Galway International Rally - 1-3 Feb 08

Posted: February 7, 2008 11:26 AM

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Cumiskey wins very first round of Irish Evo Challenge
Brendan Cumiskey and his co-driver Peter O’Toole, battled through treacherous conditions to win the very first round of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland, the Safety Direct Galway International Rally. After a near-faultless performance they crossed the line 2 minutes 38.4 seconds ahead of previous leaders Owen Murphy and Greg Shinnors, who were slowed by a puncture in the final stages of the rally.

About to start its eighth season in the UK, the high-profile one-make series for Group N (production specification) Mitsubishi Lancers was launched in Ireland this weekend, when eight of the 12 registered Irish Evo Challenge crews lined-up in Galway for the two-day event, which also hosted the opening round of the Global Group Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

Featuring a total of 211 competitive kms, split into eight stages on Saturday and a further six on Sunday, competitors faced a real test of their abilities, as the overnight snow-fall on Friday created highly slippery conditions for the first loop of three stages. This was followed by the imminent thaw, coupled with heavy rain which resulted in large amounts of standing water later in the day.

However, the demanding conditions didn’t stop the initial Evolution Challenge leader and reigning Group N Irish Tarmac Rally Champion Colm Murphy. He not only blasted into the Evo Challenge lead by 20 seconds on the opening stage, but also recorded a time that was good enough to put him and co-driver Ger Loughrey into second place overall, ahead of a host of more powerful World Rally Cars.

What made Murphy’s time even more impressive was that this was his very first outing in a Mitsubishi, the Subaru convert adapting to his Lancer immediately, even though he had only previously driven the car a few miles from the start ramp to the stage arrival control.

Following the cancellation of SS3 due to the wintry conditions, teams were relieved to get to the first service halt of the day where results showed Murphy now in third place overall and 32 seconds ahead of second-placed Evo Challenge runner Cumiskey, who was a further 29 seconds ahead of Darren Caldwell/Martin Costello.

First of the Mitsubishi crews to hit problems due to the ice and snow was Owen Murphy/Greg Shinnors, who slid off the road on stage one and bent a steering arm, making their car even harder to control in the tricky conditions. Stanley Ballentine/Richard Hyland had their morning’s performance hampered when their car’s turbo expired, although the problem was rectified at the service halt.

The next loop of three stages saw Colm Murphy extend his lead to over a minute to Cumiskey, both drivers now settling into a rythymn, even though the conditions were still giving them a few heart-stopping moments. Caldwell hung to third place, although he had bent a track control arm when he clipped a bank on SS6.

However, that was to be the least of his worries, as on SS8, just before the finish of the day’s competition, his Evo left the road, went through a wall and came abruptly to rest against a tree. Thankfully, there were no injuries, but the same could not be said for his car and he had no choice but to retire on the spot.

Caldwell’s demise elevated Owen Murphy to third before the overnight halt, the 21-year old rapidly making up for lost time - even with a broken rear shock absorber. Ballentine held fourth, whist Alan Carmichael/Ivor Lamont were pleased with their fifth position, albeit frustrated to be catching slower cars in the stages. Tom Curley/Paul Horan and Michael Murray/Aidan Mannion in sixth and seventh respectively reported a fairly clean run so far, which was no mean feat considering the road conditions.

With the onset of heavy rain, just as cars headed to the first of Sunday’s stages, the going was to be no easier for competitors for the second day of competition. Following timing problems on SS9, organisers accredited crews with notional times. Then, just when Colm Murphy looked as though he was un-catchable, a shaft in his car’s transmission sheared as he went to leave the start line on SS10 and he retired on the spot.

Ballentine also suffered terminal transmission problems in the stage, but in contrast Owen Murphy was flying and had overhauled Cumiskey to take the lead - by just 0.8 of a second!

Having come to terms with his unusually handling car, Murphy proceeded to extend his lead, right up until SS13 - the penultimate stage – when he collected a puncture and had to drive almost 10 km on a flat tyre. With Murphy losing three minutes in the process, Cumiskey went back into the lead and, after a considered run through the final stage, he crossed the line to become the first ever winner of an Irish Evo Challenge round.

“Its great to be the first ever winner of the Evo Challenge in Ireland”, said Cumiskey. “It just goes to show that when the conditions are as bad as they were a consistent performance pays off. I’m also delighted with the car, as it never missed a beat and I must thank the JFR team for their efforts.”

Cuminsky collected a prize of four Pirelli tyres and was awarded also a voucher for winning the Performance Friction Cup. Murphy was presented with three tyres, the PIAA junior award and the Sunoco spirit award for his performance in a car with a broken shock absorber – both drivers walking away with prizes worth over €875.

After competing in the UK series last year, Carmichael was delighted to take his first Evo Challenge podium with a fine third and collecting two tyres in the process, even having been chased all day by Curley, who was getting ever more used to his car as the event went on.

Murray’s afternoon was the most dramatic of all the Evo Challenge runners, when the car ahead of him spun and, in an attempt to turn round, drove the wrong way down the stage. Although being slowed by spectators, the last thing Murray expected to see as he headed through SS12 was a car coming the other way and, although both drivers took evasive action, the resulting impact almost put the Evo driver out of the event. Shaken, but not stirred, Murray continued and made it back to the finish in Galway.

The Irish Evolution Challenge heads to West Cork for round two, which takes place on 15th & 16th March, when it is expected that even more competitors will sign-up for the Irish Mitsubishi series. In the mean time, the UK championship will get underway in Bournemouth with the Rallye Sunseeker on 22nd & 23rd February, with the Swedish series kicks off with a snow rally on 8th March in Lima.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Sunoco Racing Fuels, Pirelli tyres, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, Performance Friction Brakes, Speedline Corse wheels, PIAA lights, Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and James Foley Rallysport, who are providing a Group N Lancer Evolution for the 2008 Champion to use in next year’s Rally Ireland.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland – Round 1 Results
1 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/Peter O’Toole (Clairemorris) 1:54:50.3
2 Owen Murphy (Kilrea)/Greg Shinnors (Limerick) 1:57:28.7
3 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena) 2:00:01.7
4 Tom Curley (Oranmore)/Paul Horan (Ballygluan) 2:00:31.2
5 Michael Murray (Longford)/Aidan Mannion (Kilcolgan) 2:02:30.5

Retirements
SS8 Darren Caldwell (Navan)/Martin Costello (Trim) Accident
SS10 Colm Murphy (Dublin)/Ger Loughrey (Limerick) Transmission
SS10 Stanley Ballentine (Strabane)/Richard Hyland (Omagh) Transmission

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Top six position for Cookstown's John McGlaughlin in Galway!
Cookstown's John McGlaughlin secured an excellent result at last weekend's Safety Direct Galway International Rally, bringing his McGlaughlin's Bakery Mitsubishi Lancer home in an excellent sixth overall and second in the production category!

Rubbing shoulders with the Irish elite, the opening round of the 2008 Global Group Irish Tarmac Championship saw John and navigator Crawford Henderson kick-start their rally campaign in fine style. Their result was a fine reward after a difficult weekend which saw ice and snow among the many hazards in the County Galway countryside.

The crew's excellent result was in stark contrast to the feelings encountered by the team at the start of the event. Navigator Crawford Henderson was recovering from a bad bout of the flu, and he struggled with illness throughout the weekend. Meanwhile, John knew he had to take time to build his confidence, as it had been five months since he last competed in a closed road event.

Midway through the opening day though, all was looking well in the McGlaughlin camp, with the crew holding a top six position in the Group N category. The new Kumho Tyres were working well, and the Greenvale Hotel backed Lancer was a match for the top runners. By the end of Saturday's leg, John and Crawford had climbed to fourth in class, and were just outside the top ten overall.

Sunday's second and final leg saw the Sunoco Fuels backed crew concentrate on moving up the leaderboard. With one day of action behind them, John was really on the boil and pushed hard to climb the ranks. Not everything went to plan though, as the opening stage was stopped after another competitor crashed off the road. Then, on stage two, John caught Garry Jennings' Lancer, which threw some debris into the air and cracked his windscreen!

"It's hard to see what's behind you in these cars so Garry didn't realise we were there," John recalled after the event. "Looking back at the in-car footage, I think we were stuck behind him for around 40-45 seconds. That put us right back, and left us trying to fend off three crews who were just behind us."

Now second in Group N, the battle was set to become really intense during the final miles. The Hilltop Fuels car was under severe pressure, and after service, John went on an all out charge. All was set to end well though, and two fastest category times ensured the Cookstown man secured the Group N runner-up spot and sixth overall!

"I was ecstatic at the finish!" John enthused. "I felt like I had won the rally overall! It was a great weekend, and the car ran faultlessly. The McNeill Motorsport crew did a super job and we arrived at the finish without any marks on the car!"

John and Crawford's Tarmac Championship campaign is looking good, and they hope to continue their success at next month's Circuit of Ireland Rally. Due to take place over the Easter weekend, John is already looking forward to jumping behind the wheel once again!

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Maxol E85 FST series gets to grip with Galway
The first round of the 2008 Ford Ireland supported Maxol E85 Fiesta SportingTrophy championship took place last weekend on the Safety Direct Galway Rally. The rally, based in the city of Galway on the west coast of Ireland, saw some of the worst driving conditions in recent history as Fiesta competitors had to battle the elements and the conditions around them to finish the 96 kilometres of competitive stages.

The event started badly for all Fiesta competitors as accidents in the main International section of the rally meant no FST competitors recorded a time on SS1 or SS2. Organisers battled with both the weather and the high number of incidents that occurred throughout the field to try and get the stages cleared as soon as possible. However, as in 2007, the conditions meant stage cancellations and delays were inevitable.

The bad conditions however made tyre choice easy as all competitors went for a cut version of the Pirelli RE tyre. Series sponsor and control tyre supplier Pirelli were clearly the tyre manufacturer to have in these conditions as first, second and third overall in the International rally also opted for Pirelli tyres. This went to prove that in Galway, power really is nothing without control!

The first competitive stage of the rally was SS3 and fastest time on this stage fell to 2007 FST champion Alastair Fisher, (18) from Enniskillen and his co-driver Barry McNulty. Engineering student Fisher set a super competitive time, 16.6 seconds faster than Welshman Elfyn Evans (18) and his new co-driver Gareth Roberts on their first visit to Ireland. The time set by Fisher would have been good enough for 11th fastest in the International Rally and a superb fourth fastest in the National series.

SS4 saw fastest time once again go to Fisher with a time 18.3 seconds faster than 2007 event winner, Tadgh Buckley from Ballyhaunis with brother Shane Buckley co-driving. Third fastest on the stage went to the second visiting Welshman Meilyr Evans (18) and his co-driver Andrew Edwards, just one tenth of a second slower than Buckley. However drama was to unfold as, despite setting fastest FST time on the stage, quick enough for 13th fastest in the International and sixth in the National event, Fisher was in trouble. One and a half kilometres from the end of the stage the crew had broken a driveshaft leaving them with only one-wheel-drive with two stages still to go.

Fortunately for the 2007 FST champion, SS5 was cancelled by an accident and so all the crews moved to the final stage of the event.

Conditions had improved considerably for the final stage of the event and it is a testament to the strength of the Fiesta that Alastair Fisher was able to complete the stage and drive back to the rally finish with just one-wheel drive. In fact their time of 10.56.2 would have been fast enough to have lead class N3 on the International event, an incredible achievement.

The fastest driver on the final stage taking the win on the event and a cheque for €750 EUR was Elfyn Evans and co-driver Gareth Roberts. They finished the stage 15 seconds faster than second placed driver Buckley who went on to finish third in the overall standings, just 14.4 seconds behind Fisher who survived to finish second overall.

Fourth in the overall standings was a great result for second Welsh crew, Evans and Edwards who reported a sharp learning curve on the treacherous stages.

Fifth went to Barry Greer (20) from Carryduff, Northern Ireland and co-driver John Lemon. Greer who returns to the FST series for a second year had not done the Galway Stages before and was glad to get the finish unscathed and ready for the next round.

Sixth on the event went to championship newcomer, Steven Wright (18) from Co. Monaghan and his co-driver Ashley McAdoo. They reported a big spin and an overshoot on the first stage, but were able to settle down and get valuable experience in the car.

Seventh went to Kyle Orr (18) from Dromore and co-driver Coln Fitzgerald. Orr suffered a frustrating day as a number of quick stage times were compromised by stage blockages and cancellations to drop them down the time-sheets after queries with notional times.

Eighth, taking home €75 EUR in prize money was Paul Quinn (20) from Dungannon and co-driver Jason Gillespie. Quinn suffered clutch slip on the afternoon stages after aquaplaning through a deep puddle which forced water into the bell housing.

The final finishers in Galway Rally were series newcomers, Adrian McBride and Rodney Hicks – the 2007 TROA class A6 champions had a tough rally after their Fiesta broke a driveshaft on SS5 and they had to do two stages in one-wheel-drive. However, a fifth fastest time on SS4, just 4.1 seconds off second fastest on only their second competitive stage in the car showed that the speed will be there for the next round.

One of the major successes of the event was the introduction of Maxol E85 as the control fuel for the series. All the competitors reported improved throttle response from the engine and the stage times showed that despite there being a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions from the use of the ‘green’ fuel, the performance of the car was improved. An excellent example of how it is possible for motorsport to showcase new technologies to new markets.

The www.rallyinsurance.co.uk most improved driver of the day was Tadgh Buckley who climbed seven places in the results to lead the Motorsport Insurance Services supported challenge after the first round.

The second round of the series will be the UAC Easter Rally on 23 March 2008.

Elfyn Evans (18) from Powys, Mid-Wales, said:
“We are really pleased, this was a great result for the new GEM Sport Team. This was my first rally with Gareth co-driving, the first time for us in Ireland and the first rally for our new sponsor Hastings.com. To win here, especially with the horrendous conditions has been a real boost for us.”

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Tim McNulty/Eugene O'Donnell lead the rally for 12 stages

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Day 1
Gareth McHale led the cars away on Saturday morning for the first of 8 stages near Kinvara. Showers of snow and a heavy frost overnight meant the drivers faced tough conditions on the stages. The Ford Focus of Gareth McHale was the first to fall victim to the frosty conditions, sliding wide on a right hander and cliping the bank. The resulting steering damage forced his retirement at the end of the stage. Tim McNulty and Eammon Boland in similar Subaru WRC machines, were quick to take advantage and move up the leader board. McNulty moving in to the top spot which he would hold all day to the end of day 1. Mark Higgins in “The Global Group” Impreza S12, suffered from demister problems which held him back until after service in Athenry. Eugene Donnelly also had his share of problems with intercooler and throttle difficulties. Weather conditions prevented stage 3 from going ahead, with all cars being sent directly to service after stage 2. Norwegian visitor Andreas Mikkelsen retired at the end of stage 4, his Ford Focus grinding to a halt with a reported broken steering arm. Colm Murphy and Ger Loughrey held the lead in Grp N and the Mitsubishi Evo Challenge.

The battle for honours among Galway crews is always tough and 2008 would be no exception with over 50 local crews contesting the rally. JJ Flemming and Robbie Ward started at 20 with Mike Bird and Kevin Keane next up in the “ West Properties” Subaru Impreza S7 WRC. Sean Lyons and John Conneely in the “Remax Properties” Subaru Impreza N12b, making up the top 3 Galway crews. A cracked hose led to overheating and caused some problems for JJ Flemming while both Mike Bird and Sean Lyons were both off the road briefly during the day. At one point only 2 seconds separated the 3 crews. Pat Kelly and Martin Flynn had a very good day in the national rally, keeping within the top 4 all day. Noel Conroy and Keith Sheppard had a good run in the Mark 2 Escort, reporting no major problems.

The crews returned to Galway for the overnight halt in Parc Ferme. Aaron MacHale had the task of upholding family honour, Gareth having exited early in the day.
1st. Tim McNulty / Eugene O Donnell (Subaru Impreza WRC)
2nd. Mark Higgins / Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
3rd. Eammon Boland / Damien Morrissey (Subaru Impreza WRC)
4th. Aaron MacHale / Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC)
5th. Eugene Donnelly / Paul Kiely (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Day 2
Sunday morning saw the crews leave parc ferme under a veil of heavy rain and snow. The overnight leader Tim McNulty being first away with a 34 second lead over his nearest rival Mark Higgins in a similar Impreza WRC.

Flooded roads with sleet and light snow greeted the drivers when they tackled the Ballymacward stage. Tim McNulty had wisely picked a Pirelli wet weather tyre with deep groves to dispel the standing water. He traversed the stage 5 seconds faster than Mark Higgins and 10 seconds faster than Eugene Donnelly. Kevin Kelleher started fastest in Grp N, 10 seconds up on Colm Murphy.

At the end of stage 9 the Galway crew of Pat Kelly and Martin Flynn were 4th in the national rally. Two galway crews, Tom Gormally in a Civic and Tom Cahill in a Honda Integra were fighting for the lead in class 3.

When the cars entered service after 3 stages, Mark Higgins had closed the gap on Tim McNulty to 18 seconds. Mechanical problems put paid to the rally for Colm Murphy, PJ McDermott and Niall Maguire among others.

Mark Higgins and Tim McNulty traded seconds all day with the gap going from the earlier 34 seconds to 1.5 seconds at one point. Rory Kennedy was heard to comment”we have more pace left if its needed”. How right he was, when the Global group Impreza opened up a 10.7 second lead to take the win from Tim McNulty. Mark Higgins was delighted to take victory in Galway and is looking forward to doing battle with Eugene over the remaining championship rounds. It remains to be seen whether Eugene can equal Austin MacHales record of 5 Tarmac Championship Titles. An amazing performance considering the difficult conditions endured by the crews during the weekend. Eammon Boland and Damien Morrissey went on to take a credible third overall, despite breaking the gear lever.

The battle for the “ Brian Thornton Memorial Trophy” started out between JJ Flemming, Mike Bird and Sean Lyons. Sean Lyons lost a couple of minutes on Saturday which ruled him out and JJ had an early exit from the rally on day 2. Mike Bird and Kevin Keane had a 1 minute and 30 second lead going in to the 2nd last stage.

They went on to take best Galway crew and finish 12th overall in a time of 1:58:27.4 Kevin Keane was heard to comment “ winning the Brian Thornton Trophy “ is a proud moment for us”

Tom Curley and Paul Horan were the next local crew home in a time of 2:00:31.2 with Sean Lyons and John Conneely a further 2 places back in a time of 2:01:29.1 in the Impreza N12b.

Paul Dempsey of Galway Helicopters put in a nice steady drive all weekend and crossed the ramp 22nd overall. Neil Pierce and Enda O leary in “The Safety Direct” Honda Civic finished the national rally, 10th in a time of 2:08:11.7

Noel and Ciaran Lambert from Gort finished in a time of 2:14:48.8 in a Toyota Celica. Noel Conroy and Keith Sheppard crossed the ramp in a Ford Escort Mark 2 with a time of 2:17:29.3. Noel being quite happy to finish and enjoying his first event for a while. John Burke and Connor had a very good weekend finishing 3rd in class 6. Connor at 16 yrs of age being the youngest navigator on the event.

Once again it proved to be a weekend of surprises in Galway, first blood and maximum championship points to Mark Higgins. Eugene Donnelly didn,t finish after suffering gearbox trouble. The Safety Direct Galway International Rally has provided a fantastic opening round for the 2008 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

The committee of Galway Motor Club and the management and staff of Safety Direct would like to thank everyone who helped make the rally such a huge success. A very special vote of thanks is due to the Gardai, The County Councils and the residents on the stages, without whom an event of this size could not be run.

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National Winners: Martin McGee/Arthur Kierans

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Results
International
Pos Driver/Codriver (Make) Total
1 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC ) 1:36:02.8
2 Tim McNulty/Eugene O'Donnell (Subaru Impreza WRC ) 1:36:18.5
3 Eamonn Boland/Damien Morrissey (Subaru Impreza WRC ) 1:39:18.0
4 Aaron MacHale/Killian Duffy (Ford Focus WRC) 1:40:05.4
5 Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 1:44:01.8
6 John McGlaughlin/Crawford Henderson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 1:45:23.5
7 Garry Jennings/Damien Connolly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 1:45:35.8
8 Jonathan Greer/Jonathan Hart (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 1:45:47.5
9 Roy White/Stephen McAuley (MG S2000 ) 1:46:12.7
10 Brendan Cumiskey/Peter O Toole (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GpN) 1:46:39.3

National
Pos Driver/Codriver (Make) Total
1 Martin McGee/Arthur Kierans (Ford Escort Mk2 ) 1:46:50.3
2 Wesley Patterson/Ruth Guest (Ford Escort RS Mk2 ) 1:47:14.9
3 Paul Gallagher/Karl Reid (Toyota Corolla 2.0 RWD ) 1:48:37.2
4 Raymond Conlon/James O'Reilly (Toyota Corolla 1600 RWD) 1:51:36.2
5 Casimir McGill/Brian Boyle (Ford Escort Mk2 ) 1:51:47.2
6 Gordon Percy/Sean Duggan (Ford Escort Mk2 ) 1:53:27.8
7 David Long/Dermot Harrington (Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD) 1:53:31.3
8 Dermot Cannon/John McLoone (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam ) 1:57:44.5
9 Ciaran Brogan/Dermot McGettigan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 ) 1:58:02.0
10 Neil Pierce/Enda O'Leary (Honda Civic) 1:58:34.2

Historics
Pos Driver/Codriver (Make) Total
1 Richard Hall/Sam McMullan (Ford Rs2000 ) 1:24:53.1
2 Denis Moynihan/Dan Moynihan (Ford Escort ) 1:27:50.6
3 Adrian Kermode/Maurice Beckett (Porsche 911 ) 1:28:55.3
4 Mike Devine/Kevin Treacy (Ford Escort RS2000 ) 1:30:44.5
5 Mervyn Johnston/Wendy Blackledge (Austin Cooper S ) 1:35:32.2

Junior
Pos Driver/Codriver (Make) Total
1 Enda McLoughlin/Michael Reilly (Ford Escort Mark 11 ) 0:34:52.3
2 Gerard McQuaid/Gary Quinlan (Ford Escort Mk2 ) 0:35:04.1
3 Mark Lane/Ross Fuller (Peugeot 106 ) 0:35:06.0
4 Sam Moffett/Donal Lennon (Citroen C2 R2 ) 0:35:07.3
5 Colin McMenamin/Patrick McBride (Honda Civic ) 0:35:23.9

Fiesta
Pos Driver/Codriver (Make) Total
1 Elfyn Evans/Garth Roberts (Ford Fiesta ST ) 0:52:34.7
2 Alastair Fisher/Barry McNulty (Ford Fiesta ST ) 0:52:49.8
3 Tadhg Buckley/Shane Buckley (Ford Fiesta ST ) 0:53:04.2
4 Meilyr Evans/Alan Edwards (Ford Fiesta ST ) 0:53:44.3
5 Barry Greer/John Lemon (Ford Fiesta ST ) 0:54:11.4

Stage Winners
SS1 Tim McNulty/Eugene O'Donnell (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Eamonn Boland/Damien Morrissey (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 Cancelled
SS4 Tim McNulty/Eugene O'Donnell (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Bogey Beaten
SS6 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS9 Cancelled
SS10 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS11 Gordon Percy/Sean Duggan (Ford Escort Mk II)
SS12 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS13 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS14 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Leaders After:
SS1-12 Tim McNulty/Eugene O'Donnell (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS13-14 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Full Results:
rally.connect.ie (Angus Sealy)

Rallynews (by Brian & Liz Patterson)

Photos:
Rallyportfolio.com
ontherack.net
RMS - www.reallymeansounds.com
rallyimage.com - Eymard Brennan Photography
crspics.com - Counihan Rallysport Pictures
James Burkee Photography - www.jamesburkee.com
TPM Photosport
Galway Motorsport Marshals Club

Video Clips
Ryan Rally Videos

Galway International Rally

Galway Motor Club Home Page

• 2008 Tarmac Rally Championship
• 2008 Irish Evolution Challenge

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Group N winners - Kelleher Brothers

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Pre Event News

• Additional outlets for Programmes
• Irish Evo Challenge gets set for Galway blast off!
  Colm Murphy to use JFR Evo IX
• Rally Programmes available from 31st January
• JENNINGS GALWAY FORAY
• Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely to use Sleator S12
• Martin Rowe to drive Willie Fannin's Subaru
• Maxol E85 Fiesta SportingTrophy Ireland series launches in Galway
• Safety Direct Galway International Rally Launched
• Entry List on line
• Regulations and on line entry available
• Safety Direct announced as this year's main sponsor of the "Safety Direct Galway International Rally 2008"
• Rally Launch - 18 Jan 08

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31/01/08
Additional outlets for Programmes
Raftery’s Centra, Riveroaks Shopping Centre, Claregalway
The Gift Centre, Church Street, Athenry

Full list below:

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29/01/08
Irish Evo Challenge gets set for Galway blast off!
The inaugural round of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge in Ireland kicks off with the Safety Direct Galway International Rally this weekend – 2nd & 3rd February, when registered crews will be battling to be the first ever winner of the all-Irish, all-asphalt series.

The Galway Rally marks a significant point in the history of the official one-make championship for Group N Lancer Evolutions, as it hosts the first Evolution Challenge event ever to be held outside Britain. About to start its eighth consecutive season, the UK championship features a calendar of mainly gravel surface events, whilst the Irish series includes six tarmac rallies, with competitors counting their best five scores towards their final points total.

Organisers are delighted to report a great deal of interest from Irish Mitsubishi competitors and, with 12 teams already registered, it is expected that this figure will rise before the action starts next Saturday.

Leading the Evolution Challenge charge on this event is reigning Irish Tarmac Production Class Champion Colm Murphy, who will be driving a James Foley Rallysport prepared Evo IX.

Murphy is followed by a trio of junior (under 25) drivers, the increasingly impressive Damien Tourish, 2006 Billy Coleman award winner Owen Murphy and 2007 Fiesta ST UK Champion Jonny Greer, all out to further their careers by joining the Mitsubishi series.

Regular Irish Tarmac competitors Tom Curley and Stanley Ballentine are next in line followed by Alan Carmichael, who switches to the Irish Evo Challenge for 2008, having contested a full season in the UK Mitsubishi championship last year.

Although a bit further down the field, strong performances are also expected from Brendan Cumiskey, Darren Caldwell, Michael Murray, Andrew Connor and Michael Cunningham, all of them destined to score far better than their seeding suggests.

“Being the first ever round of the Evolution Challenge outside of the UK makes this weekend’s event a very exciting prospect”, said Evo Challenge Manager Simon Slade. “We are delighted by the quality of entries we have received and will have even more crews joining us for the second round.”

The 2008 Safety Direct Galway Rally starts from Eyre Square in Galway and features eight stages on Saturday and a further six on Sunday, totalling a combined competitive distance of 211 kms.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Ireland is supported by: Sunoco fuel, Pirelli tyres, Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, Performance Friction Brakes, Speedline Corse wheels, PIAA lights (sponsors of the junior award), Sparco racewear, Pacenotes and James Foley Rallysport, who are providing a Group N Lancer Evolution for the 2008 Champion to use in next year’s Rally Ireland.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge Round 1 entries

Start no. Driver (home town)/Co-driver (home town)
19 Colm Murphy (Dublin)/Ger Loughrey (Limerick)
30 Damien Tourish (Ballyboley)/Domhall McAlleney (Letterkenny) J
31 Owen Murphy (Kileria)/Greg Shinnors (Limerick) J
32 Jonny Greer (Carryduff)/Jonathan Hart (Newtownards) J
40 Tom Curley (Oranmore)/Paul Horan (Ballygluan)
42 Stanley Ballentine (Strabane)/Richard Hyland (Omagh)
44 Alan Carmichael (Ballymena)/Ivor Lamont (Ballymena)
50 Brendan Cumiskey (Dundalk)/TBA
87 Darren Caldwell (Navan)/Martin Costello (Trim)
89 Michael Murray (Longford)/Aidan Mannion (Kilcolgan)
117 Andrew Connor (Downings) /Kevin Connor (Downings)
125 Michael Cunningham (Galway)/Alvin Mulroe (Galway)

J = Junior driver

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Rally Programmes available from 31st January at:

Name Address
Safety Direct Riverside Commercial Estate, Galway
The Clayton Hotel Old Monivea Road, Ballybrit, Galway
Scrutiny Galway Cold Storage, Oranmore
From 12noon Friday 1st Feb 2008
Ceremonial Start Eyre Square, Galway
8pm Friday 1st Feb 2008
Emerald Filling Station (Statoil) Gort Road, Loughrea, Co. Galway.
Cloone Stores (Gillanes) Cloone, Peterswell, Co. Galway.
McCarthys Pub Kilbeacanty, Co. Galway
Howleys' Service Station Ennis Road, Gort, Co. Galway.
News & Views Bridge Street (Main Street), Gort
Cooleview Service Station (Corrib Oil) Crowe Street, Gort
Burkes Londis Kinvara
Texaco Labane (Quinn's) Labane, Co. Galway.
Xpress Stop Foodstore Kilcolgan, Co. Galway.
Sweeney Oil Ltd (Statoil) Claregalway Road, Oranmore, Co. Galway.
Glynn's Centra Carnmore, Oranmore, Co. Galway.
Mannions News Unit 9, Orantown Centre, Oranmore,
Mor Oil (Texaco) Main Street, Oranmore, Co. Galway.
EMO Craughwell, Co. Galway.
Holland's Newsagents Williamsgate Street, Galway.
Spar Headford Point (Statoil) Headford Road, Galway.
Xpress Stop Wellpark Monivea Road, Galway.
Xpress News Unit 6, Briarhill Shopping Centre, Galway
Centra Ballybrit (next to Tom Hogans) Ballybrit, Galway.
TopOil/ Londis Tuam Road, Galway.
Monaghan's Centra Tuam Road, Galway.
Monaghan & Sons Headford Satoil Station, Galway Road, Headford, Co. Galway.
The Trading Post Cloughanover, Headford, Co. Galway.
Texaco/ Centra Galway Road, Tuam, Co. Galway
Somers Texaco Service Station Old Church Street, Athenry, Co. Galway
Dolan's Service Station Athlone Road, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.
Fitzgerald's Londis Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.
Ferry Service Station Lorrha, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Just On Tipperary Side of Portumna Bridge
Texoil Mackney, Ballinasloe
Gala Ashtree Stores Cleaghmore, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.
Spar Roscam Roscam, Merlin Park,
Sean Cleary & Son Engineering Ltd Dublin Road Industrial Estate, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Stop & Shop Derrydonnell, Athenry, Co. Galway.
Corrib Oil Loughrea, Co. Galway
Spar/Statoil Craughwell Craughwell, Co. Galway.
O'Briens Newsagents 22 William Street, Galway.
Spar Claregalway Unit 1 - 4, Cois Chlair, Claregalway, Co. Galway.

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27/01/08
JENNINGS GALWAY FORAY
Kesh businessman Garry Jennings will make a welcome return to the Irish Tarmac Championship’s first round next weekend in his Mitsubishi Evo 9.

Now concentrating full time on Jennings Fuels and Lubricants, the 30 year old has not committed to the whole series, citing sponsorship as well as business reasons. “I haven’t really got time to do the whole season,” he said, “and I considered the Irish Evo Challenge as an alternative, but I’m not willing to end my relationship with Kumho to do it. They have supported me for the last five years and I’d have to use a control tyre to do the Evos; I’d rather pick and choose events and do a good job for Kumho than turn my back on such a good sponsor.”

The outing in Galway will be his fifth time with Damien Connolly alongside, a partnership that has been a successful one in the past. “I hope I have a better run than the last two years,” said Garry, “mechanical problems have ended good runs both times, so I’m hoping Damien will bring me some good luck.”

The rally starts in Galway City on Friday, returning for overnight halts on Friday and Saturday before the final leg on Sunday. The finish will be back in Eyre Square in Galway followed by awards and party at Rally HQ, the Clayton Hotel.

Garry would like to thank its sponsors: Kumho Tyres, JMB Enterprises,, Sligo Pallets Sydare Eggs, McKeever Car Breakers Fyth Homes, Colton Quarry, Envirogrind, P Multi-Seaters McBride Electrical OMP for their support.

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25/01/08
Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely to use Sleator S12
For the past four seasons, Maghera driver Eugene Donnelly and his Sligo co driver Paul Kiely have claimed the most illustrious prize in Irish rallying, the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Only rally legend Austin McHale has claimed five tarmac titles, between 1983 and 1998, and Eugene is aiming to match Austin’s amazing record, but with five consecutive tarmac titles. It is not always that easy however in rally-sport with huge financial support necessary to reach the starting line, for the first round of the Irish Tarmac Championship in Galway in February, and it looked unlikely that the Maghera man would be taking his place on the Galway line up, especially after a last moment sponsorship hiccup.
“I really thought that was it for us, that we would not even make the start of the first round. That deal I felt was just about sown up, but I think the company needed more time to prepare. We were left with no option but to cancel a provisional hire of my old S12 from DMG Sport and to be honest, I really felt that we would not be able to find a suitable car or sponsorship even for Galway only.”

LAST MINUTE LIFELINE
A week is along time in rallying however, and now Eugene and Paul will be lining up in Galway in a full Prodrive Subaru Impreza S12, identical to the car they used to lift the title last season.
“The car belongs to Jack Sleator, who approached me after hearing my deal for this year’s championship fell through, and we have struck a deal with Jack to use the car for the whole championship. Jack will also be one of the sponsors through his Sleator Auto business, and for me it’s been a last minute lifeline.”

Managing Director of Sleator Auto and rally driver himself, Jack Sleator is excited to be part of this winning team, and has great motivation behind his involvement.
“I’ve been rallying twenty years or so and have known Eugene all that time, and the thought of him not contesting the Tarmac Championship this year, would mean there would definitely be something missing from Irish rallying. It’s a big year for us at Sleator Auto, as it’s our thirtieth year retailing Opel cars and commercials, so we feel we have something to celebrate. We also have franchises for Seat, Daihatsu, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge here in Mullingar, and we have the only dedicated Network Q used car site in the Midlands. Things are busy, not least with the excitement of the rally team being developed.”

Jack will also be present on events to oversee Eugene’s quest for title number five, and his S12 Subaru being driven on all eight rounds, with Jack perhaps making the odd appearance himself in 2008.

EVENTS BY APPOINTMENT- DROP IN ON RALLYING!
The main sponsor on the S12 however will be the Events By Appointment group (E.B.A), a firm specialising in avenues such activity days, hospitality, conferences, corporate days, awards and celebrations and team building activities. Now they are joining the winning team with Eugene and Paul Kiely, the popular co driver once again on board.
“Paul will be in the hot seat as usual, Paul will be there contra to any the rumors that he and I have fallen out, Paul and I are the best of friends and will always remain friends.”

The car will once again be tyred with BF Goodrich, the winning tyre last season, and competition manager Andy Williamson is optimistic about 2008.
“The Irish Tarmac series enjoys such a huge profile we are delighted to be part of it. Eugene knows the S12 from last season, and this should help us with tyre choices this year, and we have a variety of tyres for him to try. Also with his experience of the individual rallies, it should all add up to a highly competitive package.”

Generous support has also come from Bennett’s One Hour Photo Shops, Fitzsamuel Insurance who even provide insurance to rally competitors, and Arthur McMahon, Managing Director of Donegal Oil Company who distributes Shell Racing Fuel in Ireland is also glad to be on board.
“We are delighted to continue our association with Eugene Donnelly for 2008. The success he has enjoyed in recent years reflects well on our business and we’re looking forward to another great year.”

LOOKING AHEAD
So the Galway International Rally, where Eugene and Paul starred last season in the S12 Subaru, fending off World Champion Marcus Gronholm, is the start of a new association with Eugene, his Sleator Auto’s S12 Subaru, Events By Appointment, and familiar associates BF Goodrich and Shell Racing Fuels. The eight round series promises to be thriller, with the RPM TV cameras set to capture every dramatic moment, with the circus moving to Newcastle, Co. Down for the start of round two, the illustrious Circuit of Ireland at Easter. Then to Killarney for the Rally of the Lakes in May, Scotland for the Jim Clark later that month, Donegal in June, the Isle of Man in August, Armagh for the Ulster Rally in September and finally Cork in October. And Eugene has won them all, the only driver in the series 30 year history to have won each individual round, but this does not temper his motivation.
“I can’t wait to get to Galway now. The opposition is tough. I mean there’s multiple British Rally Champion Mark Higgins, up and coming star, Norweigan Andreas Mikkelsen, Gareth MacHale who went so well on Rally Ireland, Tim McNulty, Eamonn Boland, and don’t forget Derek McGarrity making a return. Really any of the top ten could win in Galway, but we’ll be trying our best to back in Eyre Square first.”

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23/01/08
Martin Rowe to drive Willie Fannin's Subaru
John O'Leary of O'Leary Motorsport has put a deal together to have 2003 Production World Championship Martin Rowe take part in Galway behind the wheel of Willie Fannin's Subaru Impreza N12.
Galway will be a big challenge for Rowe as his recent outings have been on gravel in the Chinese Rally Championship.

Fannin's regular codriver Paddy Robinson will take care of co-driving duties.

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Maxol E85 Fiesta SportingTrophy Ireland series launches in Galway
The second season of the Fiesta SportingTrophy (FST) Ireland will launch on 3 February at the Galway Rally with a new title sponsor. Maxol, Ireland’s oldest and foremost independent oil company, will join forces with their long-term partners Ford Ireland to support the FST championship, which will run Maxol’s E85 Bioethanol as a control fuel in 2008.

In addition, the M-Sport promoted series will make some changes to the format and the team partners for 2008 that should help competitors to both reduce the cost of competing and make the championship even more closely fought.

M-Sport are delighted that Maxol will join FST to make a first step towards a greener future as the series converts to E85 Bioethanol as a control fuel. The ethanol produced by Maxol is sourced from milk and, therefore, derived from a renewable source (grass and cereals), as the cows that produce the milk are 90% grass fed with the balance made up of cereals. During cheese production all the proteins, fat and other components are all removed except for the lactose, which produces an alcohol solution when fermented, which is then distilled to produce ethanol. As well as giving a significant reduction in CO2 on the production / consumption cycle, the fuel also gives a useful performance increase to the cars, thereby enabling the FST drivers to improve on their already impressive stage times. Fuel will be supplied directly from Maxol service stations at around €0.94 per litre*, making this an economical saving.

The series will reduce from seven rounds to six, now all on Tarmac –the addition will be the Ulster Rally – offering Irish competitors the chance to compete on more classic events at an economical level. The format of the Irish rallies remains the same; all one day, 100 stages kilometres with a good geographical spread and rallies with a reputation for being great ‘drivers’ events.

The third major change for the 2008 season will be a switch to Pirelli as the supplier of the control tyre for the championship. Pirelli’s investment in Irish motorsport is undoubted and, with the FIA World Rally Championship moving to Pirelli as a single supplier, it was a logical decision for the FST series to follow suit. Pirelli will produce a control tyre for the FST series and the integration of this manufacturer to the series allows M-Sport to work on more initiatives to benefit competitors in the future as well as reducing overall costs for competitors.

The teams will be competing for prize money, with the winner of each event taking €750 down to €75 for 8th position. This means a total prize fund of nearly €18,000 for the championship.

The final change for 2008 is that for the first time the winner of the series will have a choice of prizes. The winner of the Maxol E85 FST Ireland series will choose between a new Ford Fiesta road car or, as an alternative, will have the chance to win a drive on the 2009 Rally Ireland in an M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta; a great opportunity for a driver to experience the WRC and see from behind the scenes how the M-Sport team operates.

* prices will fluctuate in line with market values

One element that will not change for 2008 is the incredibly close level of competition between the competitors. Over the past two seasons the FST series has established itself as the place for young drivers to prove themselves. 2007 winner Alastair Fisher from Northern Ireland will continue in the championship in 2008 as will Elfyn Evans from Mid-Wales who was third in the FST UK series in 2007. Barry Greer, following in the footsteps of his brother and 2007 runner-up Jonny Greer, will return to FST Ireland for a second year.

Andrew Wheatley, Business Manager, M-Sport said:
“The support from Maxol, Ford Ireland, Pirelli and Motorsport Insurance has been fantastic in helping us move forward with the Irish series. The rallies are superb, the organisation is good and, if 2007 is anything to go by, the competition will be great.”

Alex Sinclair, Chief Executive, Motorsport Ireland said:
“This is Motorsport Ireland's first step in the direction of alternative fuels. In the context of the "greening" of motorsport, this is a very significant announcement and we congratulate Maxol, Ford of Ireland, and particularly M-Sport on this important initiative.”

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22/01/08
Safety Direct Galway International Rally Launched
The official launch party of the Safety Direct Galway International Rally toke place on Friday 18th January in the Clayton Hotel..

The Safety Direct Galway International Rally will open the 2008 Global Group Irish Tarmac Championship, with some of the best names in Irish Motorsport competing on the stages in Galway. Below details a list of some contenders for places in the top twenty:

Andreas Mikkelsen / Ola Floene - Ford Focus WRC
Gareth McHale / Alan Harryman - Ford Focus WRC
Aaron McHale / Killian Duffy - Ford Focus WRC
Eammon Boland / Damien Morrissey - Subaru Impreza WRC S12
Stephen Murphy / Michael Morrissey - Subaru Impreza WRC S12
Niall Maguire / Enda Sherry - Subaru Impreza WRC S11
PJ McDermott / Sean Harris - Subaru Impreza WRC S11
John Joe Flemming / Robbie Ward - Ford Focus WRC
Tim McNulty / Eugene O Donnell - Subaru Impreza WRC S1
1 Gary Jennings / TBA - Mitsubishi EVO 9
Sean Lyons / John Conneely - Subaru Impreza N12
B Kevin Kelleher / Martin Kelleher - Mitsubishi EVO 9
Mike Bird / Kevin Keane - Subaru Impreza WRC S7
Kevin Barrett / Sean Mullally -Subaru Impreza WRC S11
Willie Fannin / Paddy Robinson - Subaru Impreza
Roy White / Stephen McAuley - MG S2000

The Galway Motor Club have been running and organising the Galway International Rally yearly since 1971. Each year over 20,000 spectators flock to Galway to experience all the fun and excitement associated with an event of this scale. Last year’s Galway International Rally was won by former World Champion Marcus Gronholm, driving a works Ford Focus WRC.

The 2008 Safety Direct Galway International Rally has 150 crews signed up to compete in the main field and 20 crews signed to compete in the Galway Junior Rally. The Safety Direct Galway International Rally starts on Friday 1st February and runs until Sunday 3rd February. Following scrutiny on Friday evening there will be a Ceremonial Start in Eyre Square, Galway for the leading competitors.

The Saturday stages will be run between Gort and Loughrea, around the Shanaglish, Ballybuck and Kilchreest areas and service on Saturday will be in Athenry Mart. On Sunday morning the competitors will head East to six interesting stages in the Ballinasloe area before returning to the Finish Ramp in Eyre Square in Galway City.

For further details on venues, dates and times of events over the weekend of the rally, please visit www.galwayinternational.com or www.safetydirect.ie.

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Entry List
Car Driver/Navigator (Make Model) [Class]
1 MacHale, Gareth/Harryman, Alan (Ford Focus WRC) [8]
2 Donnelly, Eugune/Kiely, Paul (TBA ) []
3 Higgins, Mark/Kennedy, Rory (TBA ) [8]
4 Mikkelsen, Andreas/Floene, Ola (Ford Focus wrc) [8]
5 McNulty, Tim/O'Donnell, Eugene (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
6 Boland, Eamonn/Morrissey, Damien (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
7 MacHale, Aaron/Duffy, Killian (Ford Focus wrc) [8]
8 Elliott, Patrick/Tba, (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
9 McGarrity, Derek/TBA, (Subaru Impreza WRC) []
10 Murphy, Stephen/Morrissey, Michael Joesph (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
11 Hurson, Peadar/Connolly, Damien (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
12 McDermott, Pj/Sean, Harris (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
14 Barrett, Kevin/Mullally, Sean (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
15 Maguire, Niall/Sherry, Enda (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
16 Murphy, Colm/Ger, Loughrey (Subaru Impreza N12) [4]
17 Leonard, Seamus/McVeigh, Gerry (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
18 Jennings, Garry/Tba, (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
19 Foley, James/Donaghy, Charles (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
20 Fleming, John Joe/Ward, Robbie (Ford Focus WRC) [1]
21 Roe, Martin/Robinson, Paddy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
22 Martin, Gabriel/Kane, Mark (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
23 Kelleher, Kevin/Kelleher, Martin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
24 McGlaughlin, John/Henderson, Crawford (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
25 White, Roy/McAuley, Stephen (MG S2000) [4]
26 Bird, Mike/Keane, Kevin (Subaru Impreza WRC S7) [8]
27 Lyons, Sean/Conneely, John (Subaru Impreza N12 B) [4]
28 Daly, Eamon/Synott, Kevin (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
29 Raftery, Daragh/Tba, (Subaru Impreza) [8]
30 Tourish, Damien/McAlaney, Domhnall (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) [4]
31 Murphy, Owen/Tba, (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [3]
32 Greer, Jonathan/Hart, Jonathan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
33 Macbride, Danny/Macbride, Rory (Mitsubishi Evo 8) [4]
34 Brogan, Brian/Tba, (Ford Escort Mark 11) [13]
35 Patterson, Wesley/Guest, Ruth (Ford Escort RS Mk2) [14]
36 Evans, Gwyndaf/Lloyd, Gareth (Ford Escort) [13]
37 Gallagher, Paul/Reid, Karl (Toyota Corolla RWD) [13]
38 McGee, Martin/Crawford, Damian (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
39 Flanagan, Sean/Duggan, Brian (Subaru Impreza N12 B) [4]
40 Curley, Tom/Horan, Paul (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [4]
41 Kelly, Pat/Flynn, Martin (Subaru Impreza STI) [16]
42 Ballantine, Stanley/Hyland, Richard (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
43 Morris, John/Sylver, Declan (Ford Escort Cosworth) [15]
44 Carmichael, Alan/Lamont, Ivor (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) []
45 Doyle, Eoin/Walsh, Paul (Subaru Impreza) [8]
46 Conlon, Raymond/O'Reilly, James (Toyota Corolla) [11]
47 McKenna, Jim/Treanor, Thomas (Toyota Starlet RWD) [11]
48 McQuiad, Mick/Tba, (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
49 Meegan, Eugene/Powell, Stuart (Honda Maxi) [7]
50 Cumiskey, Brendan/Tba, (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
51 Muldoon, Tom/Tba, (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [4]
52 Drury, Raymond/Brunton, Sean (Ford Mark 2) [14]
53 Nangle, Mark/Clyen, Mike (Subaru Impreza) [4]
54 Kelly, Manus/Barrett, Donall (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
55 Kierans, Arthur/Tba, (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
56 Bushe, Andrew/McGarrity, Martin (Citroen Saxo S1600) [6]
57 Roe, David/Nolan, Robert (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
58 Sheahan, Mark/Wiley, Mark (Renault Clio Super 1600) [6]
59 Burke, Richard/Byrnes, Frank (Ford Focus) [1]
60 Conroy, Noel/Tba, (Ford Escort RS1800) [13]
61 Mulligan, Trevor/Clarke, Paul (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
62 McElhinney, Gary/Charlesson, Jonathan (Ford Escort RS Mk2) [13]
63 Conlon, Michael/Boyle, Adian (Ford Escort Mk2) [7]
64 Long, David/Long, June (Toyota Grp a) [15]
65 Cullen, Stephen/Kent, Aidan (Subaru N12 B) [4]
66 Dempsey, Paul/O'Neil, Ed (Subaru Impreza) [4]
67 Percy, Gordon/Duggan, Sean (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
68 Pierce, Neil/O'Leary, Enda (Honda Civic) [11]
69 Doyle, Tommy/McDaid, Tony (Renault Clio R3) [7]
70 Callanan, Patrick/Tba, (Honda Civic Type R) [1]
71 Quigley, David/Ollerenshaw, Jason (Honda Ek4) [2]
72 Cunningham, Patrick/O'Brien, Shane (Honda Civic) [11]
73 Allen, Ferghal/Tba, (BMW M3) [1]
74 Lee, Eamon/Coppinger, Raymond (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
75 Cunningham, Martin/Cunningham, Jonathan (Honda Civic) [11]
76 Hession, Gabriel/Tba, (Honda Civic) [2]
77 McKenna, Darren/McKenna, Nicola (Peugeot 205 RWD) [13]
78 Watters, Conor/Tba, (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
79 Greene, Pete/Tba, (Ford Ford Escort M 2) [14]
80 Whelan, Colum/O'Neill, Patrick (Subaru Impreza N9) [4]
81 Conneely, Philip/Crowley, Michelle (Honda Civic) [2]
82 Gormally, Tom/Tba, (Honda Civic) [3]
83 Deane, Derek/Burke, Trevor (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
84 Smyth, Sean/Moloney, Gerard (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
85 McGreal, James/Mitchell, Chris (Subaru Impreza) [4]
86 Cahill, Tom/Tba, (Honda Integra Type R) [3]
87 Caldwell, Darren/Tba, (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
88 Dolan, Willie John/Tba, (Subaru Impreza) [3]
89 Murray, Michael/Mannion, Aidan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7) [4]
90 Price, Pat/Tba, (Subaru N12 B) [4]
91 Quill, John S./Hartigan, Alan (Citroen C2 R2) [6]
92 Whelan, Richard/Whelan, James (Honda Civic Vtec) [11]
93 Wright, David/Tba, (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
94 Fair, Alan/O'Connor, Billy (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
95 McDonagh, Gerard/Flanagan, Ken (Honda Civic EK4) [16]
96 Burke, John/Burke, Conor (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [6]
97 Dervan, Eamon/Gardiner, David (Honda Civic) [16]
98 Melia, Brian/Doherty, Michael (Honda Integra Type R) [3]
99 Keon, John/Tba, (Honda Civic) [16]
100 Flanagan, Tommy/Flanagan, Leanne (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
101 Bustard, Kenny/Bustard, Trevor (Subaru Legacy) [15]
102 Brett, James/Raftery, Dean (Honda Sir) [2]
103 Callaghan, Shaun/Calllaghan, Barry (Subaru Impreza) [3]
104 Crumlish, John/Mullin, Gerard (Subaru Impreza WRX Sti) [4]
105 Gallagher, John/McElhinney, Brendan (Mitsubishi Evo 6) [4]
106 Kelly, Toni/Hunter, Joe (Honda Civic Type R) [7]
107 McElhinney, John/Given, Ambrose (MG Super 1600) [6]
108 McMonagle, Garrett/Maguire, Mark (Honda Integra Type R) [7]
109 Roche, Ian/Roche, Paul (Peugeot 206 Super 1600) [6]
110 Hodgins, Gerard/Kelly, Aidan (Ford Escort G3) [14]
111 Conneely, Jarlath/Conneely, Michael (Honda Civic) [16]
112 Cogan, Edward/Shannon, Tony (Peugeot 205 GTi) [13]
113 McFadden, Keith/Harrington, Brian (Honda Type r) [16]
114 McMenamin, Gavin/McEleney, Ciaran (Honda Civic 1.6VTI) [11]
115 O'Neill, Damien/Tba, (Talbot Sunbeam) [12]
116 Brogan, Ciaran/Tba, (Mitsubishi Evo 6) [16]
117 Connor, Andrew/Connor, Kevin (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [4]
118 Dunne, Tom/O'Leary, Christine (Subaru Impreza) [4]
119 Neville, Padraig/O'Grady, Seamus (Subaru Impreza) [4]
120 Forde, Declan/Lally, Ronan (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
121 O Donnell, John/Scott, Raymond (BMW M3) [14]
122 Dunlea, Aiden/Cleary, Mike (Ford Escort F2) [7]
123 Forde, Colm/Trill, Jonathon (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [6]
124 Hayes, Billy/Doheny, Pierce (Honda Civic Type R) [3]
125 Cunningham, Micheal/Mulroe, Alvin (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [4]
126 Greenwood, Martin/Tba, (Honda Civic Vtec) [11]
127 Kenny, John/Tba, (Honda Civic) [11]
128 McHugo, Kevin/Fehily, Gerard (Honda Civic) [11]
129 Murphy, Kieran/Grimes, Aishling (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
130 O'Donnell, Ross/Shane, Donohue (Honda Civic) [2]
131 Shiel, Alan/Shiel, Jason (Honda Civic) [11]
132 Spain, Keith/Spain, Alan (Honda Civic) [16]
133 Bradley, Kevin/Harvey, Ollie (Opel Manta 400) [14]
134 Sheeran, Derek/Cooney, Stephen (Honda Civic) [2]
135 Butler, Eugene/Cummins, Kieran (Peugeot 205 GTi) [10]
136 Higgins, Liam/Feeney, Derrick (Honda Civic) [16]
137 Donoghue, Niall/Concanon, Anthony (Honda Civic) [2]
138 Cannon, Adrian/Alcorn, Glenn (Honda Civic) [2]
139 Finnerty, Darren/Tba, (Subaru Impreza) [15]
140 Mulholland, John/McGlade, Desi (Skoda Fabia 1.9TDi VRS Diesel) [8]
141 Hynes, Ian/Sherlock, Des (Honda Civic) [3]
142 O'Donnell, Martin/Tba, (Honda Civic) [2]
143 Callanan, Philip/Kelly, Aidan (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
144 Stewart, Andrew/Gallagher, Tony (MG ZR) [5]
145 Marshall, Kieran/Tba, (Honda Civic Type R) [7]
146 Lambert, Noel/Tba, (Toyota Celica) [15]
147 Gamble, Andrew/Vaughn, Mark (Nissan Micra) [5]
148 McGonigle, Joseph/Brides, Patrick (Honda Civic 1.6VTI) [2]
149 Keary, Shane/Tba, (Nissan Pulsar) [7]
150 O'Grady, Colm/Sheil, Kenneth (Ford Puma S1600) [11]
151 Boyle, Sean/Boyle, Damien (Ford Escort Mk1) [12]
152 Cuffe, Barry/Molloy, Marcus (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]

Histroics
H1 Boyd, Derek/Boyd, Roisin (Porsche Class C2) [8]
H2 Moynihan, Denis/Moynihan, Dan (Ford Escort) [C2]
H3 Treacy, Sean/Regan, Billy (BMW 2002) [C2]
H4 Kermode, Adrian/Beckett, Maurice (Porsche 911) [D5]
H5 Falvey, Todd/Barry, Dan (Porsche 911) [C2]
H6 Ward, Martin/Ward, Linda Conroy (Opel Manta A) [C2]
H7 Casey, Richard/McNamara, Brian (Ford Escort Mk1) [B4]
H8 McIvor, Keith/Tba, (Porsche 911) [C2]
H9 Johnston, Mervyn/Blackledge, Wendy (Austin Cooper S) [B2]
H10 Creaven, Martin/Creaven, Shane (Ford Escort Mk1) [C2]
H11 Devine, Mike/Treacy, Kevin (Ford Escort RS2000) [C2]
H12 Creighton, Naill/TBA, ( ) []
H13 Keane, Niall/Henaghan, Sean (Hillman Avenger) [C1]
H14 Daly, Mike/Madden, Clodagh (Chrysler Sunbeam) [D2]
H15 Hall, Richard/McMullan, Sam (Ford Rs2000) [C2]
H16 Carlin, Philip/Anderson, Noel (Austin Cooper S) [C1]
H17 Todd, William/O'Hanlon, Stephen (Austin Cooper S) [B2]
H18 Sheil, Tom Joe/Sheil, Michael (Ford Escort Mk1) [C1]

Juniors
J1 Mcquaid, John/Smyth, David (Ford Escort Mk2) [J1]
J2 McMenamin, Colin/McBride, Patrick (Honda Civic) [J2]
J3 Leonard, Brian/Drury, Senan (Honda Civic) [J2]
J4 Ryan, David/Leonard, Orla (Peugeot 205 GTi) [J2]
J5 McQuaid, Gerard Mcquaid/Quinlan, Gary (Ford Escort Mk2) [J2]
J6 Cooney, Aidan/McDonagh, Paddy (Peugeot 205 GTi) [J2]
J7 Moffett, Sam/Foley, Conor (Citroen C2 R2) [J2]
J8 Folan, Jonathan/Connolly, Padraic (Suzuki Swift GTI) [J1]
J9 Doory, Padraig/Burns, Neil (Suzuki Swift GTI) [J1]
J10 Dermot, Casserley/John, O Shaughnessy (Honda Civic) [J2]
J11 McArthur, Aidan/Hassett, Brian (Ford Mark 2 Escort) [J2]
J12 Walsh, Ciarán/McGrath, Fergal (Honda Sir) [J2]
J13 Divilly, Patrick/Tba, Tba (Toyota Corolla RWD) [J2]
J14 Burns, Shane/Tba, (Peugeot 205 GTi) [J2]
J15 Monaghan, Joseph/Ryan, John Paul (Honda Civic) [J2]
J16 Tully, Patrick/Tba, (Honda Civic) [J1]
J17 McLoughlin, Enda/Tba, (Ford Escort Mark 11) [J2]
J18 Carney, David/McNalley, Brian (Peugeot 106) [J2]
J19 Lane, Mark/Fuller, Ross (Peugeot 106) [J2]
J20 Young, Darren/Tba, (Honda Civic) [J2]

Fiesta Challenge
F1 Fisher, Alastair/McNulty, Barry (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]
F2 Greer, Barry/Lemon, John (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]
F3 Orr, Kyle/TBA, (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]
F4 Evans, Elfyn/Tba, (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]
F5 Evans, Meilyr/Tba, (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]
F6 Wright, Stephen/Tba, (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]
F7 Weston, Dave/Mole, Claire (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]
F8 McBride, Adrian/Hicks, Rodney (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]
F9 Quinn, Paul/Tba, (Ford Fiesta ST) [3]

Entry List in Excel format on:

Galway International Rally

Galway Motor Club Home Page

• 2008 Tarmac Rally Championship

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29/12/07
Regulations and on line entry available on Rally Website:

Galway International Rally

Galway Motor Club Home Page

• 2008 Tarmac Rally Championship
• 2008 Irish Evolution Challenge

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17/12/07
Safety Direct announced as this year's main sponsor of the "Safety Direct Galway International Rally 2008"
Safety Direct, a Galway based company supplying first-rate health and safety products nationwide, are proud and delighted to be announced as the primary sponsor of the �Safety Direct Galway International Rally 2008�. The Galway International Rally has taken place over the past number of years, drawing huge crowds of spectators and big names from the rallying sector to Galway for the event. Safety Direct are taking part as the main sponsor of the rally for the first time this year. Commenting on the upcoming event, Safety Direct spokesperson Alan Fair stated, �Thi