Midland Multi Stages Rally - 10 Apr 05

Posted: April 13, 2005 2:18 PM

Sean Gallagher drove a fantastic days rallying to win the Midland Multi stage rally by over 2 minutes. The Carrick On Shannon based driver with Enda Sherry on the notes was fastest on all but one stage during the day. Second was Tom Holton from Enfield in a Celica 205 and was assisted on the notes by Frances Kenny. Tom had a very steady run all day and put in some very fast stage times when compared to the more modern WRC cars in the rally. Third place went to Eugene O’Donnell from Donegal in a Subaru Impreza WRC. Pat Donegan with Lisa Roe finished in 4th place in their Mk II Escort which is a remarkable result for a 2 wheel drive car in this company. Jack Sleator from Mullingar (sponsor of the Sleator Midland East Championship) had a great run in his Subaru Impreza finishing 6th overall.

Speaking to the winner, Sean Gallagher afterwards he said he was thrilled to the win here at his home event. He and Enda Sherry his navigator received the Leitrim Crystal award in the Bush Hotel at the prize giving ceremony. Sean, thanked Ciaran Dwyer, Clerk of the Course and his team for putting on a great rally. Speaking to Sean after the event he said this was his first win in the Impreza since getting it less than 2 years ago. He said this was him best win to date and was delighted the way the car went all day. Enda Sherry who hails from Scotstown in Co. Monaghan has been navigating with Sean for the last number of rallies and they make a formidable team in any rally. Sean who is sponsored by Go Direct (Ballaghadereen) and Grogan and Currit have really got used to this car now and will be all the more determined in their quest for championship success. This was the first time to make their own pace notes which Sean said made a big difference on the day with their stage times improving all day. While the day was dry generally conditions were slippy following occasional showers with gravel on many of the junctions. Sean and Enda adapted well to the conditions and were delighted with car overall. Sean is competing in the National Championship this year is next out in Cavan in a few weeks time.

The other top Club finishers were Johnny Kelly and Robbie Shaw from Longford in the Mitsubishi Evo who finished 7th overall and 2nd in class, also Damien Finneran from Athleague with Ger Healy on the notes finished 18th overall and 3rd in class driving a Subaru Impreza. They were delighted with the result given they had little competitive experience in this car.

The day finished off with the Prize giving in the Bush Hotel where Clerk of the Course Ciran Dwyer thanked all his team for the huge effort made in the success of the rally. Finally the Club wishes to thank all the sponsors of the event including the main sponsor the Bush Hotel and associate sponsor Finnegan’s Subaru Garage. We would also like to thank the residents on the route, the Gardai, Roscommon Co. Council and all the marshals who turned out in their hundreds to help with the running of the rally.

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Adrian McElvaney had his first outing in the Ex-Niall Maguire S8 Impreza, with co-driver Paul Goodman they led the rally after the opening loop
Photo: crspics.com

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2005 Irish 205 Challenge Kicks Off In Style The 2005 Irish 205 Challenge kicked off in style at the Midland Multi Stage Rally on Sunday (10th April 05). Ten registered competitors made it to the start of the event and with many of the championship regulars returning for a second year the rally was set to be a cracker.

The event was based in Carrick on Shannon and consisted of three stages run three times. Due to stage cancellations none of the Rory Galligan Rally Irish 205 Challenge crews got a chance to compete on the opening three stage of the day, so after a quick spanner check in service it was off to stage four.

On stage four it was Adrian McElhinney with co-driver Paddy Gorman who snatched an early lead with Adrian McBride/Rodney Nicks just 2 seconds behind them. Sam Johnston was the first casualty when he retired on SS4. On SS5 a stage interpreted time was given to many of the competitors and this moved McBride into the lead. Just seconds separated the tops crews on the next stage and at the second service of the day, McBride held the lead over McElhinney with Tommie Rafferty/Brian Purcell 3rd however a broken alternator would see them retire on the next stage.

With fastest times on stage seven and eight McElhinney regained the lead, pushing McBride into 2nd place and with James Stafford/Niall Whitty promoting themselves to 3rd. So it was all to play for on the final stage with just 4 seconds separating the top two crews. As they sat on the start line the weather broke and rain made the final stage treacherously slippery. Just 8 seconds split the times of the fast six crews on the last stage but with McBride just one second faster than McElhinney, the win went to the Donegal crew of Adrian McElhinney and Paddy Gorman. Adrian McBride/Rodney Hicks were 2nd, James Stafford/Niall Whitty were 3rd, previous championship runner up Seamus O’Grady/Oonagh Roche were 4th and the all lady crew of Emma Britton and Paula Nooney rounded off the top five.

The next round of the championship is based in St Angelo on the 2nd May 2005.

Full Results 1. Adrian McElhinney Patrick Gorman 1:21:25
2. Adrian McBride Rodney Hicks +0:03
3. James Stafford Niall Whitty +1:39
4. Seamus O’Grady Oonagh Roche +1:45
5. Emma Britton Paula Nooney +2:27
6. Stephen McGee Joseph Timoney +4:23
7. Paul Conlon Karl Brien +5:44
8. Stephen Driver Raymond Greene +7:06
Tommie Rafferty Brian Prucell DNF
Sam Johnston Paul Fitzpatrick DNF

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Pos Driver/Codriver (Make) Total
1 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:11:19
2 Tom Holton/Frances Kenny (Toyota Celica GT-Four) 01:13:26
3 Eugene O'Donnell/John McCafferty (Subaru Impreza 555) 01:14:00
4 Pat Donegan/Damien Garvey (Ford Escort 2.0) 01:14:43
5 Paddy White/Martin Brady (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:15:02
6 Jack Sleator/Timmy England (Subaru Impreza N10) 01:15:15
7 John Kelly/Robbie Shaw (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo) 01:15:50
8 Fergal Costello/Shane Gilooly (Subaru Impreza WRX) 01:17:07
9 Joe Curran/Marty McGanity (Subaru Impreza WRX) 01:17:07
10 Conor Curley/Nigel Frazer (Ford Escort Mk 2) 01:17:39

Leader after:
SS1 All cars given same time
SS2-3 Adrian McElvaney/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4-9 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Fastest Times
SS1 - All cars given same time
SS2 Adrian McElvaney/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 Adrian McElvaney/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS6 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS9 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC)

• Full Results rally.connect.ie

Photos:
NG Motorsport Images
crspics.com
James Burke

www.midlandmotorclub.tk

• 2005 Midlands East Rally Championship
• 2005 Irish 205 Challenge

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PRE EVENT NEWS

• Preview
• Timetable and Programme
• Marshals required
• Entry List on Line
• Regulations available
• Event Details

05/04/05
Preview
The entry list for the Bush Hotel Multi Stages Rally, which takes place on week end of the 9th and 10th of March, was finalised over the weekend and one look through it tells us that we are in for a fabulous weekend of rally action. Over 190 entries were received for the event with entries coming from Donegal to Cork with many entries from across the border.

First off the start ramp on the Sunday morning will be Sean Gallagher and Enda Sherry in their Subaru Impreza WRC. Sean, from Carrick On Shannon won this event in 2003 driving a Ford Escort and would be delighted to take the honours again in this his local event. He is well aware that he’ll have to work for it this year though, as tough competition will come from Patrick Elliott seeded no. 2.
Patrick was second overall in last years National Championship also had a great result in last Sundays Circuit of Kerry finishing 2nd overall. He currently leads this years National Championship.
Tommy Graham seeded number 3 in a Subaru WRC won the Midland rally in 2000 and is certain to be in the final shake up for a podium place.
Adrian McElvenney seeded 4 is also in a similar Subaru WRC car. Tom Holton in a Celica 205 is a regular competitor in the Midland rally is seeded number 5. Group N competition comes from Noel McCarrick (Sligo) in his Evo 8 who will have Johnny Kelly from Longford hot on his heels in a similar car. Johnny is the top Midland driver with Robbie Shaw on the notes and will be looking for a top ten finish. Also in Group N is Jack Sleator from Mullingar in a Subaru and he is assisted on the notes by Tom England.
The top 2 wheel drive competition will come from Pat Donegan, Tommy McGovern and Mervyn Wedlock all in Mk II Escorts.

The rally which is sponsored by the Bush Hotel and Finnegan’s Subaru Garage will consist of 9 stages run over 90 stage miles south of Carrick around the North Roscommon area. The Rally is also the second round of the Sleator MG Rover Midlands East Stages Championship.

Timetable and Programme
Scrutiny commences on Saturday the 9th between 3 and 8.00pm at Carrick Motor Factors on the Leitrim Road outside Carrick on Shannon and the first competing car will leave Parc Ferme, at 10.30 am on Sunday morning with the first stage commencing at 11.00. The first car is due back at the finish ramp in the Bush Hotel at 5.45 pm approx. that evening. Programmes with full entry list and stage times will be available on Wednesday/Thursday onwards from all local newsagents and filling stations.

Marshals required:
Marshals are required on the day so please contact chief marshal Eoin Longworth if interested in helping out @ 086 8179297. The club would ask spectators to please obey all marshals and respect private property. We wish to thank all the residents on the rally route for their co-operation and assistance.

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03/04/05

No: Driver: Navigator: Address: Car: Class: 

1. S. Gallagher E. Sherry Ck on Shannon Subaru WRC 8 
2. P. Elliott M. Cahill Cavan Subaru S9 WRC 8 
3. T. Graham A. Nestor Kildare Subaru S7 WRC 8 
4. A. McElvaney P. Coleman Louth Subaru WRC 8 
5. T. Holton F. Kenny Enfield Celica 205 8 
6. M. Gass A. Cullen Armagh Skoda Fabia WRC 8 
7. E. O’Donnell J. McCafferty Donegal Subaru WRC 8 
8. D. Armstrong B. Kelly Armagh Subaru WRC 8 
9. P. White A Moran Meath Subaru WRC 8 
10. P. Donegan D. Garvey Meath Ford Escort 13 
11. P. McCann J. McCann Oldcastle Ford Escort WRC 15 
12. M. Courtney D. Crossan Dublin Toyota Celica 8 
14. N. McCarrick E. O’Donnell Sligo Evo 8.5 4 
15. E. Garry F. Regan Waterford Subaru 4 
16. J. Kelly R. Shaw Longford Evo 4 
17. E. Doyle P. Walsh Waterford Subaru 4 
18. A. Quinn A. Moran Westmeath Evo 4 
19. T. McGovern K. McGovern Cavan Ford Escort 13 
20. J. Sleator T. England Westmeath Subaru 4 
21. P. Price R. Price Westmeath Celica 15 
22. M. Wedlock T.B.A Cavan Ford Escort 13 
23. M. Curran T.B.A Meath Ford Escort 13 
24. D. Tansey T.B.A Westmeath Ford Escort 13 
25. D. McArdle G. McCullagh Monaghan Ford Escort 13 
26. G. Rogers P. McEntee Cavan Escort 13 
27. J. Curran M. McGanity Meath Subaru 4 
28. T. Halliday P. Horan Galway Escort 13 
29. T. Flaherty E. Hallinan Galway Escort 14 
30. E. McElvaney A. Keena Monaghan Toyota 6 
31. D. Leonard E. Ferry Sligo Renault 11 
32. S. Feely J. McGrath Roscommon Peugeot 6 
33. F. Costello S. Gilooly Leitrim Mitsubishi 15 
34. S. Darcy T.B.A Toyota 11 
35. A. Purcell J. McGrath Limerick Nissan 13 
36. G. Coleman P. Kelly Cork Nissan 3 
37. I. Roche P. Roche Limerick Ford 6 
38. S. Gallagher D. Maguire Donegal Citroen 7 
39. J. McGettrick McDermot Sligo Escort 13 
40. G. Maher D. Neville Mullingar Escort 12 
41. R. Drury M. Raftery Roscommon Escort 12 
42. C. Curley N. Frazer Derry Escort 13 
43. P. Rahill C. Bell Leitrim Escort 13 
44. J. Cassidy J. Cassidy Meath Escort 12 
45. M. McColgan T.B.A Donegal Evo 4 
46. G. Callen S. Brunton Cavan Escort 12 
47. D. Roe L. Hand Monaghan Honda Civic 6 
48. B. Doyle T. Doyle Longford Escort 13 
49. L. Brady A. Brady Laois Honda Civic 6 
50. M. Quinn C. Kelly Longford Honda Civic 2 
51. J. Shaw M. McGearty Longford Astra 7 
52. A. Lang O. O’Reilly Meath Ford 9 
53. S. Flanagan B. Miller Meath Subaru 4 
54. D. O’Toole S. O’Toole Longford Vauxhall 10 
55. C. McGrath T. Geelan Longford Honda Civic 2 
56. P. Duffy S. McGann Longford Astra 3 
57. C. Flanagan N. Nicholson Roscommon Ford Puma 5 
58. J. Ward G. McNern Donegal Toyota Corolla 11 
59. J. Tully B. Doherty Cavan Ford 11 
60. S. McHugh J. Rowland Mayo Subaru 15 
61. W. Burke J. McGeehan Galway Escort 12 
62. G. Broderick T.B.A Galway Honda 3 
63. S. Smyth G. Moloney Galway Escort 10 
64. P. Carberry D. Lennon Louth Ford 15 
65. A. Dolan N. Feeney Roscommon Toyota 11 
66. D. Finneran M. Brady Galway Citroen WRC 8 
67. P. Hennessy P. Quinn Longford Honda 11 
68. T. Donlon P. McGann Longford Citroen 9 
69. G. Kelly K. Kelly Roscommon Escort 10 
70. F. Farry F.Regan Leitrim Peugeot 12 
71. D. Loughlin G. Mullally Laois Ford Cosworth 14 
72. K. McElhinney G. Gallagher Donegal Honda Civic 3 
73. F. Barnett T.B.A Dublin Subaru 4 
74. J. Culleton M. Culleton Tipperary Mitsubishi 4 
75. M. McDermott D. Flanagan Roscommon Honda Civic 11 
76. P. Hagan P. McDonnell Longford Escort 10 
77. G. Colfer T.B.A Meath Peugeot 10 
78. S. Johnston P. Fitzpatrick Monaghan Peugeot 10 
79. A. McElhinney T .B.A Donegal Peugeot 10 
80. E. Britton P. Nooney Kildare Peugeot 2 
81. S, Rankin W. Coyle Donegal Escort 10 
82. T. Rafferty B. Purcell Roscommon Peugeot 10 
83. I. McDonnell T. O’Dwyer Roscommon Peugeot 12 
84. N. Bronnan J. Byrne Laois Honda 6 
85. S. Orourke F. Holmes Leitrim Suzuki 5 
86. P. Doherty D. McGettican Donegal Escort 13 
87. M. Melly K. Melly Leitrim Toyota 11 
88. B. Farrell S. Wallace Strokestown Escort 12 
89. A. Whyte A. Hoey Louth Suzuki 1 
90. P. Shortall W. Fitzpatrick Laois Escort 12 
91. T. Gibbons G. Brennan Roscommon Honda 11 
92. J. Devine B. Devine Louth Ford 12 
93. M. Geraghty T.B.A Waterford Opel Corsa 11 
94. J. Kelly T.B.A Roscommon Escort 10 
95. A. Prior K. Prior Leitrim Escort 10 
96. J P. Lennon M. Reilly Leitrim Honda 2 
97. J. Lenehan M. Morris Roscommon Honda 9 
98. P. Faughnan E. Tully Longford Escort 10 
99. J. Agnew D. Molloy Cavan Peugeot 7 
100. P. Conlon K. Brien Sligo Peugeot 10 
101. A. Cunniffe T.B.A Westmeath Peugeot 10 
102. S. Driver T.B.A Wicklow Peugeot 10 
103. A. McBride T.B.A Tyrone Peugeot 10 
104. J. Stafford N. Whitty Wexford Peugeot 10 
105. P. Carr N. Boyle Donegal Peugeot 10 
106. D. McKenna T.B.A Monaghan Toyota 11 
107. A. Bonner M. Boyle Donegal Escort 14 
108. E. Green T.B.A Westmeath VW Golf 10 
109. A. Mackey O.O’Connor Wexford Vauxhall 9 
110. K. Lawler C.Haughney Carlow Vauxhall 10 
111. E. Sullivan J. Pringle Cavan Escort 11 
112. B. Coleman J. Corrigan Westmeath Honda Civic 2 
113. M. Hagan E. Brady Longford Ford 10 
114. C. McNamara A. Durkin Roscommon Peugeot 10 
115. P. Herity J. Gilmartin Sligo Toyota 11 
116. G. Caldwell S. Dunphy Meath Peugeot 6 
117. A. Simon O. Vesey Roscommon Vauxhall 9 
118. D. Forde A. Ryan Tipperary Honda 9 
119. J. O’Donnell R. Scott Donegal Toyota 11 
120. J. Cassidy D. Keegan Roscommon Nissan 11 
121. J. Newman T.B.A Meath 
122. J. Flanagan P. McSharry Leitrim Imprenza 4 
123. J. Currid O. Herity Sligo Sunbeam 10 
124. C. Kelly M. Coady Kilkenny Suzuki 5 
125. P. McGuinness T.B.A Leitrim Vauxhall 10 
126. P. Tully D. Collum Longford Honda 11 
127. S. O’Brien J. O’Connor Dublin Opel 12 
128. S. O’Connor M. O’Connor Kildare Toyota 11 
129. M. Murphy B. Murphy Mayo Toyota 11 
130. N. Whelan D. Dunne Laois Honda 2 
131. D. Fitzsimons J. Masterson Dublin Escort 10 
132. A. Grealy E. Kelly Roscommon Escort 10 

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08/03/05
Regulations and Entry forms are now available

www.midlandmotorclub.tk

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24/02/05
Event Details
Preparations are now well under way for the 2005 Midland Motor Club Multi Stages Rally organised and promoted by Midland Motor Club. This years Clerk of the Ciaran Dwyer has chosen 3 stages sure to challenge every element of the drivers & navigator’s skill.

The event will be run slightly later in the year on the 10th April, so hopefully the weather will be a little kinder. Last years event brought every season into one with heavy downpours of hail and rain throughout the morning. That didn’t stop the enthusiasm or determination of both competitors and spectators who turned out in huge numbers to see the likes of Kevin Lynch and George Cullen in Subaru Impreza WRC cars light up the stages. Last year was also the first year for the Club to run a Multi stage rally and the club hopes to build on that success in 2005. This years event is moving away from Roscommon back to Carrick On Shannon, a town that is very familiar with the event as it ran from there in 2002 and 2003. The Club are also delighted to be part of the new Midlands East Rally Championship with the Midlands rally being the 2nd round. The first round being the Laois Stages(Birr MC) Rally on the 27th February.

On Sunday the 10th April the cars will be flagged off from the start ramp at 10.47am, to fight it out over approximately 90 competitive stage miles split into 9 Special Stages circling the Carrick On Shannon area, with a centralized service area based on a closed road area just outside Carrick on the N4 road to Boyle. Stages 1, 4 and 7 is based near Lacken and is a 10.8 mile stage with a mixture of fast, open and twisty sections. Stages 2, 5 and 8 wind their way through the townland of Lecarrow, which is a more open stage and should suit the bigger cars. Stages 3, 6 and 9 run through Easter Snow area after which will bring the cars back into service. The winning car will arrive back at the Bush Hotel Carrick On Shannon at approximately 6pm. Full details on stage locations, starting times and competitor entry list will be included in the official colour programme which will be available in local Newsagents, Service Stations and at Rally HQ from Friday 8th April.

Chief Marshal Eoin longworth has enrolled the help of marshals from Midland Motor Club, Connaught Motor Club, Mayo & District Motor Club, Birr & District Auto Club, Castle Auto Club, Laois Motorsports Club, ALMC, Cavan Motor Club and the Galway Marshals Club because the event carries added safety procedures associated with a multi stage rally the club requires a larger number of marshals than ever before. Eoin still requires marshals so anyone willing to marshal on the day can contact Eoin on 086 8179297.

Regulations and Entry forms will be available shortly

www.midlandmotorclub.tk

• 2005 Midlands East Rally Championship
• 2005 Irish 205 Challenge