Mayo Stages Rally - 14 Mar 10

TV Times For Mayo Stages Rally

Posted: April 2, 2010 1:44 PM

TV Times For Mayo Stages Rally

Video Clips

Posted: March 26, 2010 1:02 PM

In Car

Posted: March 26, 2010 12:51 PM

Mads Østberg & Mark Kilgallon




Craig Breen & Dai Roberts - SS7

Slattery continues his National Tarmac Championship bid

Posted: March 26, 2010 11:50 AM

Andrew Slattery & Shaun Forde contested round 2 of the Dunlop National Tarmac Championship last weekend based in ClareMorris Co. Mayo.

Andrew has 2008 navigator Shaun Forde sitting in the navigator seat on selected rounds for 2010.
The rally started on Sunday morning with a brief 14minute service & tyre change before the first loop of 3 stages, the weather was good but some crews reported ice / slippery sections on SS1.
Slattery took a very cautious approach to both SS1 & SS2, possibly too cautious, losing a lot of time to his rivals and reported after SS2 he found it hard to concentrate & find his rhythm.
On ss3, Slattery increased his pace considerably & now lay 6th in class going into service in Claremorris town.

After service & onto SS4, Slattery was on top form taking 40 seconds out of his previous time on this stage to push them up in the class positions & reporting the stage had dried up.
SS5 was a short 7.6 km test & again maximum attack from Slattery bettering his previous time on this stage by 14seconds.
SS6 was a dangerous stage for all competitors as a shower of rain landed on the stage just before the start making it very difficult.
Slattery / Forde came into a square right in very slippery conditions with no grip, spun the car & through a gate – a very lucky escape.

Back for Final service in Claremorris before the final loop of 3 stages and the crews were wondering what tyres to use on these changeable conditions.
After service, Slattery continued his steady pace over the 3 final stages to take a deserved 3rd place behind Donegals Enda McLoughlin in a Ford & 2nd placed John Kelly from Monaghan in a Toyota.
That leaves Slattery in first place after 2 rounds in the Dunlop National Tarmac championship.
Back at the McWilliam park hotel where prize giving was, Slattery commented:
“A great day for us, we got off to a slow start, I was definitely too cautious & unable to concentrate on ss1 & ss2, the changing conditions & mucky surface on SS3/6/9 made it very difficult for me to push the car so we lost some time in those stages, but overall we had a good day & 3rd place points is great for our championship bid.

Good Evans! Melvyn Shows The Way On Mayo Stages Rally

Posted: March 26, 2010 11:46 AM

Melvyn Evans and Patrick Walsh stormed to victory on the 2010 McWilliam Hotel Mayo Stages Rally to become only the second overseas winners of the event in its thirty-four year history. The Welshmen proved that lack of local knowledge was no obstacle to success, as they set a string of impressive stage times on what was their first appearance in Mayo. It was their second National Rally Championship victory in the space of two weeks.

Second in a similar Subaru World Rally Car were Kevin Barrett and Sean Mullaly. The Kildare driver put in a strong fight all day but crucially was unable to match Evans’ pace on the opening Woodstock stage, the Welshman fastest on each of the three runs and opening a decisive 18 second advantage on the final test after Barrett had earlier closed the gap to just one second.

Third after an eventful day were Craig Breen and Dai Roberts. The young Kilkenny man and his Welsh co-driver had been tipped by many as an outside bet for victory in his Ford Fiesta S2000 after finishing second on the Galway International Rally last month. However despite expecting the Mayo Stages to suit his car he admitted that he found the pace faster than he was expecting, a couple of minor excursions testament to how hard he was trying.

Monaghan’s Niall Maguire and Enda Sherry finished in a relatively subdued fourth place ahead of the leading rear wheel drive car, the Escort of Donegal’s Declan and Brian Boyle. Two other Escorts were in sixth and seventh, those of Damien Gallagher / Paul Garry also from Donegal, and Camillus Bradley and Crawford from Derry. The latter crew also collected the HASS Border Championship Drive of the Day Award as the fastest class 14 crew on special stage 4 to finish the rally.

The top ten were rounded out by Sean Flanagan and Brian Miller from Meath who claimed the Group N award in their Subaru Impreza, and another brace of Escorts from Donegal, those of Victor Hunter / Michael Doherty and Eugene Ferry / Derek Heena.

It proved a rally of attrition with 85 crews from the starting list of 135 failing to make it back to rally headquarters. Among the big name retirements were number one seeds Aaron MacHale and Dermot Falvey who were unable to continue due to fly-by-wire throttle problems. Accidents afflicted many, including Derek McGarrity and James McKee who crashed on the first test causing a temporary stage blockage. The Escorts of Daniel McKenna / Andrew Grennan and Manus Kelly / Donal Barrett and the Toyota Starlet of Maurice Moffett / Derek McGarrighty were other leading runners who succumbed to off-road excursions of various descriptions over the demanding nine stage route.

LOCAL CREWS REPORT

Posted: March 26, 2010 11:45 AM

The Mayo Stages Rally 2010 proved to be extremely tough for all competitors, especially for all the local crews. Out of the twenty six local starters only sixteen made it back to the McWilliam Park Hotel. A testament to how challenging the event was.

First Mayo crew home were Mervyn & Derek Deane from Williamstown in there class 13 Ford Mark 2 escort. They finished the day in 13th overall and 3rd in class. An excellent result considering the stiff competition. Mervyn also picked up the coveted Eddie O’ Hora memorial for the fastest Mayo modified crew home.

Gerry Ronan was next up in his Mitsubishi Evo 6. The Bekan man put in a sterling drive to finish in an excellent 23rd overall and 3rd in class eight. He also had the honor of taking home the “Best in Bekan Award”(For the fastest crew from the Bekan Area). As the rest of the Bekan challengers fell by the way side Gerry coasted to victory.

In an incredible 40th overall Fiachra Moran & Shane O'Brien from Castlebar brought their pristine Ford Escort Mark 2 home 3rd in class 12. This was an astonishing achievement for Fiachra as it was his first time ever competing in a rear wheel drive rally car. He slowly beaded himself into the car over the first 2 stages and found himself in 80th position and seventh in class. Stage 3 was a turn around for the books though the Castlebar man really put the foot to the floor as he climbed 30 places in the overall standings to be in 50th and 5 places in the class to be in second. He finished the rally 10 places higher in 40th position.

Just one place behind was Fergal Loughney from Killala. Fergal was navigating for Donegal man Pauric McGee and ably guided him through the Mayo Stages. The pair finished in 41st overall.

Walter Burke from Williamston entertained his way to 46th overall. His sideways driving style in his Mark 2 Escort was a real crowd pleaser.

Ciaran Kennedy Co driven by Paul McGinnis, brought his red Honda Civic across the line in 48th overall and 4th in class. The crew thoroughly enjoyed the day. Hot on his heals was David Carney. The young Aughagower man piloted his Citroen C2 R2 to a fine 49th overall only 7 seconds behind Ciaran Kennedy. This was only David’s second time using the little French pocket rocket his first being the Galway International Rally in February where he finished 22nd overall. At the finish David said “It’s all a learning process .We are getting there! I am feeling much happier with the car and my driving now”. David had a relatively trouble free day his only setbacks were two overshoots on stages 1 & 3.

Chrystal Culkeen from Castlebar was co-driving for Ruairi Maguire from Strabane they finished in 52nd overall and 7th in class 6

Niall Morley from Bekan was to be the next man home and was to be given the honor of being runner up in the Bekan Challenge. Niall was speechless at the finish and was overjoyed to have been runner up to Gerry Ronan. He finished the rally 53rd overall and 5th in class.

Marcus Molloy & Damien Cleary from Foxford had mixed day. It started well with a clean run over stage 1 but things rapidly deteriorated on stage 2 with a spin and an overshoot. This was to set a trend for the remainder of the day. But the biggest moment was to come on stage 8. Marcus takes up the story “ We came around a tight left corner and the car broke away from me. There was drain on the outside and we slipped down” “Luckily we were carrying enough speed to get out with minimal time loss and damage but it was a big moment!”

Eoin McGreal with co-driver Jonathan Rice from Castlebar had a great day’s rallying. Eoin in his Vauxhall Chevette utilized every horsepower under the bonnet of the car to finish in 63rd overall. He drove the door handles off it all day and was a crowd favourite as the Chevette usually came into view going sideways!

Ballinrobe Mathew Murphy had John Burke shouting the notes. They were very happy with the result at the finish the event 65th overall and 7th in class. At the end of the event they were asked: Did you have any moments or incidents on the stages? “John quickly pointed out that every corner was an incident!”

Padraic Roche & Co driver Paddy O'Hora from Killala came home in 68th overall and 8th in the very competitive class 12 on a welcome return to the stages.

Coming home in 71st place was Kenneth MacHale from Knockmore he swapped his drivers seat for the navigators on the day and sat beside. But what he didn’t swap was his winning ways. Himself and driver Eamonn McCafferty took a start to finish victory in class 5. They completed the rally with no back breaks and with two broken suspension units! Just to show how hard they were pushing! Two places behind them in the class was Otto Gropler & Paul McGlinchey the Killala man brought his beautiful Ford Ka home in 83rd overall.

Otto was closely followed by Justin Ryan, who only on his second rally put in a great controlled drive to finish in 84th overall. Justin’s co-driver for the day was his father John Ryan. John kept him on the straight and narrow and the pair were delighted at the finish saying “It was an excellent event! Great stages and a great atmosphere, thoroughly enjoyed it”

Unfortunately it wasn’t all good news for the Mayo competitors as many of them fell by the wayside early on.

One of them was Sean McHugh. The Bekan man driving his distinctive BMW M3 Compact broke a driveshaft and was forced to retire thus relinquishing any chance he had at winning the “Battle of Bekan”. Another man’s rally who ended very early on was James Culliney his event ended not even a mile into the first stage with a sensor problem. James was very disappointed but he said he was happy he wasn’t beaten by Sean McHugh to the “Battle of Bekan”! James and his team worked tirelessly the day before the event to replace the clutch on the car which had broken. This made his early retirement even worse.

After the demise of McHugh & Culliney it was all down to Colin Loughney to bring the fight to Gerry Ronan, and that is what he did…. for a while. After stage one Colin was lying in an excellent 34th overall and thirteen seconds ahead of Gerry Ronan. Due to the second stage being much quicker Gerry pulled back seven seconds leaving the gap at five seconds going into stage three. But unfortunately that was to be as far as Colin could bring his challenge. Midway through stage 3 Colin cut a corner clipping a rock. This bent the steering arm and sent him into the ditch. The car suffered damage after the impact and their rally was over. An unfortunate end to a great run.

Barry Cuffe from Belcarra was to suffer a blown engine in his Ford Escort only two km into stage one.

Crossmolina man John Duffy driving his Honda Integra had to park up for the day on stage 4 as a broken driveshaft halted his progress.

One mans rally to end in spectacular style was Ciaran Walsh from Ballinrobe. Ciaran maybe took the rally phrase “Win it or bin it too literally” and unfortunately after leading his class for most of the morning he chose the latter. Ciaran Takes up the story “ The back just got light over a crest and at that stage I was a passenger. We ended up hitting a tree and that was it”

Mayo Stages Rally Reaches New Heights

Posted: March 26, 2010 11:42 AM

The smiles at the rally finish said it all. After months of preparation, sheer hard graft and endless enthusiasm, the 2010 McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally had proven to be a resounding success. The sense of satisfaction, tinged no doubt with a hint of relief, was palpable.

From competitors to spectators, officials to local businesses and communities, it seemed nobody had anything but praise for the 2010 running of the Mayo Stages Rally. Aided by perfect rallying weather, the event ran on time with barely a hitch, competitors pushed their cars to the limits over great rallying roads, and the crowds came out in their droves to see the action.

Clerk of the Course Eamonn Walsh could not keep a grin off his face. Amid all the celebrations and congratulatory handshakes, the Claremorris businessman took a moment to reflect on the enormity of bringing this major sporting event to his home town.

“I suppose when the idea about bringing the rally to Claremorris first came up I jumped at it. It didn’t take us long to establish that there was real enthusiasm in the town to host the rally, and that made us realize that it was a genuine possibility.

What I didn’t realize was just how much work was involved in running a round of the national rally championship. Although I was Clerk of the Course for a single stage event a few years ago, this was on a whole different scale entirely. It’s fair to say that the rally has taken over mine and loads of other people’s lives for the past six months”.

With Mayo having a reputation amongst rally competitors for running a slick, well-organised event, it was going to be a tough challenge for Eamonn and his team to raise the bar to new levels for 2010.

“We were confident that we could run a good rally. There’s a great core of people in Mayo & District Motorsport Club who always row in at the Stages Rally time to help out. But we wanted to try and raise the profile of the event, to bring it more into the community, and to use it to help promote our local area.”

Hence initiatives such as the Ceremonial Start that brought thousands of people into Claremorris town centre on Saturday night to see the leading rally cars and competitors up close. With live music and other attractions such as rally car simulator rides, there was a great buzz around town, with many describing the atmosphere as electric. Already there are plans in place for a bigger and better version next year.

Eamonn admits that he was taken aback by the level of support across the local business community. “From the start the McWilliam Park Hotel was hugely enthusiastic of what we were trying to do, as were our other main sponsors Costcutters and Supermacs. In addition we’ve had wonderful support from people such as Claremorris Credit Union, Hillside Service Station, EMP Furniture, P.McHugh & Sons Builders, and EPS Mayo. But outside that it’s the support from people like Claremorris Chamber of Commerce and Failte Ireland which has helped raise the profile of the event to new levels.”

What matters for the competitors most of all though is good rally stages, and here again it seems Mayo & District Motorsport Club came up trumps. ‘Challenging’ was a common description, while others praised the route layout with service at the back of the McWilliam Park Hotel only a short distance from the rally stages. “You could tell it was designed by competitors for competitors” was the comment from one overseas visitor.

The RSA Interactive Shuttle also proved to be a big success, with a regular stream of visitors throughout the week-end, while rally headquarters The McWilliam Park Hotel got a unanimous thumbs-up from competitors.

Perhaps most telling was the feedback from Norwegian visitor Mads Ostberg. The World Rally Star had been invited by the event organizers to drive a Ford Escort as a course car. His co-driver for the day was Mark Kilgallon from Kiltimagh, a rally novice who won his seat in a prize raffle. Apparently the Norwegian had a ball, to the extent that he fully plans to come back next year to do the event properly. From a man who competes around the globe against the world’s best, that surely is praise indeed.

EVANS CREAMS THE MAYO
Report courtesy of Dunlop - Proud sponsors of the National Rally Championship

Posted: March 26, 2010 11:40 AM

Welsh pair, Mel Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru) made it two wins from two starts in the Dunlop National Rally Championship courtesy of their victory in the Claremorris based McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Rally.
At the conclusion of the nine special stages, Evans/Walsh were 20 seconds ahead of the Subaru WRC of Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally.  Billy Coleman Award winner, Craig Breen, who was co-driven by Dai Roberts, finished third in his Ford Fiesta S2000 - a further 21 seconds behind. Just four of the top cars managed to finish the opening stage as Derek McGarrity was caught out on a gravel strewn square right hand junction.  His Subaru WRC understeered up a bank and rolled ever so slightly causing minimal damage but his rally as over.

Fastest stage time was set by Nenagh Rally winner and Dunlop National Rally Championship leader, Mel Evans, who was five seconds faster than the Subaru of Kevin Barrett.  Aaron MacHale, in his Ford Focus, was equal third - twelve seconds further behind as he experienced brake problems towards the stage. Craig Breen was amongst a host of drivers that were held up by the McGarrity accident and they all received MacHale's time.   Maguire was further down the order. 

MacHale was the fastest driver through the second test, Logboy while Breen was the pacesetter through S.S. 3, illustrated by a slightly damaged front spoiler. At the Claremorris service halt, Evans held a six second lead, it could have been more were it not for a spin on S.S. 3 where he also lost time when his Subaru stalled.  Second placed Kevin Barrett, was seven seconds ahead of Breen, with MacHale a second further behind in fourth.

Daniel McKenna (Ford Escort) was the star of the two-wheel drive category, he held an impressive fifth overall - four seconds ahead of Niall Maguire and 23 ahead of his closest class rival, Manus Kelly.  The top ten was completed by the Escorts of Declan Boyle and Damien Gallagher and Sean Flanagan (Subaru), who led the showroom category.  Maurice Moffett (Toyota Starlet) had a short-lived rally and retired with steering trouble; Trevor Mulligan slid his Escort off the road and out of the rally on the first stage and Sean McHugh retired his BMW Compact with driveshaft problems.

Evans was quickest on S.S. 4 but lost about 20 seconds across the rest of the second loop.  On S.S. 5, The Welshman stalled his Subaru and slackened his pace towards the end of S.S. 6 after a rain shower made the conditions very greasy.  Meanwhile, Barrett continued to charge and was only a second behind the rally leader.  Breen in third, was off the road briefly after a jump.  At the Claremorris service halt, he remarked, "There's isn't anymore I can do, now it is time to make sure we get the car home."

MacHale and Maguire were fourth and fifth respectively.  There was considerable change in the Modified section.  Daniel McKenna hit a chicane bale and retired his Escort and his nemesis, Manus Kelly slid his Escort off the road.  Their indiscretions promoted Declan Boyle (Escort) into seventh and lead of the two-wheel drive category.
However, he was being chased down by Damien Gallagher (Escort), who was only ten seconds behind.  Camillus Bradley (Escort), Sean Flanagan (Subaru) and Victor Hunter (Escort) rounded off the top ten.  Aaron MacHale retired his Ford Focus WRC before the start of S.S. 7. 

On the final loop, Evans put the issue beyond doubt as he gained 17 seconds on the seventh stage, thereafter, he duly slackened his pace accordingly to secure his second win in succession.  Barrett took a deserved second with Breen, who overshot on the final stage, finishing third overall and Maguire fourth.  Declan Boyle (Escort) won the Modified category and Sean Flanagan (Subaru) won Group N. 

Donegal's, Geoffrey Dolan (Sunbeam), who was seeded at 137, finished 18th. overall and won the "Driver of the Day" award.  Kevin Kelleher (Mitsubishi) and Michael O'Brien (Ford Focus WRC) were amongst the non-starters.

Photos

Posted: March 26, 2010 11:35 AM

myrally.ie Sport Photography
Joe's Pics
crspics.com - Counihan Rallysport Pictures
Joe Lane Photos
rallyprint.com - Trevor McGrath
James Burke Motorsport Photography
Hassett Motorsport Photography
KG Rally Pics

Results

Posted: March 26, 2010 11:21 AM

1 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC) 77m 09s,
2 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) 77m 29s,
3 Craig Breen/Dai Roberts (Ford Fiesta S2000) 77m 50s,
4 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) 78m 42s,
5 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Ford Escort Mk II) 80m 59s,
6 Damien Gallagher/Paul Garry (Ford Escort Mk II) 81m 10s,
7 Camillus Bradley/Crawford Henderson (Ford Escort MkII) 81m 37s,
8 Sean Flanagan/Brian Miller (Subaru Impreza N12 Gp N) 82m 10s,
9 Victor Hunter/Michael Doherty (Ford Escort MkII) 82m 52s,
10 Eugene Ferry/Derek Heena (Ford Escort MkII) 83m 22s.

Leaders:
SS1-9 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Stage Winners
SS1 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Aaron Machale/Dermot Falvey (Ford Focus WRC)
SS3 Craig Breen/Dai Roberts (Ford Fiesta S2000)
SS4 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC)
& Craig Breen/Dai Roberts (Ford Fiesta S2000)
SS6 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
& Craig Breen/Dai Roberts (Ford Fiesta S2000)
SS9 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC)
& Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Full Results: results.shannonsportsit.ie (Angus Sealy)
Rallynews (by Brian & Liz Patterson)

Mayo Stages Rally

• Mayo & District Motorclub

Mads Soaks up the Claremorris atmosphere!

Posted: March 26, 2010 11:13 AM

Young Norwegian Mads Ostberg on his first ever trip to Ireland is pictured
pulling a pint at Hanleys bar main street claremorris! He is relishing the callenge
to give his 2.5 liter mark 2 a good run on the stages tomorrow. Mads says
'I really liked the roads, they are really different to the stages in Norway"

HASS Border Rally Championship All Ready For New Season

Posted: March 13, 2010 11:44 AM

As the 2010 HASS Border Rally Championship kicks off this week-end with the Mayo Stages Rally, another motorsport series gets underway in Bahrain.

As always with Formula 1, the expectations have been ratcheted up to near hysteria levels, with many predicting that this will be the closest season ever.

That may well prove to be the case, but if dramatic season conclusions are the objective, then Bernie Ecclestone and the F1 organisers should take a look at the HASS Border Rally Championship on how to properly organize a nail-biting season finale.

If in doubt about this, just ask anyone who was at the finish of the season concluding Donegal Harvest Stages Rally last October.

At rally finish were Niall Maguire and Enda Sherry, happy winners of the rally, and by dint of that victory, putting themselves firmly in position to clinch the Border series title.

All they had to do was wait for the final stage times of Thomas Carolan and Declan Smith – seeded way down at number 85 – to come through. With the Meath Escort crew trailing in their class with two stages remaining, it was looking good for the Monaghan men.

Overall victory celebrations duly completed, it then became a case of waiting……and waiting. Phone calls were made, calculations worked out, but still no definite results from class 9 in which Carolan and Smith were competing. Even microphone maestro Dougie Hughes was starting to struggle to find something to say – that surely worthy of an award in itself!

Of course, its history now that Thomas Carolan and Declan Smith came through to win their class in Donegal, and with it the 2009 HASS Border Rally Championship, just reward for a season in which they showed the way with pace and consistency.

It demonstrated once again though what a remarkably successful formula the Border Rally Championship organizers have developed, one that allows the lowliest competitor competing in the smallest class car the same chance of winning the championship as competitors in the latest state of the art rally car. With such a level playing field is it any wonder that the series is going from strength to strength!

And the announcement that this year’s HASS Border Rally Championship will be beamed to living rooms the length and breadth of the country as a result of coverage from terrestrial television channel TG4 means that the series is sure to reach new heights in 2010. It looks set to bring rallying to a whole new audience.

Henderson Auto Sport & Spares (HASS) return as title sponsor for a second year, following a very successful 2009. As leading Escort builders, restorers and suppliers of spare parts, HASS products can be found on many of the Escorts taking part in the Border championship, so there’s a fair chance of a ‘home win’ come season end next October.

The HASS Border Championship Drive of the Day Award returns for 2010. Awarded to the fastest crew of a selected class on a selected stage on each of the six rounds (subject to reaching the rally finish), it has proved very popular with rally competitors and resulted in intense competition and some stunning stage times.

Reigning champions Thomas Carolan and Declan Smith are in Mayo to start the defence of their crown. Who will be stepping forward to challenge them in 2010?

WELSH ACE BIDS TO EXTEND DUNLOP LEAD IN MAYO
Preview courtesy of Dunlop - Proud sponsors of the National Rally Championship

Posted: March 12, 2010 12:19 PM

As the Dunlop National Rally Championship heads to the west of Ireland for the Claremorris based McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Rally ( March 14th .), there is an unfamiliar look to the top of leaderboard that is headed by Welshman, Mel Evans, who won the opening round of the ten round campaign in Nenagh. 
The organising Mayo and District Motorsport Club has attracted an entry of some 135 crews that will be headed by former Dunlop champion, Aaron MacHale, who will be co-driven by Diarmuid Falvey.  MacHale will use his championship winning Ford Focus WRC on the nine-stage event, a winner in Mayo in 2008, Aaron continues the presence of the MacHale dynasty in this event, he was second to Ray Breen (Ford Focus WRC) in 2007 while last year, Gareth, driving the Opel Corsa S2000, finished fourth overall.   

Having annexed maximum Dunlop points in Nenagh, where he led from start to finish, Mel Evans renews rivalry with the likes of Niall Maguire, Kevin Barrett and Derek McGarrity, as the Subaru WRC quartet concentrate on Dunlop points.

The Welsh ace remarked,
"I knew the pace of the Dunlop series having competed in the final round in Skibbereen last year, but I was shocked to have won in Nenagh.  I still felt that I had a bit in reserve, but it was nice to win that way.  I hadn't sat in the car since Skibbereen.  I am planning to compete in the Circuit of Kerry and if we do all right, both in Mayo and Kerry, I will try and get the budget to do the rest of the championship.  The costs have gone up since 2009 and as I have to travel from Wales to all the events, it is an extra burden."
He added,
"It will be tough in Mayo, I have never competed there before so it will depend on the type of stages.   I did the Galway Summer Rally a few years ago and finished second.  Derek (McGarrity), Niall (Maguire) and Kevin (Barrett) will all be out for a bit of revenge and they will all go very hard, so it should be a good event." 

Former triple national champion, Niall Maguire, who renews his partnership with Enda Sherry, has finished runner-up in Mayo for the last two seasons.  In 2008, he finished seven seconds behind Aaron MacHale while last year, he lost out to Patrick Elliott by six seconds.  The Monaghan driver seemed set to clinch third in Nenagh only for a blown turbo, which relegated him to fourth.

Meanwhile, Kevin Barrett, a non-finisher in Nenagh due to a sheared wheel stud, will be aiming to get his Dunlop title bid off the ground in Claremorris, the Maynooth driver showed good pace in County Tipperary and was second overall for part of the event.
Reigning Northern Ireland Rally champion, Derek McGarrity (Subaru WRC) illustrated his potential in the closing stages in Nenagh and knows that he can mount a challenge in Mayo right from the start.  A time consuming spin cost him dearly in Nenagh and as he grew accustomed to the ex-Eamonn Boland Tarmac Championship winning Subaru S12B, he will be a potent threat in Mayo.  

Billy Coleman award winner, Craig Breen will give the all-new Ford Fiesta S2000 its Dunlop National Rally Championship debut.  Having finished second overall to Gareth MacHale in the Galway International Rally, it will be intriguing to see how the talented 20 year old - who is currently working with the World Rally Championship team. M-Sport - will fare against the top quintet.  

Reigning Patterson's RallyNews Group N champion, Kevin Kelleher, who claimed the final podium place in Nenagh, will also try and match the WR brigade for pace.   The showroom entry in Mayo also includes Donegal's, Danny McBride (Mitsubishi), Meath's, Sean Flanagan (Subaru) and Donegal's, Trevor Bustard (Mitsubishi).  McBride is a former category event winner in the Dunlop series whilst Flanagan showed an increased turn of speed in last month's Galway International Rally.  

Promising Monaghan driver, Daniel McKenna (Ford Escort) is seeded behind Kevin Kelleher, having won the inaugural "Driver of the Day" award in Nenagh for his recovery from 92nd. on the opening stage to 22nd. overall at the finish.  McKenna will be hard to beat in the Modified category where opposition will include Donegal's, Manus Kelly, another driver that showed scintillating pace in Nenagh and the evergreen, Maurice Moffett (Monaghan) in his trusty Toyota Starlet.  Indeed, with the likes of Camillus Bradley, Damien Gallagher, Trevor Mulligan, Eugene Ferry, Russell Woods and Victor Hunter, all in Ford Escorts, the category should be very well contested.    

An interesting entry is that of St. Alban's based, Cork driver, Michael O'Brien, who makes a rare foray onto Irish tarmac onboard his Ford Focus WRC, he is seeded at 14 with Navan's, Martin Brady co-driving.  Other entries include Mark Courtney (Toyota Celica), Toyota Corolla duo, Raymond Conlon and Stuart Darcy and Anthony Hand (Ford Escort).  

In association with the Claremorris Chamber of Commerce and the Welcome Home Committee, the rally organisers are holding a ceremonial start (sponsored by EMP Furniture Manufacturers) in the Square, Claremorris on Saturday evening ( March 13th .) proceedings get underway at 8.00pm with the cars due at the start ramp at 8.40pm. A treat for rally fans is the presence of Norwegian rally ace, Mads Ostberg, who will pilot Mick McQuaid's Mk. 2 Ford Escort as one of the 00cars.

Rally Programmes

Posted: March 12, 2010 10:09 AM

Rally Programmes for the 2010 McWilliam Hotel Mayo Stages Rally will be on sale at the following outlets from approximately 8pm on Friday evening March 12th price €5.

Claremorris
• Raferty's Centra
• Smyths Newsagent
• Higgins Quickpick
• Paul Hunt Hillside Service Station
• Tesco
• O’Dea’s Costcutter
• Supermacs
• Supervalu
• Vivo

Ballindine
• Texaco/Costcutter
• Centra

Ballyhaunis
• Donnellan's Service Station
• The Gem
• Newsround Main Street

Knock
• Burkes
• Heneghan's Costcutters

Bekan
• Ronan’s

Kilkelly
• Freeman Fuels

Cloonfad
• Xpress Shop

Kiltimagh
• Topaz
• Emo

Balla
• Topaz
• Texaco

Ballinrobe
• West Tyre Castlebar Road
• Supermacs

Irishtown
• McManus

Marshalling Information

Posted: March 12, 2010 10:06 AM

A small army of volunteers is needed to ensure a safe running of the Mayo Stages Rally. If you would be interesting in lending your support to help out on the day, please contact Chief Marshal on
087 2323113 / +353 87 2323113 – your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

The meeting points and times for marshals on Sunday morning are as follows:

· Stage 1 Woodstock: Meeting at Costcutters Ballindine at 7.30am.

· Stage 2 Logboy: Meeting at Costcutters Ballindine at 8.00am.

· Stage 3 The Five Crossroads: Meeting at Hillside Service Station (Hunts), Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris at 8.20am.

Mayo Stages Rally Is Go!

Posted: March 12, 2010 10:05 AM

The months of preparation are almost at a close. Officials are checking paperwork one final time, Stage Commanders are conducting last-minute spot-checks, marshals are gathering bibs and all-weather gear for a day out in the elements, and competitors are fastening bonnet clips and loading their rally cars onto trailers. It’s time for the McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally 2010!

The sense of excitement is palpable as officials, spectators and competitors alike eagerly wait for 9am Sunday morning when the leading cars will be flagged away from rally headquarters The McWilliam Park Hotel. It is no exaggeration to say that this Mayo Stages Rally is one of the most eagerly anticipated motorsport events in this country for some time.

A new location and rally headquarters, huge support from local businesses in Claremorris and surrounding regions, a host of innovative ideas, and, to top it all, a mouthwatering entry list. Combine that with the Mayo Stages Rally being the subject of two separate television programmes. Is it any wonder that anticipation is sky-high?

And what an entry! Since it was revealed, the rally community has been abuzz with the sheer quality and quantity of the field that is coming together to compete in Mayo. More than one observer has said that a finer entry list will not be seen anywhere this year in Ireland. Testament indeed to the hard work of Clerk of the Course Eamonn Walsh and his team at Mayo & District Motorsport Club.

Six World Rally Cars, a new Super 2000 Ford Fiesta making its debut on the National Rally Championship, a plethora of top Group N machinery and a significant overseas contingent are mouthwatering enough, but it is the modified entry list that has everyone drooling, with what is truly the finest line-up of competitive Escort Mark 2 rally cars seen for a long time.

Ceremonial Start
On Saturday evening, a ceremonial start for the leading rally crews will bring glamour and excitement to Claremorris town centre. With live music from 8pm, the first cars are scheduled to arrive at the start ramp at 8.40pm, for what is a great opportunity for families to see these powerful machines up close.

All New Rally Route
Nine stages featuring three tests each run three times make up the 2010 McWilliam Park Mayo Stages Rally. The opening test Woodstock in the Ballindine / Irishtown area gets underway at 9.30am on Sunday morning. It is immediately followed by the opening Logboy stage near Brickens and Bekan at 10.10am and The Five Crossroads stage near Barranacarroll at 10.45am. Competitors then return for service in Claremorris before repeating the loop a further two times. The leading rally cars will return to rally headquarters The McWilliam Park Hotel at 5pm. Full details of the rally route and stage times will be available on the official rally programme which goes on sale in selected newsagents and service stations in the area from Friday evening, price €5.

Co-Driving The Best - The Mads Ostberg Experience
Before the main field comes through, watch out for course car 002, a Ford Escort driven by World Rally Star Mads Ostberg. The Norwegian has a special co-driver alongside him, Mark Kilgannon from Kiltimagh. Mark was selected by country music star Mick Flavin in a prize draw to sit alongside one of the best drivers in the world. He is certain to have the day of his life!

Can Breen “Knock” on the Door in Mayo?

Posted: March 12, 2010 9:41 AM

Craig will give the “Kick Energy” Ford Fiesta S2000 its second competitive outing on tarmac this weekend as he competes in the Mayo Stages Rally. This will be the second event in seven days for the Waterford driver as he builds up for the Circuit of Ireland over the Easter weekend.

The rally is the second round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship and is based in the town of Claremorris with the headquarters in the Mc William Park Hotel. Craig is seeded at number six and for this rally he will be partnered by Dai Roberts, brother of his usual co driver Gareth Roberts.

Craig will face stiff opposition as he comes up against Aaron MacHale who is the number one seed. Last time out in Galway Craig held the upper hand by taking second overall on the Safety Direct International and Aaron finishing third. Aaron will be looking to put the young charger in his place but I’m sure Craig will have something to say about that. Both Aaron’s Ford Focus WRC and Craig’s Fiesta S2000 will be prepared by the one and only Tom Gahan which will add some more flavour to the battle. Between Aaron and Craig in the top six are a foursome of Subaru drivers. Seeded number two is Melvyn Evans, who took victory on the opening round of the National Championship at the Birr Stages Rally on the 14th of February. Evans put in a storming performance that day and will be eager to keep his winning run going. In third and fourth we have Niall Maguire and Kevin Barrett. Maguire finished fourth at the Birr Stages and will now want to get his season back on track with a good result. Barrett suffered bad luck in Birr when a wheel nut sheared off one of the front wheels of his Subaru but put in some good times and will want to improve. In at fifth we have Derek McGarrity in the ex-Eamonn Boland Subaru S12B. Derek could be the dark horse as he is still getting to grips with the Impreza and finished second on the podium in Nenagh.

The rally gets underway with a ceremonial start on Saturday evening 22.00 hrs at the Square, Claremorris. The rally action gets under way on Sunday morning with the first stage scheduled for 9.37 hrs. The rally has a nine stage layout, using a three stage repeated format.

Updated Entry List

Posted: March 12, 2010 9:39 AM

1 Aaron MacHale/Dermot Falvey (Ford Focus WRC ) [8]
2 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
3 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
4 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
5 Derek McGarrity/James McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
6 Craig Breen/Dai Roberts (Ford Fiesta S2000) [4]
8 Daniel McKenna/Andrew Grennan (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
9 Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
10 Maurice Moffett/Martin McGarrighty (Toyota Starlet RWD) [14]
11 Danny McBride/Ambrose Given (Mit Lancer Evo 8) [4]
12 Camillus Bradley/Crawford Henderson (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
15 Sean Flanagan/Brian Miller (Subaru Impreza N12) [4]
16 Damien Gallagher/Paul Garry (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
17 Trevor Mulligan/Sean Hayde (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
18 Trevor Bustard/Kenny Bustard (Mit Lancer Evo 8) [4]
19 Mark Courtney/Mick Courtney (Toyota Celica GT-Four) [15]
20 Eugene Ferry/Derek Heena (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
21 Russell Woods/Martin Byrne (Ford Escort Mk II) [13]
22 Victor Hunter/Michael Doherty (Ford Escort Mk II) [13]
23 Raymond Conlon/James O'Reilly (Toyota Corolla) [13]
24 Stuart Darcy/Lee Jordan (Toyota Corolla) [11]
25 Anthony Hand/Emmet Sherry (MK2 Escort) [11]
26 Neil Pierse/Enda O'Leary (Honda Civic) [11]
27 Samuel Kelso/Gareth Doherty (Ford Escort) [13]
28 Richard Burke/T.B.A (Subaru) [15]
29 Gary McElhinney/Damien Connolly (Subaru Legacy) [15]
30 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (MK2 Escort) [14]
31 Daniel Conaghan/Trevor Graham (MK2 Escort) [13]
32 Raymond Drury/Sean Brunton (Ford Escort) [14]
33 Mervyn Deane/Trevor Burke (MK2 Escort) [13]
34 Gary Reidy/Paul Sheridan (Mk2 Escort) [14]
35 Michael Conlon/Aidan Boyle (MK2 Escort) [13]
36 Daniel Harper/Paula Swinscoe (BMW Mini) [14]
37 John McGettrick/James McDermott (MK2 Escort) [13]
38 Damian Toner/Paddy McCague (MK2 Escort) [14]
39 Gerry Smyth/Gregory McQuillan (Ford Escort) [12]
40 James Browne/Terence Magee (Ford Escort) [13]
41 James Culliney/Eddie McLoughlin (Ford Escort) [12]
43 David Leonard/L Jordan (Citreon Saxo) [6]
44 Mark Wedlock/Adam Kinnade (Ford Escort) [11]
45 Colin Loughney/Michael Loughney (Ford Escort) [12]
46 Daniel Breslin/Johnny Jordan (Toyota Corolla) [11]
47 Llyod Hutchinson/Kevin Flanagan (Mini Cooper S) [9]
48 Richard Moffett/Laura Moffett (Toyota Starlet) [11]
49 Joe Connolly/John Connolly (Ford Escort RS) [14]
50 Pat Price/Stephen Price (Subaru N12B) [4]
51 Shane Maguire/Paul Kelly (Subaru Impreza) [4]
52 Alan Sweeney/Timmy Lunn (Ford Escort) [11]
53 Chris Melly/Daniel Melly (Vauxhall Chevette) [13]
54 Stephen Baxter/Karl Atkinson (Ford Fiesta R2) [6]
55 Thomas Carolan/Declan Smith (Ford Escort) [9]
56 Joe McGonigle/Niall Burns (Citreon C2R2) [6]
57 Rory Byrne/Jeremy Patterson (Evo 9) [4]
58 Gerry Ronan/Connie Kirrane (Evo 6) [8]
59 Colin Flanagan/T.B.A (Escort Cosworth) [15]
60 Andrew Mullen/Elaine Doherty (Evo 8) [8]
61 Sean McHugh/T.B.A (BMW M3 Compact) [14]
63 Adrian Cannon/Ivan Hernon (Honda Civic) [2]
64 Stephen Furey/Niall McCalliog (Toyota Corolla) [11]
65 P.J Bonner/Paddy Boyle (Ford Focus) [14]
66 Terence McHugh/Patrick McHugh (Ford Escort) [12]
67 Colin Currid/Raymond Currid (Vauxhall Nova) [9]
68 Eamon McCrystal/Kevin Bann (Ford Escort) [7]
69 Ambrose Gaughan/Derek Molloy (Toyota Corolla) [9]
70 Rory Carroll/Michael Melly (Ford Escort) [12]
71 Patrick Bonner/Anthony Bonner (Ford Escort) [12]
72 Ian Hynes/Martin Collins (Honda Civic Type R) [3]
73 Seamus Gallagher/Leonard Craig (Toyota Corolla) [11]
74 Richard McGaugh/Ronan Flanagan (Ford Escort) [12]
75 Walter Burke/Alan Gibbons (Ford Escort) [12]
76 Gary Gallagher/Paddy Duffy (Ford Escort) [11]
77 David Moffett/Andrew Spears (Toyota Starlet) [11]
78 Kevin Kelly/Paul Hegarty (Ford Escort) [13]
79 Paddy Walker/T.B.A (Puegeot 206 Xsi) [6]
80 Barry Cuffe/Jason Flynn (Ford Escort) [12]
81 John Kelly/Adrian Flynn (Toyota Corolla) [10]
82 Paul Clarke/Gary Copperthwaite (Ford Escort) [10]
83 Alan Sheridan/Gerry Conlon (MK2 Escort) [14]
84 Fiachra Moran/Shane O'Brien (Ford Escort) [12]
85 Roger Kennedy/Wendy Blackledge (Peugeot 306) [7]
86 Pakie Duffy/Colin Duffy (Honda Civic) [3]
87 Marcus Molloy/Damien Cleary (Honda Civic) [11]
88 John Duffy/John Egan (Honda Integra ) [7]
89 Anthony Masterson/Tommy Clinton (Honda Integra ) [7]
90 Michael Peoples/Stephen Gallinagh (MK2 Escort) [12]
91 Ciaran Walsh/Aidan Gannon (Honda Civic) [2]
92 Dermot Cannon/John McLoone (Toyota Corolla ) []
93 Shane Briscoe/Greg Campbell (Honda Civic) [2]
94 Paddy Boyce/Kevin Kearney (Peugeot 205) [13]
95 Ciaran Kennedy/Paul McGinnis (Honda Civic) [2]
96 Mathew Murphy/John Burke (Toyota Corolla) [11]
97 Pa Bellew/Willie Fitzpatrick (MK2 Escort) [9]
98 Andrew Knox/T.B.A (Ford Escort) [11]
99 Declan McShane/Bobby Trimble (Honda Civic) [2]
100 David Carney/Ray Fitzpatrick (Citreon C2R2) [6]
101 Eamonn McCafferty/Kenneth McHale (Ford Puma) [5]
102 Peter McCarry/Patrick Gallagher (Ford Escort) [13]
103 Joe Shrimpton/Ed Muldoon (Citreon C2R2) [6]
104 Vincent Collins/Fintan Kilroe (Talbot Sunbeam) [11]
105 Seamus Doherty/Peter Byrne (MK2 Escort) [11]
106 Jonathan Thompson/Finbar Boyle (Ford Escort) [11]
107 Padraic Roche/Paddy O'Hora (MK2 Escort) [12]
108 Barry Gallagher/Diarmuid Dunne (Suzuki Swift) [9]
109 Eoin McGreal/Jonathan Rice (Vauxhall Chevette) [10]
110 Shane Timoney/Niall Timoney (Ford Puma) [5]
111 Niall Morley/Simon McGuinness (Ford Escort) [11]
112 Otto Gropler/Paul McGlinchey (Ford Ka) [5]
113 Barry Treanor/Colm Connolly (Peugeot 205) [10]
114 Alan Egan/Michael Haran (Ford Escort) [10]
115 Ruairi Maguire/Chrystal Culkeen (Honda Civic) [6]
116 Michael Carbin/T.B.A (Peugeot 205) [10]
117 Pauric McGee/Fergal Loughney (Honda Civic) [2]
118 Andrew Stewart/Tony Gallagher (MG ZR) [6]
119 Kieran Sweeney/Adrian Sweeney (Opel Corsa) [9]
120 Stephen Bradley/Jonathan Gallagher (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
121 Adrian Fahy/Aidan Fahy (Ford Escort) [11]
122 Gary Egan/Darragh Mullen (Subaru Impreza) [11]
123 Liam Branley/Joseph Devanney (Puegeot 206 cup car) [6]
124 Damien Scanlon/Paul Wims (Honda Civic) [2]
125 Stevan Rushe/Liam Fleming (Ford Escort) [10]
126 Justin Ryan/John P Ryan (Honda Civic) [11]
127 John Feeney/Anne-Marie Carroll (Honda Civic) [11]
128 Thomas McGlinchey/Tony Curran (MK2 Escort) [11]
129 Patrick Bradley/Gavin O'Donnell (Vauxhall Nova) [10]
130 Avril Hynes/T.B.A (Suzuki Swift) [9]
131 Derek Bolton/Trevor O'Connell (Subaru Impreza) [11]
132 John Walsh/Philip Walsh (Honda Civic) [6]
133 Tom Jordan/T.B.A (Honda Civic) [2]
134 Martin McLoughlin/T.B.A (MK2 Escort) [11]
135 Eamonn McGuigan/T.B.A (Mk2 Escort) []
136 George Baskin/Rory Thomas (VW Golf) []
137 Jeffrey Dolan/Conor Murphy (Talbot Sunbeam) [13]
138 Justin Comer/Shane Reidy (Honda Civic EK4) [6]
139 Andrew Lang/Niall Monaghan (Ford Fiesta RWD) [9]
140 Andrew Slattery/Shaun Forde (Peugeot 205 GTI) [10]
141 Mark Donnelly/T.B.A (Citreon C2R2) [2]
142 Joe Monaghan/Kevin Monaghan (Honda Civic) [2]
143 Paul Curley/Des Daniels (Honda Civic EK4) [6]
144 Charlie Nilan/Ruth O'Kane (Honda Civic) [2]
145 Enda McLoughlin/J Reilly (MK2 Escort) [10]
146 Ivor Scott/T.B.A (Ford Escort) [12]

Goodluck Note from Dale Moscatt

Posted: March 12, 2010 9:35 AM

Goodluck Note from Dale Moscatt

Withdrawals

Posted: March 10, 2010 1:08 PM

7 Kevin Kelleher/Paddy Robinson (Mit Lancer Evo 9) [4]
14 Michael O'Brien/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC) [8]

Co-driver tutorial

Posted: March 9, 2010 7:37 PM

After drivers briefing on Sunday morning, competitor liaison officer Ger healy will hold a brief road book & timecard tutorial for any novice/inexperienced co-drivers
Ger will answer any questions regarding paperwork during this time.

Rally Guide / Final Instructions 1

Posted: March 8, 2010 7:22 PM

Mayo Stages Rally

Winner of the Co-drivers seat with Ostberg

Posted: March 8, 2010 7:21 PM

Winner:
Mark Kilgallon

Lucky ticket was drawn by Mick Flavin (www.mickflavin.com) in the McWilliam Park Hotel.

Mark's day will be captured by ProMotion in car cameras!

Entry List

Posted: March 4, 2010 10:41 PM

1 Aaron MacHale/Dermot Falvey (Ford Focus WRC) [8]
2 Melvyn Evans/Patrick Walsh (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
3 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
4 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
5 Derek McGarrity/James McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
6 Craig Breen/Dai Roberts (Ford Fiesta S2000) [4]
7 Kevin Kelleher/Paddy Robinson (Mit Lancer Evo 9) [4]
8 Daniel McKenna/Andrew Grennan (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
9 Manus Kelly/Donall Barrett (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
10 Maurice Moffett/Martin McGarrighty (Toyota Starlet RWD) [14]
11 Danny McBride/Ambrose Given (Mit Lancer Evo 8) [4]
12 Camillus Bradley/Crawford Henderson (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
14 Michael O'Brien/Martin Brady (Ford Focus WRC) [8]
15 Sean Flanagan/Brian Miller (Subaru Impreza N12) [4]
16 Damien Gallagher/Paul Garry (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
17 Trevor Mulligan/Sean Hayde (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
18 Trevor Bustard/Kenny Bustard (Mit Lancer Evo 8) [4]
19 Mark Courtney/Mick Courtney (Toyota Celica GT-Four) [15]
20 Eugene Ferry/Derek Heena (Ford Escort Mk II) [14]
21 Russell Woods/Martin Byrne (Ford Escort Mk II) [13]
22 Victor Hunter/Michael Doherty (Ford Escort Mk II) [13]
23 Raymond Conlon/James O'Reilly (Toyota Corolla) [13]
24 Stuart Darcy/Lee Jordan (Toyota Corolla) [11]
25 Anthony Hand/Emmet Sherry (MK2 Escort) [11]
26 Neil Pierse/Enda O'Leary (Honda Civic) [11]
27 Samuel Kelso/Gareth Doherty (Ford Escort) [13]
28 Richard Burke/T.B.A (Subaru) [15]
29 Gary McElhinney/Damien Connolly (Subaru Legacy) [15]
30 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (MK2 Escort) [14]
31 Daniel Conaghan/Trevor Graham (MK2 Escort) [13]
32 Raymond Drury/Sean Brunton (Ford Escort) [14]
33 Mervyn Deane/Trevor Burke (MK2 Escort) [13]
34 Gary Reidy/Paul Sheridan (Mk2 Escort) [14]
35 Michael Conlon/Aidan Boyle (MK2 Escort) [13]
36 Daniel Harper/Paula Swinscoe (BMW Mini) [14]
37 John McGettrick/James McDermott (MK2 Escort) [13]
38 Damian Toner/Paddy McCague (MK2 Escort) [14]
39 Gerry Smyth/Gregory McQuillan (Ford Escort) [12]
40 James Browne/Terence Magee (Ford Escort) [13]
41 James Culliney/Eddie McLoughlin (Ford Escort) [12]
42 Jack Maguire/T.B.A (T.B.A) []
43 David Leonard/L Jordan (Citreon Saxo) [6]
44 Mark Wedlock/Adam Kinnade (Ford Escort) [11]
45 Colin Loughney/Michael Loughney (Ford Escort) [12]
46 Daniel Breslin/Johnny Jordan (Toyota Corolla) [11]
47 Llyod Hutchinson/Kevin Flanagan (Mini Cooper S) [9]
48 Richard Moffett/Laura Moffett (Toyota Starlet) [11]
49 Joe Connolly/John Connolly (Ford Escort RS) [14]
50 Pat Price/Stephen Price (Subaru N12B) [4]
51 Shane Maguire/Paul Kelly (Subaru Impreza) [4]
52 Alan Sweeney/Timmy Lunn (Ford Escort) [11]
53 Chris Melly/Daniel Melly (Vauxhall Chevette) [13]
54 Stephen Baxter/Karl Atkinson (Ford Fiesta R2) [6]
55 Thomas Carolan/Declan Smith (Ford Escort) [9]
56 Joe McGonigle/Niall Burns (Citreon C2R2) [6]
57 Rory Byrne/Jeremy Patterson (Evo 9) [4]
58 Gerry Ronan/Connie Kirrane (Evo 6) [8]
59 Colin Flanagan/T.B.A (Escort Cosworth) [15]
60 Andrew Mullen/Elaine Doherty (Evo 8) [8]
61 Sean McHugh/T.B.A (BMW M3 Compact) [14]
62 Brendan McAree/T.B.A (Evo 9) [4]
63 Adrian Cannon/Ivan Hernon (Honda Civic) [2]
64 Stephen Furey/Niall McCalliog (Toyota Corolla) [11]
65 P.J Bonner/Paddy Boyle (Ford Focus) [14]
66 Terence McHugh/Patrick McHugh (Ford Escort) [12]
67 Colin Currid/Raymond Currid (Vauxhall Nova) [9]
68 Eamon McCrystal/Kevin Bann (Ford Escort) [7]
69 Ambrose Gaughan/Derek Molloy (Toyota Corolla) [9]
70 Rory Carroll/Michael Melly (Ford Escort) [12]
71 Patrick Bonner/Anthony Bonner (Ford Escort) [12]
72 Ian Hynes/Martin Collins (Honda Civic Type R) [3]
73 Seamus Gallagher/Leonard Craig (Toyota Corolla) [11]
74 Richard McGaugh/Ronan Flanagan (Ford Escort) [12]
75 Walter Burke/Alan Gibbons (Ford Escort) [12]
76 Gary Gallagher/Paddy Duffy (Ford Escort) [11]
77 David Moffett/Andrew Spears (Toyota Starlet) [11]
78 Kevin Kelly/Paul Hegarty (Ford Escort) [13]
79 Paddy Walker/T.B.A (Puegeot 206 Xsi) [6]
80 Barry Cuffe/Jason Flynn (Ford Escort) [12]
81 John Kelly/Adrian Flynn (Toyota Corolla) [10]
82 Paul Clarke/Gary Copperthwaite (Ford Escort) [10]
83 Alan Sheridan/Gerry Conlon (MK2 Escort) [14]
84 Fiachra Moran/Shan O'Brien (Ford Escort) [12]
85 Roger Kennedy/Wendy Blackledge (Peugeot 306) [7]
86 Pakie Duffy/Colin Duffy (Honda Civic) [3]
87 Marcus Molloy/Damien Cleary (Honda Civic) [11]
88 John Duffy/John Egan (Honda Integra ) [7]
89 Anthony Masterson/Tommy Clinton (Honda Integra ) [7]
90 Michael Peoples/Stephen Gallinagh (MK2 Escort) [12]
91 Ciaran Walsh/Aidan Gannon (Honda Civic) [2]
92 Dermot Cannon/John McLoone (Toyota Corolla ) []
93 Shane Briscoe/Greg Campbell (Honda Civic) [2]
94 Paddy Boyce/Kevin Kearney (Peugeot 205) [13]
95 Ciaran Kennedy/Paul McGinnis (Honda Civic) [2]
96 Mathew Murphy/John Burke (Toyota Corolla) [11]
97 Pa Bellew/Willie Fitzpatrick (MK2 Escort) [9]
98 Andrew Knox/T.B.A (Ford Escort) [11]
99 Declan McShane/Bobby Trimble (Honda Civic) [2]
100 David Carney/Ray Fitzpatrick (Citreon C2R2) [6]
101 Eamonn McCafferty/Kenneth McHale (Ford Puma) [5]
102 Peter McCarry/Patrick Gallagher (Ford Escort) [13]
103 Joe Shrimpton/Ed Muldoon (Citreon C2R2) [6]
104 Vincent Collins/Fintan Kilroe (Talbot Sunbeam) [11]
105 Seamus Doherty/Peter Byrne (MK2 Escort) [11]
106 Jonathan Thompson/Finbar Boyle (Ford Escort) [11]
107 Padraic Roche/Paddy O'Hora (MK2 Escort) [12]
108 Barry Gallagher/Diarmuid Dunne (Suzuki Swift) [9]
109 Eoin McGreal/Jonathan Rice (Vauxhall Chevette) [10]
110 Shane Timoney/Niall Timoney (Ford Puma) [5]
111 Niall Morley/Simon McGuinness (Ford Escort) [11]
112 Otto Gropler/Paul McGlinchey (Ford Ka) [5]
113 Barry Treanor/Colm Connolly (Peugeot 205) [10]
114 Alan Egan/Michael Haran (Ford Escort) [10]
115 Ruairi Maguire/Chrystal Culkeen (Honda Civic) [6]
116 Michael Carbin/T.B.A (Peugeot 205) [10]
117 Pauric McGee/Fergal Loughney (Honda Civic) [2]
118 Andrew Stewart/Tony Gallagher (MG ZR) [6]
119 Kieran Sweeney/Adrian Sweeney (Opel Corsa) [9]
120 Stephen Bradley/Jonathan Gallagher (Honda Civic EK4) [2]
121 Adrian Fahy/Aidan Fahy (Ford Escort) [11]
122 Gary Egan/Darragh Mullen (Subaru Impreza) [11]
123 Liam Branley/Joseph Devanney (Puegeot 205 cup car) [6]
124 Damien Scanlon/Paul Wims (Honda Civic) [2]
125 Stevan Rushe/Liam Fleming (Ford Escort) [10]
126 Justin Ryan/John P Ryan (Honda Civic) [11]
127 John Feeney/Anne-Marie Carroll (Honda Civic) [11]
128 Thomas McGlinchey/Tony Curran (MK2 Escort) [11]
129 Patrick Bradley/Gavin O'Donnell (Vauxhall Nova) [10]
130 Avril Hynes/T.B.A (Suzuki Swift) [9]
131 Derek Bolton/Trevor O'Connell (Subaru Impreza) [11]
132 John Walsh/Philip Walsh (Honda Civic) [6]
133 Tom Jordan/T.B.A (Honda Civic) [2]
134 Martin McLoughlin/T.B.A (MK2 Escort) [11]
135 Eamonn McGuigan/T.B.A (Mk2 Escort) []

RSA Brings Its Shuttle To The Mayo Stages Rally

Posted: March 4, 2010 5:35 PM

Visitors to this year's Mayo Stages Rally will have a special opportunity to visit the Road Safety Authority's Interactive Shuttle which will be based at Rally Headquarters The McWilliam Park Hotel over the rally week-end. This impressive facility provides a unique insight into the work being done by the RSA to improve road safety, via the use of state-of-the-art simulators and multi-media experiences. Mayo & District Motorsport Club is delighted to welcome the RSA Shuttle to the Mayo Stages Rally - why not pay a visit as part of your rally week-end.

Late Entries Still Being Accepted
Mayo & District Motorsport Club is still accepting late entries for the 2010 Mayo Stages Rally.
Contact 087 2442 190 / +353 87 2442 190

Posted: March 4, 2010 5:34 PM

Front Row left to right:
Aaron MacHale (Road Safety Authority Advocate and 2008 Dunlop National Rally Champion)
Jarlath Sweeney (Fleet Transport Magazine)
David Glynn (Sales & Marketing Manager, McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris)
John Cribben (Chairman, Mayo County Council)
Joe Corcoran (President, Motorsport Ireland)
Seamus Gallagher (McWilliam Park Hotel)
Killian Duffy (Assistant Clerk of the Course, Mayo Stages Rally 2010)

Back Row left to right:
John Duffy (Secretary, Mayo & District Motorsport Club)
James Kean (Chairman, Claremorris Chamber of Commerce)
Richard Finn (Councillor, Mayo County Council)
Kathleen Kennedy (Secretary, Mayo Stages Rally 2010)
Sean McHugh (Chairman, Mayo & District Motorsport Club)
Tom Walsh (Mayo & District Motorsport Club Steward)
Danny McHugh (Costcutters, Ballindine)
Eamonn Walsh (Clerk of the Course, Mayo Stages Rally 2010)
Joe McHugh (Supermacs, Ballindine)
Photo: Michael Donnelly (mayopics.com)

Mads Ostberg Tickets Selling Out Fast

Posted: March 2, 2010 3:24 PM

With only a few days until the closing date on March 4th, time is running out for anybody still hoping to win the fantastic prize to co-drive Norwegian star Mads Ostberg on the Mayo Stages Rally.

This opportunity to sit alongside a genuine World Rally star in Mick a 2.5 litre Ford Escort Mark 2 has unsurprisingly attracted immense interest, and there are now only a limited number of tickets remaining before a lucky winner is drawn by raffle.

Remember, no previous competition experience is necessary, the only stipulation is that you must be aged 16 or over.
Contact 087 635 5088 / +353 87 635 5088 for tickets.

Two Television Rally Programmes For Mayo Stages Rally

Posted: February 26, 2010 3:00 PM

The 2010 McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally is to receive unprecedented coverage, with not one, but two separate television programmes to be broadcast on the event.

Firstly the rally will be shown on the On The Limit Sports programme for the Dunlop National Rally Championship. These well-established half hour programmes are shown on Setanta and other satellite channels.

Additionally the Mayo Stages Rally will also be the feature of a half hour programme by Irish terrestrial channel TG4 as part of a new series covering the HASS Border Rally Championship. The programme will be shown at 11.30 am on Saturday morning a few weeks after the event and repeated later that week.

It means the Mayo Stages Rally will be one of the most widely covered rallies ever, great news for sponsors, competitors and rally enthusiasts alike.

Mayo Stages Rally Heading Towards Capacity Entry

Posted: February 26, 2010 2:29 PM

With just a few days left before entries for the 2010 Mayo Stages Rally close on Tuesday March 2nd, a capacity field is looking likely, with 125 entries received to date. Any competitors hoping to take part in the rally will need to get their application form in to Event Secretary Kathleen Kennedy without delay, or risk missing out on a great event.

Regulations:

Mayo Stages Rally

Large Turnout For Official Launch of Mayo Stages Rally

Posted: February 25, 2010 3:48 PM

At the official launch of the 2010 McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally, Mayo & District Motorsport Club outlined information about the event and some of the exciting innovations planned. These include a ceremonial start on the Saturday evening, a special competition for Group A cars from 1987 to 1997, and an opportunity to win a prize to co-drive World Rally star Mads Ostberg on the Mayo Stages Rally.

The club also outlined details of its collaboration with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to promote road safety around the event. The RSA is bringing its Interactive Shuttle to Claremorris and will be open to the public over the rally weekend.

Speaking at the rally launch Mayo & District Motorsport Club Chairman Sean McHugh said,
“It is great to welcome the rally to my own local area. Many thanks to the McWilliam Park Hotel which has provided us the opportunity to move to this location. With fresh stages for competitors to sample, it’s a new era for the Mayo Stages Rally”.

Clerk of the Course for the 2010 McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally, Eamonn Walsh said
“Tonight’s press launch has set a precedent for the Mayo Stages Rally, and we look forward to running a successful event on March 14th. Many thanks to all our sponsors who have made the running of the 2010 Mayo Stages Rally possible”.

Welcoming the rally to the Claremorris region John Cribben, Chairman of Mayo County Council said
“I would like to thank Mayo & District Motorsport Club for inviting me to the launch of the 2010 Mayo Stages Rally. This is the first time the event has been held here in Claremorris. It is a huge event for Mayo and for the West of Ireland, bringing thousands of people here over the rally week-end, and will be a major boost to local businesses.”

Sales and Marketing Manager of title sponsors The McWilliam Park Hotel David Glynn said
“We are delighted to be associated with the 2010 Mayo Stages Rally. There has been great enthusiasm for the event so far as evidenced by the large turnout here tonight. Congratulations to Eamonn, Killian and their team for their ambition and hard work in bringing this event to this area. We look forward to welcoming all our visitors to Claremorris and the McWilliam Park Hotel on rally week-end.”

Joe Corcoran, President of Motorsport Ireland said
“It is wonderful to see a big crowd here tonight for the launch of the Mayo Stages Rally. With a young organizing team and some great sponsors in The McWilliam Park Hotel, Supermacs and Costcutters on board, the 2010 rally is shaping up to be an excellent event. The Mayo club has been to the forefront in promoting initiatives such as road safety in recent years, and having the Road Safety Authority Interactive Shuttle in Claremorris for the rally week-end will continue to highlight this important message. I would also like to acknowledge Dunlop and Henderson Auto Sport & Spares for their continued contribution to the sport of rallying”.

Speaking on behalf of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), leading rally competitor and RSA Advocate Aaron MacHale said
“It is encouraging that there has been a reduction in road deaths in Ireland recently. However a lot of deaths are still related to speed and we need to continue to get the message across to drive carefully on public roads. I would like to thank Mayo & District Motorsport Club and Fleet Transport Magazine for inviting the RSA Interactive Shuttle to the Mayo Stages Rally, and for working with local schools and communities to promote the road safety message”.

Mayo Stages Rally

Raffle tickets to co-drive for Mads Ostberg available @ Birr Stages

Posted: February 24, 2010 1:59 PM

Raffle tickets to co-drive for Mads Ostberg on the Mayo Stages Rally in a 2.5l Mk2 Escort will be for sale in the rally office at Birr Stages Rally on Saturday evening.
Limited number of tickets still available, for €10 you could be co-driving with a wrc regular!
No previous experience necessary, over 16's only.
Any profits from the draw will be donated to charity

Mayo Stages Rally Launch Night - Wednesday February 24

Posted: February 23, 2010 4:06 PM

Mayo & District Motorsport Club will officially launch the 2010 Mayo Stages Rally at the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris at 8pm on Wednesday 24th February 2010 commencing at 8 pm. Details and information about the rally, including some of the innovations being planned for this year's event will be unveiled, and a number of rally cars will be on display.
All are welcome to attend.

Competitors are reminded that the closing date for receipt of entry applications for the rally is next Tuesday, March 2nd 2010.

Mayo Stages Rally 2010 - Facebook and Twitter Pages

Posted: February 18, 2010 8:08 PM

Facebook Page

Twitter

Mayo Stages Rally 2010 Promotional Video

Posted: February 16, 2010 5:20 PM

Entries Pouring In For Mayo Stages Rally

Posted: February 13, 2010 9:09 AM

With just four weeks to the start of the 2010 McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally, organisers are busy putting final preparations in place for the popular West of Ireland event, the 2nd round of the National Rally Championship and the opening round of the HASS Border Rally Championship. Already more than 60 entries have been received for what is shaping up to be an exciting and challenging rally, and organisers are encouraging competitors to get their entries in as soon as possible to ensure a place on the starting ramp on March 14th.

Mayo & District Motorsport Club has confirmed that a prize of €1,000 is on offer to the winner of the Gerry Ronan Transport Group A Challenge. This unique competition within the main event is open to all cars that conform to original FIA Group A Homologation from 1987 to 1997 (excluding WRC cars). It promises to be a great opportunity so see some of the iconic Subarus, Fords, Toyotas and others from what many consider a golden era in rallying once again competing on rally stages.

Rally Timekeepers Procedures and Training Course (Mayo) - (Mon) 22 Feb 10

Posted: February 13, 2010 9:08 AM

Rally Timekeepers Procedures and Training Course (Mayo) - (Mon) 22 Feb 10

Mads Ostberg to Drive Escort Mk2 in Mayo
Raffle for Codrivers Seat

Posted: February 6, 2010 12:24 AM

Calling All Mark 2 Drivers!

Do you think you've got what it takes to beat one of the best? Well come to the Mayo Stages Rally 2010 and pit your times against Norwegian Mads Ostberg. Mads who is Norwegian Rally Champion 2007 and 2009 is also a regular on the WRC competing on twenty three WRC round since 2006.

The 2009 season brought mixed fortunes for Mads running one of the latest spec Subaru Impreza S14 . He started the season well with a ninth place finish on his home Rally Norway.

This was followed by an excellent 6th in Portugal and two seventh places in Italy and Greece respectively. Unfortunately he was set to retire from the next three rounds.

Mads jumped at the opportunity of coming to Mayo to sample some of the Irish roads. He will be driving a 2.5 litre Millington engined Mark 2 Escort. Mads was kind enough to allow the club to raffle off his navigators seat to one lucky winner.

Tickets will be on sale on www.mayostagesrally.com and from representatives at the Galway International Rally.

As they say if your not in you cant win. Tickets are €10 each you must be over 16 to enter and there is no limit to the amount of tickets that can be purchased.

So can you be mad enough to beat Mads? Come to the Mayo Stages Rally 2010.

Mayo Stages Rally

EMP Furniture sponsor Ceremonial Start

Posted: February 1, 2010 3:50 PM

Mayo and District Motorsport club are delighted to announce that well known mk2 escort drivers Mervyn & Derek Deane through their business EMP Furniture Williamstown, Co. Galway have come on board to sponsor the Ceremonial start for McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally.

The ceremonial start takes place on Saturday 13th March at 9pm in Claremorris town centre, crews nominated by the organisers are required to complete the ceremonial start in order to raise the profile of rallying to the general public, and create a festival atmosphere for the Rally.

Along with the buzz of rally cars, there will be live entertainment, rally simulator, and rally merchandising, so invite family, friends, and sponsors to the event for a great night. The McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally will be one of Mayo’s biggest sporting events in 2010.

Gerry Ronan Transport to Sponsor GpA Challenge

Posted: January 28, 2010 3:11 PM

Gerry Ronan Transport are pleased to announce their sponsorship of this unique challenge and equally pleased to be involved with the Mayo and District Motor Club for their upcoming event.

Gerry himself has been involved as a competitor in the sport down through the years and is more than happy to give something back to the sport he enjoys so much.

He wishes a safe and enjoyable day to all competitors and hopes that the sights and sounds of these Group A cars in action will swell the crowds on the hedges at the Mayo and District MC Rally .

More Details:

Mayo Stages Rally

Group A Challenge

Posted: January 28, 2010 2:45 PM

The Mayo and District Motor Sport Club are delighted to announce that they will be running a Group A Challenge open all GpA cars 2wd & 4wd (1987-1997) conforming to their last homologation papers (excluding WRC cars).

There will a prize fund of over €1000 for the winner of the Challenge a great incentive to bring these beasts back to the stages.

The 2010 Mayo Stages Rally (14th March) will be based out of the McWilliam Park Hotel Claremorris with centralized service just beside the hotel.

The compact route encompasses nine tough tests with over 120km of competitive stage mileage, which should certainly dust the cobwebs off these Group A rally machines.

There has been a distinct lack of these cars on the rally scene in recent years and the Mayo Stages Rally organisers hope that this new challenge will bring them out again!

Mayo Stages Rally

Regulations and Details

Posted: January 28, 2010 2:40 PM

Preparations are well underway for the 2010 McWilliam Park Hotel Mayo Stages Rally. The event is the second round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, and the first round of the HASS Border Rally Championship.

The event changes base this year to Claremorris, utilising 3 completely new stages repeated 3 times each, with the added benefit of Rally HQ (McWilliam Park Hotel), Parc Ferme, and Service Park located in the same area.

Stage mileage and road mileage each totals 120km respectively, resulting in a competitor friendly, compact loop with service after every 3 stages.
There are some new innovations for the event, firstly there will be a Ceremonial Start in Claremorris town centre on Saturday night 13th March for competitors nominated by the organising committee.

Also a brand new idea for Irish rallying is a GpA Challenge, this is for all GpA cars 2wd & 4wd (1987-1997) conforming to their last homologation papers (excluding WRC cars).
There will a prize fund of over €1000 & a Trophy for the winner of the Challenge a great incentive to bring these beasts back to the stages.
The Mayo Stages Rally 2010 is being run BY competitors FOR competitors.

Entries are available to download from the Rally Website,

Regs will be posted to competitors that contested the 2009 Mayo Stages Rally and also to people who registered for the HASS Border Rally Championship 2009.

Regulations and More Details:

Mayo Stages Rally

Official Website

Posted: January 28, 2010 2:22 PM

Mayo Stages Rally

• Mayo & District Motorclub

Club Website

Posted: January 1, 2010 12:01 AM

• Mayo & District Motorclub