feely and Jim Mc Grath replicate their class domination within the border series over recent years , which last year awarded Shane 3rd overall driver and Jim 2nd overall Navigator ,while warding off advances from the Billy Coleman Award winner , Eamon Mc Elvaney.Making up the leading three , Adrian Fox and Phillip Tobin contesting class 10 in an Escort are another one of the Border Championship faithful , finishing 3rd in the class table after a relatively disappointing 2004 , but in 2003 it was their gallant performance throughout that year which culminated in being among the shakedown at the final round in Donegal for the overall title finishing on four maximum scores , shared on that occasion with Daniel Conaghan and Enda Keenan , subsequently determined by their dropped scores which saw the Rockcorry men lift the 3rd Overall title.
With a number of ten pointers on the table the leading three cannot yet remain confident that their lead is secure considering that the overall is determined by the best four out of the six counting rounds , so results from Cavan Stages will be crucial in either consolidating their lead or advancing what could be a potential contender for the Quinn Group Championship title.
Among the classes , it’s a Tubbercurry tussle between the Kennedy’s , Paul and Kathleen and Brendan Gormanly /Aidan Gannon with the Kennedy’s having that marginal advantage.Sharing joint lead in Class 2 areEnda Hanllinan /Ollie Ward and Adrian Friel /Joe Hunter with the Galway crew in a reassuring position entering Cavan in the absence of both Friel and Peter Wilson.
Class 3 should be a closely fought affair with all championship registered campaigners contesting the Cavan round including current class leaders Michael Monaghan /Pronsias Mc Kenna who will come under pressure to maintain their lead considering there are over five starters and a class win will deliver ten points.
As Cavan is also a National round, the showroom category , class 4 is well represented so undoubtedly it will be a tightly fought result but Willie Fannin/ Mick Courtney’s lead should remain secure should they at least finish among the top five class finishers which would be an almost cert.Thomas O Rourke / John Mc Grath should also have no difficulty in strengthening their class seven lead even in the event of dropping the class to competitors not registered at any of the earlier rounds.
The strong display among class eight would defiantly suggest that Sean Devine/ James Mc Kee could well be tipped from the top of the table by either the Doherty brothers or particularly Charlie Donnelly/ Paddy Toner who became extremely competent towards the latter part of the day in Mayo and could be quite capable of taking the overall and ten championship points. The substantial class lead accrued by Thomas Carolan /Declan Smith from Kells at this early stage will not be impacted after round three but the expected registration of additional crews could well introduce further contenders as the championship progresses. The 16 valve , 1600 class ,an entry of nearly thirty in Cavan , will without doubt be one of the closest fought classes among the field and current leader Raymond Conlon/James Reilly will have to pull out all stops to defend their position.
The 2 litre class would also be tightly contested and with both Trevor Lancashire and Gary Mc Phillips each having ten points on the board , the lead held by Gerry Cassidy would appear under threat. Another interesting entrant within that class twelve field is Daniel Conaghan /Liam Mc Loughlin who was among the shakedown for the 2003 title to eventually come in second overall driver and first overall navigator , then contesting in a class 9 Escort.For Paddy Boyle /Marty Sherlock , defending their eight point lead on the Emyvale man Mac Mc Kenna will be difficult and also as Pat Donagan has also engaged at round three margins will be very tight.The two class 14 rivals , 2003 championship title holder ,Enda Keenan/Paul Garry and Maurice Moffitt/ Jason Mc Kenna both have a class win each , so it would be expected that in the absence of current leader Paddy Boyce /Willie Hamilton that their early lead will be surpassed. Being the only one of the four members of the Corey family who are contesting the Border Championship out on this occasion , Brian /Hugh Michael Mc Kenna should at least consolidate their lead on making back to the finish.
Following Cavan Stages , the third round of the Quinn Group Border Rally Championship , the championship will have reached the mid point in the series with the following round being Newry & Mourne which takes place on Saturday June 11th , a further opportunity for registered competitors to accumulate valuable points on an event which generally does not suffer over subscription and is an occasion for competitors to compete on some of the great classic stages of the north east.
17/05/05
Competitors wishing to withdraw their entry should contact event secretary
Alex Coleman on 049 555 2339 or Mobile 086 396 7331 as soon as Possible, to facilitate Competitors on our reserve list.
07/05/05
Prelimerary Details
3 x 3 Stage format
HQ: Kimore Hotel, Dublin Rd, Cavan
Topics:
Cavan Stages Rally
Upcoming