Mayo Stages Rally - 13 Mar 05

Posted: March 18, 2005 6:39 AM

This was the English pair’s second win in succession, as they also won last year’s final round, the Skibbereen event in October. A blistering time on the opening stage gave them an immediate 14 second lead over the Doherty brothers, Daniel and Michael, and they led all day to finish 24 seconds in front, with the Corolla of Charlie Donnelly holding off Ray Breen’s Focus for third place.

Two of the favourites were early retirements, with Kevin Lynch’s Impreza stopping in the first stage with mechanical problems, while three times champion Niall Maguire was forced out after two stages with a blown manifold gasket on his similar car.

Group N winners - Seamus Leonard/Gerry McVeigh
Photo: James Burke

Seamus Leonard’s Lancer Evo led the Group N Production class all the way, finishing tenth overall behind all the WRC cars to beat his nearest class rival Willie Fannin, the defending champion, by 47 seconds.
Report: www.motorsportireland.com

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HARRISON WINS OPENING ROUND OF DUNLOP CHAMPIONSHIP IN MAYO

The opening round of the 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship, the TF Royal Hotel Mayo Rally was won by the British crew, Jim Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru WRC). At the finish of the eight special stages, they were 24 seconds ahead of the Subaru of Donegal's, Daniel and Michael Doherty while Derry's, Charlie Donnelly and his co-driver, Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC) were third, a further 23 seconds adrift. The Group N showroom category was won by Seamus Leonard/Gerry McVeigh (Mitsubishi), they were 47 seconds ahead of reigning Dunlop showroom champion, Willie Fannin and his co-driver, Mick Courtney (Subaru). Maurice Moffett/Jason McKenna (Toyota Starlet) were the top rear wheel drive exponents, they also won Class 14 while the Escort crew of Patrick Boyle/Marty Sherlock won Class 13.

Harrison was the fastest driver through the opening stage south of Castlebar where he opened up a four second lead over defending Dunlop champion, Niall Maguire with the Subaru's of Daniel Doherty and Noel Redmond sharing third place. Charlie Donnelly settled relatively quickly in his Corolla WRC and occupied fifth from Patrick Elliott, who had a slight problem with gear selection in his Subaru WRC. Ray Breen had a troubled start to his Dunlop campaign, he spun and stalled his Ford Focus WRC that also suffered brake difficulties. The first retirement was that of Kevin Lynch, his Subaru bowed out with turbo problems. Meanwhile, Welsh ace, Melvyn Evans slotted his Subaru into seventh in a top ten that also included the Subaru WRC's of Sean Gallagher and Sean Devine and the Mitsubishi of Group N pacesetter, Seamus Leonard.

Niall Maguire's title defence suffered a blow when his Subaru stopped en-route to the third stage where Harrison was again fastest, however, Doherty, who punched in the best times on stages two and four, kept the pressure on the British driver. At the service halt in Ballinrobe, there was 15 seconds between them with an ever-improving Donnelly up into third, albeit 22 seconds behind.

Ray Breen made a remarkable improvement that was reflected by a fine fourth place as Noel Redmond and Patrick Elliott shared fifth, all drivers reported that the tyres were well worn by the end of the fourth stage. Elliott also reckoned that the suspension of his Subaru was set too hard. Out on the second stage, Mel Evans lost brakes and that affected his confidence, he held seventh at the half way point from Sean Devine (Subaru), Sean Gallagher (Subaru) and Group N leader, Seamus Leonard (Mitsubishi). In the showroom category, local man, Noel McCarrick retired on the first stage while John Cairns was some 16 seconds behind Leonard with Willie Fannin, the reigning champion holding third and James O'Sullivan (Mitsubishi) fourth.

After recording identical times on S.S. 5, Harrison strengthened his position when he gained eight seconds on his main rival on the sixth stage, Doherty remarked, "The car is running out of power and I'm running out of energy." Harrison was also concerned as the exhaust manifold had broken. Behind the top two Donnelly was being closely pursued by Ray Breen, who had closed to within four seconds even though Breen's Focus suffered another loss of brakes on the sixth test - where he hit a chicane bale. Elliott, in fifth reckoned the performance of his Subaru improved although he opined that he still wasn't on the pace he desired. Redmond and Evans followed.

Out on the closing two stages, Harrison sealed a fine victory - 24 seconds clear of his Donegal rival. Although Ray Breen set the pace on the day's final stage, he couldn't reel in Donnelly and the time lost on the opening stage proved to be the crucial. Elliott and Redmond took fifth and sixth respectively. The rest of the top ten included Evans, Sean Gallagher, Sean Devine, who clouted the front left of his Subaru on the penultimate stage; the final place in the top ten went to Group N winner, Seamus Leonard (Mitsubishi). Elsewhere in the showroom category, defending champion, Willie Fannin (Subaru), was second followed by James O'Sullivan (Mitsubishi) and Alan Ring (Subaru).

Kevin Barrett (Subaru WRC), who lost time passing cars on the stage, finished eleventh and on his WRC debut in a Toyota Corolla Aaron MacHale finished sixteenth overall. Niall Maguire and Kevin Lynch were the principal retirements while Donie O'Sullivan (Ford Focus) was amongst the non-starters.

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Ferodo Bonus Scheme 2005 - Round 1 Report
Another year, another Ferodo Bonus Scheme, and this year the prize fund has reached €10,000!! The Ferodo Bonus Scheme has grown steadily in its first 2 years, and judging by the bumper entry in Mayo, 2005 should see a record number of competitors fighting for the €2000 first prize. 29 Ferodo runners crossed the startline in Mayo, and by the end of the day, they had taken 5 class wins, and outright victory...

Among the drivers to take top class points was Jim Harrison. Jim and regular co-driver Harvey Bell are regulars on the National Championship scene now,and their tarmac experience really showed in Mayo. Leading from the first stage to the last was a hugely impressive start to 2005 for the pairing. Finishing just 47 seconds behind Harrison in third was Charlie Donnelly. Charlie also had an excellent rally, in Eugenes Corolla WRC, especially given his relative lack of recent tarmac action. Charlie picked up 2nd place points in class 8.

Willie Fannin and James O Sullivan picked up from where they left off last year, battling hard, right at the front of the Group N action. In Mayo Fannin had to settle for 2nd in place in Gp.N behind Seamus Leonard, with O Sullivan just 1 second behind. This battle raged for most of last year, and looks set to continue for 2005. Fannin takes 10 points, O Sullivan 8, and Bonus Scheme newcomer Alan Ring, 7 points.

The other drivers to take 10 points were Eddie Power in the potent Clio Kit car, and Enda Hallinan in the Civic. Enda Hallinan is another newcomer to the scheme, and having finished 2nd in class 2 last year, will be looking to go one better this time round.

Ferodo Bonus Scheme drivers also taking class wins were Tomas O Rourke and Maurice Moffett. Tomas did his usual giant killing act in the Astra, while Maurice was first 2WD car home, in 15th place.

A new feature for 2005 is the Ferodo Bonus Draw, which gives all starting Ferodo Bonus Scheme competitors a chance to win €100. The winner for this round is Mickey Conlon. Congratulations to Mickey, 2nd place in class in Mayo, and E100 from Ferodo and DMRR!

With so many drivers signing up for the scheme, there isn’t space to mention them all, but congratulations to all who did so well in Mayo, and good luck for the rest of the season! We’ll see you for the next round, at the other end of the country, for the ciruit of Kerry at the beginning of April.

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HARRISON WINS OPENING ROUND OF DUNLOP CHAMPIONSHIP IN MAYO
Courtesy of Dunlop, Sponsors National Rally Championship

The opening round of the 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship, the TF Royal Hotel Mayo Rally was won by the British crew, Jim Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru WRC). At the finish of the eight special stages, they were 24 seconds ahead of the Subaru of Donegal's, Daniel and Michael Doherty while Derry's, Charlie Donnelly and his co-driver, Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC) were third, a further 23 seconds adrift. The Group N showroom category was won by Seamus Leonard/Gerry McVeigh (Mitsubishi), they were 47 seconds ahead of reigning Dunlop showroom champion, Willie Fannin and his co-driver, Mick Courtney (Subaru). Maurice Moffett/Jason McKenna (Toyota Starlet) were the top rear wheel drive exponents, they also won Class 14 while the Escort crew of Patrick Boyle/Marty Sherlock won Class 13.

Harrison was the fastest driver through the opening stage south of Castlebar where he opened up a four second lead over defending Dunlop champion, Niall Maguire with the Subaru's of Daniel Doherty and Noel Redmond sharing third place. Charlie Donnelly settled relatively quickly in his Corolla WRC and occupied fifth from Patrick Elliott, who had a slight problem with gear selection in his Subaru WRC. Ray Breen had a troubled start to his Dunlop campaign, he spun and stalled his Ford Focus WRC that also suffered brake difficulties. The first retirement was that of Kevin Lynch, his Subaru bowed out with turbo problems. Meanwhile, Welsh ace, Melvyn Evans slotted his Subaru into seventh in a top ten that also included the Subaru WRC's of Sean Gallagher and Sean Devine and the Mitsubishi of Group N pacesetter, Seamus Leonard.

Niall Maguire's title defence suffered a blow when his Subaru stopped en-route to the third stage where Harrison was again fastest, however, Doherty, who punched in the best times on stages two and four, kept the pressure on the British driver. At the service halt in Ballinrobe, there was 15 seconds between them with an ever-improving Donnelly up into third, albeit 22 seconds behind.

Ray Breen made a remarkable improvement that was reflected by a fine fourth place as Noel Redmond and Patrick Elliott shared fifth, all drivers reported that the tyres were well worn by the end of the fourth stage. Elliott also reckoned that the suspension of his Subaru was set too hard. Out on the second stage, Mel Evans lost brakes and that affected his confidence, he held seventh at the half way point from Sean Devine (Subaru), Sean Gallagher (Subaru) and Group N leader, Seamus Leonard (Mitsubishi). In the showroom category, local man, Noel McCarrick retired on the first stage while John Cairns was some 16 seconds behind Leonard with Willie Fannin, the reigning champion holding third and James O'Sullivan (Mitsubishi) fourth.

After recording identical times on S.S. 5, Harrison strengthened his position when he gained eight seconds on his main rival on the sixth stage, Doherty remarked, "The car is running out of power and I'm running out of energy." Harrison was also concerned as the exhaust manifold had broken. Behind the top two Donnelly was being closely pursued by Ray Breen, who had closed to within four seconds even though Breen's Focus suffered another loss of brakes on the sixth test - where he hit a chicane bale. Elliott, in fifth reckoned the performance of his Subaru improved although he opined that he still wasn't on the pace he desired. Redmond and Evans followed.

Out on the closing two stages, Harrison sealed a fine victory - 24 seconds clear of his Donegal rival. Although Ray Breen set the pace on the day's final stage, he couldn't reel in Donnelly and the time lost on the opening stage proved to be the crucial. Elliott and Redmond took fifth and sixth respectively. The rest of the top ten included Evans, Sean Gallagher, Sean Devine, who clouted the front left of his Subaru on the penultimate stage; the final place in the top ten went to Group N winner, Seamus Leonard (Mitsubishi). Elsewhere in the showroom category, defending champion, Willie Fannin (Subaru), was second followed by James O'Sullivan (Mitsubishi) and Alan Ring (Subaru).

Kevin Barrett (Subaru WRC), who lost time passing cars on the stage, finished eleventh and on his WRC debut in a Toyota Corolla Aaron MacHale finished sixteenth overall. Niall Maguire and Kevin Lynch were the principal retirements while Donie O'Sullivan (Ford Focus) was amongst the non-starters.

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Ferodo Bonus Scheme 2005 - Round 1 Report
Another year, another Ferodo Bonus Scheme, and this year the prize fund has reached €10,000!! The Ferodo Bonus Scheme has grown steadily in its first 2 years, and judging by the bumper entry in Mayo, 2005 should see a record number of competitors fighting for the €2000 first prize. 29 Ferodo runners crossed the startline in Mayo, and by the end of the day, they had taken 5 class wins, and outright victory...

Among the drivers to take top class points was Jim Harrison. Jim and regular co-driver Harvey Bell are regulars on the National Championship scene now,and their tarmac experience really showed in Mayo. Leading from the first stage to the last was a hugely impressive start to 2005 for the pairing. Finishing just 47 seconds behind Harrison in third was Charlie Donnelly. Charlie also had an excellent rally, in Eugenes Corolla WRC, especially given his relative lack of recent tarmac action. Charlie picked up 2nd place points in class 8.

Willie Fannin and James O Sullivan picked up from where they left off last year, battling hard, right at the front of the Group N action. In Mayo Fannin had to settle for 2nd in place in Gp.N behind Seamus Leonard, with O Sullivan just 1 second behind. This battle raged for most of last year, and looks set to continue for 2005. Fannin takes 10 points, O Sullivan 8, and Bonus Scheme newcomer Alan Ring, 7 points.

The other drivers to take 10 points were Eddie Power in the potent Clio Kit car, and Enda Hallinan in the Civic. Enda Hallinan is another newcomer to the scheme, and having finished 2nd in class 2 last year, will be looking to go one better this time round.

Ferodo Bonus Scheme drivers also taking class wins were Tomas O Rourke and Maurice Moffett. Tomas did his usual giant killing act in the Astra, while Maurice was first 2WD car home, in 15th place.

A new feature for 2005 is the Ferodo Bonus Draw, which gives all starting Ferodo Bonus Scheme competitors a chance to win €100. The winner for this round is Mickey Conlon. Congratulations to Mickey, 2nd place in class in Mayo, and E100 from Ferodo and DMRR!

With so many drivers signing up for the scheme, there isn’t space to mention them all, but congratulations to all who did so well in Mayo, and good luck for the rest of the season! We’ll see you for the next round, at the other end of the country, for the ciruit of Kerry at the beginning of April.

• Ferodo Bonus Scheme 2005 Points

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Puma Bites Back!
Brian O’Mahony and navigator John Higgins fought back after a disastrous first loop of stages to finish a credible 38th overall and 2nd in class in the recent T.F Royal Mayo Stages Rally in Castlebar.

The pairing had a massive moment over a big jump early in SS1, Ballyheane, and were very lucky as the only damaged sustained was a burst radiator. They then nearly caught the car in front on that stage when they were caught out by a corner that tightened a bit more than they thought forcing the car into a half spin and jamming it across the road. They got going again but lost about thirty seconds in doing so.

On SS2, Partry Mountain, they caught another car, who panicked and nearly put both of them off the road. Toward the end of that stage the engine temperature was getting a little high so they backed off, losing further time.

As they couldn’t change the rad for another two stages the pair was forced to make makeshift repairs using a couple of eggs and a couple of litres of water. They then opted to take it easy for the next two stages as not to damage the engine. Then as the crew left the start line of SS4, the Neale, a drive shaft let go and they had to crawl through the whole stage losing nearly two minutes to their rivals. This put them 9th in class and thoughts of a class victory gone, the crew decided to keep going at a fast pace but not take any chances in the hopes that their rivals would fall by the way side.

Over the next four stages the crew continued to set very quick times, some of which were inside the top 15, beating more powerful four-wheel drive cars on those stages. This helped the crew to claw their way back from 9th to 2nd in class, leaving them only 44 seconds off the class leader at the finish.

Speaking after, navigator John Higgins said “We were really happy with the result considering what had happened to us earlier in the day, after service we would have just been happy with a finish but to come away with second is great”

If it was not for their problems the pairing would have most certainly been in a better position to attack for the class lead but unfortunately that is the nature of the sport.

The crew are now getting ready for the Circuit Of Ireland, Where they hope to return to winning ways and increase their Cl.6 lead in the Pirelli Tarmac Championship.

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Difficult Championship opener for McElvaney
Eamon McElvaney kicked off his challenge for Class 6 honours in the Dunlop National Championship at the Mayo Stages Rally this weekend. The eight-stage rally was run in classic rally territory in the Partry Mountains area of Mayo in fine weather conditions.

The Motorsport Ireland Billy Coleman Award winner began the day well with fastest A6 time on the opening stage. A steady run though SS2 saw Eamon maintain his class lead by 5 seconds. His luck changed on the next stage when a broken throttle cable cost the twenty-year old almost two minutes, dropping him to sixth place.

This problem was solved in service and Eamon set about making up some of the time he had lost.
On the remaining stages of the day a hard landing from an earlier stage came back to haunt him and this hampered his charge up the leaderboard. The chassis of the Peugeot 106 was bent and this was making the car almost impossible to handle. Despite this the Monaghan driver made up three places in just four stages and finished the event 3rd in class and of course clocking up seven valuable championship points.

“It was a tough day, but with all the problems we had I am delighted to come away with 3rd in class,” commented Eamon.

His next event is round 2 of the National Championship the Circuit of Kerry on 3rd April

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Results

Pos Driver/Codriver (Make) Total
1 James Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:03:18
2 Daniel Doherty/Michael Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:03:42
3 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC) 01:04:05
4 Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell (Ford Focus WRC) 01:04:23
5 Patrick Elliott/David Moynahan (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:04:48
6 Noel Redmond/Diarmuid Falvey (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:05:06
7 Melvyn Evans/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:05:41
8 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:05:55
9 Sean Devine/James McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:06:35
10 Seamus Leonard/Gerry McVeigh (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8.5) 01:06:56
11 Kevin Barrett/Barry Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) 01:06:58
12 Willie Fannin/Mick Courtney (Subaru Impreza N9) 01:07:43
13 James O'Sullivan/Adrian Deasy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7) 01:07:44
14 Alan Ring/Sean Moriarty (Subaru Impreza N11) 01:08:39
15 Maurice Moffett/Jason McKenna (Toyota Starlet) 01:08:39

Leaders
SS1-SS8 James Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Fastest Times
SS1 James Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Daniel Doherty/Michael Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 James Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4 Sean Devine/James McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 James Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru Impreza WRC)
& =Daniel Doherty/Michael Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS6 James Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC)
SS8 Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell (Ford Focus WRC)

• Full Results and Stagetimes in Excel Format

Results and Stage Times rally.connect.ie
Rallynews by Brian & Liz Patterson

www.mayo-motorsport-club.com
Unoffical Mayo Motor Club Website

Photos:
crspisc.com, Counihan Rallysport Pictures
James Burke Photography
mole2k photos Email: therealmole2k@hotmail.com
www.mayopics.com
Ger Leahy
NG Motorsport Images

• 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship
• 2005 Border Rally Championship

James Harrison/Harvey Bell Celebrate
Photo: Joe Jane

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PRE EVENT NEWS

• Mayo Preview - DUNLOP SERIES BRIMMING WITH QUALITY IN MAYO
• Ladies & Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! Mayo Stages Rally 2005 Is Go!
• McElvaney Begins National Championship Charge
• Entry List on Line
• Marshals required for TF Royal Hotel Mayo Stages Rally
• Countdown begins for TF Royal Hotel Mayo Stages Rally
• TF Royal Hotel renew Mayo Stages Rally Sponsorship
• Mayo Stages Open National Rally Scene

Mayo Preview - DUNLOP SERIES BRIMMING WITH QUALITY IN MAYO
Courtesy of Dunlop, Sponsors National Rally Championship
Brimming with quality, the ten round Dunlop National Rally Championship swings into action with the TF Royal Hotel Mayo Rally on Sunday next (March 13th.). The new season heralds an unprecedented chase for championship success. It offers a fascinating variety of some 20 World Rally Cars, a similar number of top line Group N cars top along with some of the best modified cars, all of which create the unique atmosphere for another hectic season of Irish rallying.

Reigning Dunlop National Rally Champion, Niall Maguire has an enormous task in making a successful defence of his title. The Monaghan driver, who also won national titles in 2002 and 1999, occupies the number one berth in the eight stage Castlebar based rally. "Of course it will be very difficult to win the championship, but it has always been like that. However, this year, the quality seems to be even higher than previous standards. It is good to see such a development, the more there is to contest the series, the better. None of those vying for the championship are going to be hanging about, that's for sure. There is a slight disadvantage running first car on the road, as there can be dust and grease on the surfaces, however, I'm looking forward to it." said Maguire, who will again be co-driven by Paul McLaughlin.

Cavan's, Patrick Elliott and his Cork co-driver, David Moynihan, also in an S9 Subaru WRC finished in the runner-up spot in 2004 and they will be eager to go one better in 2005. Elliott came perilously close to winning an event last year only to lose of by a few fleeting seconds on two occasions. Overseas visitors, Macclesfield's, Jim Harrison and his London co-driver, Harvey Bell, notched up two wins last season but saw their championship bid come unstuck on the penultimate round. Harrison is just one of many realistic contenders and if he will be able to find that delicate balance between speed and consistency, he may become the first overseas winner of the Vard Trophy.

Derry's, Kevin Lynch (Subaru WRC) was another driver to sample victory in a round of last season's Dunlop National Championship. There is no doubt he has the ability and determination to add to his trophy collection that already includes an Irish Forestry title.

Cork born, Donie O'Sullivan in his Ford Focus WRC has earmarked the Dunlop National Championship as his target. Having won last season's opening round, he has shown that he too has realistic title credentials. O'Sullivan completes the top five in Mayo as Donegal's, Daniel Doherty (Subaru WRC) will be hoping that the gremlins that denied him any action in Cavan last season have finally been blitzed.

The Toyota Corolla WRC is the third different make of car to contest the Dunlop series, Derry's, Charlie Donnelly who campaigned an Opel Manta almost a decade ago, is back for a tilt at the series won by his brother, Eugene in 2003, he will drive the championship winning car in Castlebar.

The top Group N driver is Omagh's, Seamus Leonard on board his Mitsubishi Evo8. In last year's corresponding rally, albeit without Dunlop championship status, he finished third overall. Leonard is the barometer for his rivals in the showroom category.

A fascinating top ten also includes Kilkenny's, Ray Breen, who won the recent Laois Rally in his Dunlop backed Ford Focus WRC. Breen is also set for a season long challenge. Meanwhile, the top ten is completed by Dunlop regular, Sean Gallagher (Subaru WRC).

The quality stretches further with Welsh favourite, Melvyn Evans (Subaru WRC) committed to the opening five rounds before making a decision on the rest. During 2004 Wexford's, Noel Redmond (Subaru WRC) was fastest through several stages, he is another driver that has a rapid turn of pace, he is also aware that consistency is one of the most important factors in the Dunlop series as he slots his title bid into gear in Mayo.

Reigning Group N champion, Willie Fannin (Subaru), the inaugural winner of the Patterson's Pacenotes award, has plenty of opposition in the showroom category. It includes Mike Curran, local driver, Noel McCarrick, John Cairns, all in Mitsubishi's, Alan Ring and Gabriel Martin, each in the their new N11 Subarus and James O'Sullivan (Mitsubishi).

Meanwhile, drivers like Adrian McElvaney (Subaru WRC), David Armstrong (Subaru WRC), Kieran Shaw (Mitsubishi WRC), Kevin Barrett (Subaru) and Sean Devine (Subaru) illustrate the quality of the opening round that also features, Aaron MacHale, who will become the third member of his family to drive the Toyota Corolla WRC, he is seeded at 22.
Maurice Gass (Subaru), George Tracey (Peugeot 206), Darragh Raftery (Subaru), Joe MacHugh and David McNulty in Escort Cosworths are also competing.

Amongst the rear wheel drive contingent are: Mac McKenna (Peugeot 205), Patrick Boyle (Escort), Maurice Moffett (Starlet), Trevor Lancashire, Gordon Rogers, Ollie O'Reilly and Arthur Kierans, all in Ford Escorts.

Apart from Noel McCarrick, other mayo drivers competing are Thomas Muldoon (Mitsubishi), James McGreal (Subaru), Colin Loughney (Sunbeam) and John Duffy (Astra).

DETAILS:
Clerk of the Course: Sean McHugh.
Rally Headquarters: The T F Royal Hotel, Castlebar. Tel. 094 9023111

First car away 10.00
Stage 1 & 5: Ballyheane 6.5 miles 10.38 & 14.10
Stage 2 & 6: Partry Mountain 12 miles 11.05 & 14.35
Stage 3 & 7: Lough Mask 12.0 miles 11.45 & 15.15
Stage 4 & 8: The Neale 5.5 miles 12.30 & 16.00


Servicing after stages 2, 4 and 6

Finish 16.30

• Donie O'Sullivan withdraws from Mayo

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08/03/05
Ladies & Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! Mayo Stages Rally 2005 Is Go!
By Cahal Doyle
At 10 am on Sunday, March 13, 2005, 151 of the top rally cars and competitors from Ireland and overseas will be flagged away from the T.F. Royal Hotel & Theatre in Castlebar, to compete in the 2005 Mayo Stages Rally.

Mayo & District Motorsport Club is delighted to host the opening round of not one, but two major national rally championships - the Dunlop National Rally Championship, and the Quinn Group Border Rally Championship. The club would like to thank the main sponsors of the event, The T.F. Royal Hotel & Theatre, Castlebar, without whose support, the event could not take place.

SEVERE TEST OF MAN AND MACHINE
Clerk of the Course, Sean McHugh has laid on a demanding course that will challenge car and crew to the ultimate. Over roads in the South Mayo region, including two classic Circuit of Ireland stages from years gone by, the route consists of a total of 139 miles, of which 74 miles will be over 4 special stages, each to be run twice. Following a successful running of the event in 2004, Sean, from Bekan, near Claremorris, takes control for a second year. Sean has been an active member of Mayo & District Motorsport Club for a number of years, and is a well-known competitor at national level. He is ably assisted on the event by his Deputy Clerk of the Course Simon Cafferty, and his Assistant Clerk of the Course, Joe Corcoran. Of course it takes many people to run an event of this size, and Sean has put an experienced team behind him, drawing on members from all over the wide catchment area of Mayo & District Motorsport Club. Many hours have been put in over the last number of months to ensure a successful running of the event on the day.

THANKS TO RESIDENTS & SPONSORS
Sean and Mayo & District Motorsport Club would like to thank all who have made the running of this event possible. A special thanks is extended to residents along the route for their patience and good-will during the event. Gratitude is also expressed to management and staff of rally headquarters, the T.F. Royal Hotel & Theatre, as well as to the following sponsors who have stepped in with backing:

David and Kieran Staunton of KD Plumbing, Castlebar who are sponsoring stages 1 and 5.
Jonathan Rice of Castlebar Tool Hire, sponsors of stages 2 and 4.
Noel McCarrick of Ballyglass Stone Ltd, Tubbercurry, sponsors of stages 3 and 6.
John Murphy of Murphy's Garage, Headford, Co. Galway, sponsors of stages 4 and 8.
Noel Finlay of Finlays Service Station, Ballinrobe, backers of the Service Area.
Ambrose Gaughan of Tree Care Ltd who are supporting rally coverage on Mid-West Radio FM Sport.

Full details are on the Mayo and District Motorsport club website.

www.mayo-motorsport-club.com

• 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship
• 2005 Border Rally Championship

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McElvaney Begins National Championship Charge
Round 1 of the Dunlop National Championship takes place on 13th March 2005 and sees the beginning of Eamon McElvaney’s charge to take the 2005 Class A6 title.

The 8-stage rally, based in Castlebar, will provide a testing route for competitors with the stages run in the Partry Mountains area of Mayo. Eamon, the Motorsport Ireland Billy Coleman Award winner, will face stiff opposition in class A6 but is relishing the challenge.

“I am really looking forward to Mayo” commented Eamon, “I can’t wait to get out on the stages and hopefully come away with the class win”

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Car No. Driver/Navigator (Car) [Class]
1 Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
2 Patrick Elliott/David Moynahan (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
3 James Harrison/Harvey Bell (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
4 Kevin Lynch/Gordon Noble (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
5 Donie O'Sullivan/Paul Nagle (Ford Focus WRC) [8]
6 Daniel Doherty/Michael Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
7 Charlie Donnelly/Paddy Toner (Toyota Corolla WRC) [8]
8 Seamus Leonard/Gerry McVeigh (Mit. Lancer Evo 8.5) [4]
9 Ray Breen/Andrew Purcell (Ford Focus WRC) [8]
10 Sean Gallagher/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
11 Melvyn Evans/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
12 Noel Redmond /Diarmuid Falvey (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
14 Willie Fannin/Mick Courtney (Subaru Impreza N9) [4]
15 Mike Curran/Fabian NcShane (Mit. Lancer Evo 7) [4]
16 Aidrian McElvaney/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
17 Noel McCarrick/Eugene O'Donnell (Mit. Lancer Evo 8.5) [4]
18 Kieran Shaw/Crawford Henderson (Mit. Lancer WRC) [8]
19 David Armstrong/TBA (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
20 Kevin Barrett/Barry Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
21 Sean Devine/TBA (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
22 Aaron MacHale/Gerard McMonagle (Toyota Corolla WRC) [8]
23 Alan Ring/Sean Moriarty (Subaru Impreza N11) [4]
24 Maurice Gass/Andrew Cullen (Impreza WRC) [8]
25 John Cairns/James Cairns (Lancer Evo 5) [4]
26 Gabriel Martin/Mark Kane (Impreza N10) [4]
27 George Tracey/Maxine Bertschy (Peugeot 206 WRC) [8]
28 James O'Sullivan/Rebecca Walsh (Lancer Evo 7) [4]
29 Darragh Rafter/John Carroll (Impreza WRC) [8]
30 Mac McKeena/John Loughran (Peuguet 205) [13]
31 Patrick Boyle/Marty Sherlock (Escort) [13]
32 Maurice Moffett/Jason McKenna (Starlet) [14]
33 Joe MacHugh/Dermot MacHugh (Escort Cosworth) [15]
34 David McNulty/Martin McGarrity (Escort Cosworth) [15]
35 Tadhg Linehan/John Kearney (Impreza N9) [4]
36 Derrick Jobb/Francis Kenny (Celica) [15]
37 Trevor Lancashire/Noel Hall (Escort) [12]
38 Gordon Rogers/Philip McEntee (Escort) [13]
39 Ollie O'Reilly/ (Escort G3) [13]
40 Arthur Kierans/Garreth Beagan (Escort) [12]
41 Peter Rogers/Byron Davidson (Escort) [14]
42 Bernard McGinley /Raymond Scott (Starlet) [11]
43 Brian Armstrong/John Rowland (Escort) [12]
44 Jack Sleator/Timmy England (Impreza N10) [4]
45 Thomas O'Rourke/ (Astra) [7]
46 Adrian Quinn/Alan Moran (Lancer Evo 8) [4]
47 James Browne/Terence McGee (Escort) [11]
48 Seamus Gallagher/Dan Maguire (Saxo Kit-Car) [6]
49 Peter Wilson/Chris Farrelly (Civic) [2]
50 Eamonn McElvaney/Alan Keena (Peugeot 106) [6]
51 Eddie Power/Derrick Brannigan (Clio Kit-Car) [6]
52 David  Leonard/Eamon Ferry (Nova) [11]
53 Shane Feely/Jim McGrath (Peugeot 106) [6]
54 Pat McCafferty/Colm McCafferty (Escort) [14]
55 Danny MacBride/Brendan McElhinney (Impreza) [4]
56 John Kelly/Robbie Shaw (Lancer Evo 7) [4]
57 Tomas Muldoon/Edward Muldoon (Lancer Evo 8) [4]
58 Lloyd Hutchinson/Willam Connolly (Austin  Cooper) [9]
59 Peter Cummins/Sean Dillon (Darrian T90) [9]
60 Brian Corey/Hugh Michael McKenna (Sierra Cosworth) [15]
61 Martin Howley/TBA (Lancer Evo 6) [8]
62 Pat Kelly/Martin Flynn (Impreza) [4]
63 Pat Price/Sean Duggan (Lancer Evo 8) [4]
64 John Murphy/Matthew Murphy (Impreza WRX) [4]
65 J Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher (Lancer Evo 8) [4]
66 Fergal Costello/TBA (Impreza) [15]
67 Damien Finneran/Martin Brady (Accent WRC) [8]
68 Paddy Boyce /Willie Hamilton (Peugeot 205) [14]
69 Raymond Drury/TBA (Escort) [12]
70 Terence McHugh/Brian McMonagle (Escort) [12]
71 Steven Armstrong/TBA (Escort) [12]
72 John McGettrick/James McDermott (Escort) [13]
73 Columba Heena /Declan Gallagher (Corolla) [11]
74 James Cassidy/Joe Cassidy (Escort) [12]
75 Adrian Fox/Phlip Tobin (Escort) [10]
76 Peter Greene/Brian Moore (Escort) [14]
77 Steven Corey/Declan McKenna (Escort) [14]
78 Gerard Corey/Kevin Treanor (Escort) [13]
79 Gerry Casssidy/TBA (Escort G3) [12]
80 Martin Ward/Linda Conroy (BMW M3) [14]
81 P.J. Bonner/Paddy Boyle (Escort G3) [14]
82 Eddie Donaghy/Charlie Donaghy (Civic) [2]
83 W.J.Dolan/TBA (Impreza) [4]
84 James McGreal/TBA (Impreza) [4]
85 Ian Barrett/Eoin O'Flaherty (Lancer Evo 6.5) [4]
86 Sean McCaul /Paraic McCarra (Escort) [11]
87 Gary McPhillips/Mark Tierney (Escort) [12]
88 Raymond Conlon/James O'Reilly (Corolla) [11]
89 Gary Cooney/Aidrain Doherty (Lancer) [4]
90 Gary McElhinney/Johnny Charlesson (Escort) [14]
91 John Paul Ruth/Pierce Doherty (Peugeot 306) [7]
92 Paul Kiely/Anne Stewart (Peugeot 206) [6]
93 Andrew Mullen/Elaine Doherty (Puma) [5]
94 Aidan O'Connor/Ian Regan (Corsa) [6]
95 Brian O'Mahony/John Higgins (Puma) [6]
96 Enda Hallinan/Ollie Ward (Civic) [2]
97 Seamus McCusker/Sean Devlin (Escort M6) [14]
98 Margo Doyle/Maria Dunne (Civic) [2]
99 Jarlath Barry/ (Civic) [2]
100 Colin Loughney/Michael Loughney (Sunbeam) [10]
101 Paul Elliott/ (Peugeot 206) [6]
102 Trevor Graham /Niall McCalliog (Peugeot S16) [7]
103 Shane Briscoe/Greg Campbell (Civic) [6]
104 Michael Conlon /Aidan Boyle (Escort) [10]
105 Michael McMahon/Proinsias McKenna (Civic) [3]
106 Ian Liston/Kenneth Moriarty (Ka) [5]
107 Paul Monaghan/Damien O'Neill (Corolla) [11]
108 Emily O'Mahony/Donal Lennon (Impreza) [4]
109 John Burke/Michael Doherty (Peugeot 206) [6]
110 Anthony O'Brien/Stephen O'Brien (Astra) [7]
111 John Duffy/John Egan (Astra) [7]
112 Danny McGee/Fulten Grant (Peugeot 206) [6]
113 Colin Currid /Raymond Currid (Nova) [9]
114 Donal Molloy/John McMahon (Civic) [2]
115 Patrick McGuinness/Eamonn McGuinness (Escort) [12]
116 Noel Jacob/Niamh Jacob (Lancer) [8]
117 John Flanagan/Patrick McSarry (Impreza) [4]
118 David Staunton/Liam Feeney (Impreza) [4]
119 Patrick Herity/Justin Gilmartin (Corolla) [11]
120 John Walsh/Sam Clarke (Escort) [10]
121 Raymond Gilleece/Alan Leonard (Astra) [3]
122 Sheena O'Brien/Jane O'Connor (Astra) [12]
123 Paul Kennedy/Kathleen Kennedy (Swift) [1]
124 Tadhg Buckley /Shane Buckley (Swift) [1]
125 Ronan Moore/Kevin Corcoran (Escort) [7]
126 Kieran Donohue/Barbara Boyle (Escort) [11]
127 Laura Keenan/TBA (Peugeot 206) [6]
128 Barry McGill/Derek Heena (Escort) [10]
129 Peter Devaney/TBA (Micra) [5]
130 Brendan McAree/Vincent McAree (Peugeot 206) [6]
131 James Culliney/TBA (Civic) [6]
132 Russell Woods/Stuart Clarke (Escort) [11]
133 Fiachra Moran/David Walsh (Civic) [2]
134 Eoin McGreal/Marcus Molloy (Nova) [15]
135 Ian Henry/TBA (Nova) [10]
136 Seamus Gorman/Cian Gorman (Civic) [2]
137 Richard McGaugh/John Paul Ryan (Escort) [12]
138 Padraig Roche/Sinead Roche (Nova) [10]
139 Brendan Gormonly/Aiden Gannon (Swift) [1]
140 Martin Burke/Pat Taaffe (Micra) [5]
141 Raymond Clarke/Aubrey Carson (Kadett) [10]
142 Michael Lavelle/Declan Lavelle (Corolla) [11]
143 Kenneth McHale/Derek McCarthy (Yaris) [1]
144 Aidan Fahy /Adrian Fahy (Escort) [11]
145 Michael Cunnigham/Michael McDonnell (Corolla) [11]
146 Eddie McLoughlin/Peter Kelly (Corolla) [11]
147 Billy Evans/John Rice (Escort) [10]
148 Tony O'Hora/Pat O'Hora (Astra) [10]
149 Bill Evans/Hilary Ring (Celica) [11]
150 Jonathan Kelly/Aisling Grimes (Civic) [2]
151 Gregory McGroary /Keith Anderson (Escort ) [10]
152 Eamonn McCafferty/Anthony Walsh (Micra) [5]

• Full Entry List in Excel Format

• Mayo & District Motorsport Club Co-driver Training Day - 6 Mar 05
• Rally Launch - (Wed) 2 Mar 05

www.mayo-motorsport-club.com

• 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship
• 2005 Border Rally Championship

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28/02/05
Marshals will be required to ensure the safe and smooth running of the 2005 TF Royal Hotel Mayo Stages Rally.

Anyone interested in assisting at Mayo’s premier motorsport event is requested to attend a pre-event Training Night. Mayo and District Motorsport Club has arranged a series of Seminars which commenced on Monday 28th February at Digger Jays, Ayle, Westport and continue as follows:

1) Tuesday, 1st March at 8 p.m. in Costellos, Ballinrobe.

2) Friday, 4th March at 8 p.m. in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre Castlebar.

The training session will include Special Stage duty briefing and a safety video will be shown.

Competitor training will take place on Sunday 6th March at 2p.m. in the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar, following last month’s successful session. National Championship Navigator, Paul McLoughlin, assisted by John Higgins and Killian Duffy will give further instructions from the Road Book and Time Card to be used for the Mayo Stages Rally.

Gerry Naylor, Ballina Civil Defence will speak on Fire Safety and Basic First Aid.

For more information contact Tom Tuffy (087) 6277425

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22/02/05
Countdown begins for TF Royal Hotel Mayo Stages Rally
As March 13th draws near, the countdown has begun for the forthcoming TF Royal Hotel Mayo Stages Rally 2005. Clerk of the Course, Sean McHugh, and his organising team at Mayo & District Motorsport Club have secured further backing for the event, which is the Opening Round for both the Dunlop National Rally Championship and Quinn Direct Border Series. For this year’s rally, a route of 74 miles over four Special Stages in the South Mayo region has been selected with Centralised Service based in Ballinrobe.

The Club has signed sponsorship deals with a number of Connaught based firms in the form of backing for each Special Stage, Service Area and media coverage. Special Stage 1 – K.D. Plumbing, Castlebar; Special Stage 2 – Castlebar Tool Hire; Special Stage 3 - Ballyglass Stone Ltd., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo; Special Stage 4 - Murphy’s Garage, Headford, Co. Galway. Finlays Service Station is the Service Area backers while Tree Care Ltd. support the Rally coverage on MWR FM Sport.

Further details of the event will be announced at the official launch of the TF Royal Hotel Mayo Stages Rally on March 2nd next at the TF Royal Hotel Castlebar, at 9 p.m.

• Rally Launch - (Wed) 2 Mar 05

www.mayo-motorsport-club.com

• 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship
• 2005 Border Rally Championship

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10/02/05 Mayo District Motorsport Club is pleased to announce that the TF Royal Hotel & Theatre (Castlebar) will once again become title sponsor of the Mayo Stages Rally to be held on March 13th next. Pictured at the presentation of title sponsorship for the 2005 Mayo Stages Rally are Michelle O’Brien (Manager) TF Royal & Theatre, Castlebar and Sean McHugh, Clerk of the Course, Mayo & District Motorsport Club. Photo: Cathal Doyle.

At the official announcement, Sean McHugh, Clerk of the Course for the 2005 Mayo Stages Rally warmly thanked the TF Royal Hotel for their continued support. “We are very pleased to welcome back the TF Royal Hotel as title sponsor of the 2005 Mayo Stages Rally. We are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with such a renowned hostelry as the TF Royal Hotel has a long history association with Mayo Motorsport.

The event, the Opening Round of both the Dunlop National Championship and the Quinn Direct Border Rally Championship takes in almost 80 stage miles in the South Mayo Region.

www.mayo-motorsport-club.com

• 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship
• 2005 Border Rally Championship

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26/01/05
Mayo Stages Open National Rally Scene
After a year’s absence the Mayo Stages Rally will once again open the Dunlop National Rally Championship and the Quinn Direct Border Series. The event will be held on Sunday March 13th, 2005. Clerk of the Course, Sean McHugh, in his second year at the helm has chosen four Special Stages in the South Mayo region including some ‘classics’ from the glory days of the past.

As per last year's successful location, the TF Royal Hotel, Old Westport Road, Castlebar will be the Rally Headquarters. Regulations are now available from
Event Secretary,
Margaret McGreal,
Main Street,
Foxford,
Co. Mayo,
Tel No: 094 9256726 or 087 2165028 (after 8 pm),
or on the Club's Website

www.mayo-motorsport-club.com

• 2005 Dunlop National Rally Championship
• 2005 Border Rally Championship