Donegal Harvest Stages Rally - (Sat) 13 Oct 12

In-Car

Posted: February 28, 2014 11:17 AM

Brian O'Mahony & John Higgins (Subaru Impreza WRC) SS5


Dessie Keenan & James McCarville (Ford Escort MkII 1.6 16V)


Arthur Kierans & Mac Kierans (Ford Escort MkII 2.0 8V) SS1


Enda McLaughlin & Michael Reilly (Ford Escort MkII) SS7


Johnny O'Connor & Keith Moriarty (Citroen C2 R2)

Video Clips

Posted: February 28, 2014 11:09 AM

O’MAHONY/HIGGINS REAP THE DUNLOP CHAMPIONSHIP IN DONEGAL HARVEST RALLY - Report courtsy of Dunlop Proud Sponsors of the Dunlop National Rally Championship.

Posted: February 28, 2014 11:01 AM

CORK’s, Brian O’Mahony and his Mayo, co-driver, John Higgins, on board their Subaru WRC, clinched the Dunlop National Rally Championship with third place on the Donegal Harvest Rally, the eighth and final round of the series.

They finished five seconds ahead of the similar Subaru WRC of title rivals, Monaghan’s, Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry with Kerry pair, Thomas Fitzmaurice/Fionn Foley (Subaru WRC), who were also involved in the Dunlop title showdown, a further 34 seconds adrift.

O’Mahony, who led the series by six points prior to the start of this last round, needed to finish within three places of his closest rival, Thomas Fitzmaurice. With Declan Boyle, who was second in the rally, taking maximum Dunlop points, O’Mahony’s points haul in Donegal, that amounted to 18 (second registered competitor) gave him a championship winning margin of ten points with Fitzmaurice second in the series, two points ahead of Maguire.

The rally was won Fermanagh’s, Garry Jennings/Neil Doherty (Subaru WRC), who finished eleven seconds ahead of local crew, Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru WRC).

Meanwhile, Tyrone’s, Frank Kelly and his Cork co-driver, Liam Brennan (Ford Escort) won the rally.ie award within the Dunlop series, this despite a massive off road excursion into a field, their only rivals, Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne, also in an Escort, were two places behind.

The Cork crew of Bernard Foley/Paul Twomey (Honda Civic) won the Dunlop Junior National Rally Championship with a category win.

On the opening stage, O’Mahony was the quickest of the Dunlop contenders - a mere second ahead of Maguire with Fitzmaurice five seconds further behind. The championship leader hurt his wrist and completed the stage in great discomfort while his rivals were untroubled, although Maguire reckoned he should have been quicker and Fitzmaurice claimed he wasn’t at ease.

Out at the front, Declan Boyle (Subaru WRC) set a cracking pace to lead last year’s winner, Garry Jennings by three seconds. Donagh Kelly was third – 13 seconds behind. The Dunlop trio of O’Mahony, Maguire and Fitzmaurice followed. Seventh placed, Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet) led the Modified category as Kevin Barrett, James Stafford and Martin Doherty rounded off the top ten. Stafford retired with clutch troubles.

Jennings set the pace on the second stage to move into the lead and when the crews returned to the Laghy service halt, the Fermanagh ace, despite a brush with the scenery on S.S. 3, Lough Eske, enjoyed a nine second lead over Boyle with Kelly a second behind his fellow Donegal driver. Boyle was concerned as the suspension needed adjustment as his Subaru was difficult to handle. Kelly admitted to a few moments on both stages.

In the quest for the Dunlop series, O’Mahony was still in pole position even though Maguire had moved four seconds ahead of the Cork driver with Fitzmaurice eight seconds behind the Dunlop leader. O’Mahony remarked that due to his wrist injury, it was difficult to drive the car, particularly in the tighter sections of the stages. Maguire admitted he could have pushed harder while Fitzmaurice said, “I’m not at ease, I don’t know why, I’m all over the place.”

Gallagher in seventh led the Modified category, eighth placed Kevin Kelleher (Subaru WRC) spun on the first and second stage, he also hit the rear of his Subaru and not surprisingly, stated he had no confidence in the car. The top ten was completed by Martin Doherty (Mitsubishi) and Columba Heena (Toyota Corolla). Elsewhere, Frank Kelly (Escort) was just concentrating on clinching the rally.ie category of the Dunlop series by staying ahead of Jonathan Pringle (Escort), they were twelfth and nineteenth respectively.

Sheared wheel studs led to the retirement of Kevin Barrett (Subaru WRC) on the second stage, earlier, Shane Maguire (Subaru) also departed the fray - just a mile into the opening stage. Dessie Keenan (Ford Escort) on his first rally in some two years was eleventh.

The Dunlop contenders had an eventful second loop, O’Mahony overshot on the fourth stage and lost time, and then, on S.S. 5, he was waved down by a marshal some five kilometres from the finish as medical assistance was urgently required by a stage resident. O’Mahony, who stopped at the location, finished the stage with Fitzmaurice hot on his heels. Maguire endured brake troubles at the end of S.S. 5 and then dropped considerable time on S.S. 6 where he also had an overshoot. A somewhat subdued Fitzmaurice reckoned he just couldn’t get into the groove.

Following the S.S. 5 incident, the organisers, the Donegal Motor Club, applied Jennings’ time to all the crews. In terms of the Dunlop series, O’Mahony was in pole position – four ahead of Maguire with Fitzmaurice five seconds behind the Monaghan driver. At the final service, Jennings led Boyle by eleven seconds with Kelly, who was fastest on S.S. 6, a mere two seconds behind, all three very much in the hunt for event success.

Kelleher in seventh place was unhappy with his tyre choice while Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet) continued to lead the Modified category, Martin Doherty (Mitsubishi) led Group N and Columba Heena (Toyota Corolla) rounded off the top ten.

As the Dunlop series drew to a close, there was no major drama over the final loop as O’Mahony/Higgins went on to claim the Dunlop National Rally Championship. Clutching the Vard Memorial Trophy, O’Mahony remarked,
“I’m absolutely over the moon, it’s been a tough year, I’m delighted, for myself, John (Higgins), all the McKinstry team and the rest of the lads that helped us out during the year. I made it a bit hard for myself, I dislocated my wrist on Stage 1 and it made driving very difficult. I kept things neat and tidy, the lads at the front were on a strong pace, I didn’t need to win today and it all worked out in the end.”

O’Mahony is the first Cork driver to win the National Championship since 1981 (Ger Buckley),
“It’s been a long long time, hopefully, it will stay there for a long time to come yet.” commented O’Mahony. Maguire and Fitzmaurice were next in classification but that order was reversed within the Dunlop series, albeit by two points.

Event winner, Garry Jennings (Subaru WRC) completed two notable hat-tricks. It was his third successive victory in the Donegal Harvest Rally and he also became the first driver to win all three Donegal events in the same season, earlier in the year, he won the Donegal Forest Rally and last June took victory in the Donegal International Rally.

Boyle was second but Donagh Kelly he retired his Subaru following a vibration from the front wheel and rather than risk any damage, withdrew from the rally.

Kelleher finished sixth overall. Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet) who was seventh in general classification, also netted the top award in the Modified category. Martin Doherty (Mitsubishi) won Group N and the final places in the top ten were annexed by the Mk. 2 Escort duo of Camillus Bradley and Dessie Keenan.

Results

Posted: February 28, 2014 10:04 AM

1 Garry Jennings/Neil Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC) 78m 06s,
2 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC) 78m 17s,
3 Brian O’Mahony/John Higgins (Subaru Impreza WRC) 80m 06s,
4 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) 80m 11s,
5 Thomas Fitzmaurice/Fionn Foley (Subaru Impreza WRC) 80m 45s,
6 Kevin Kelleher/John McCafferty (Subaru Impreza WRC) 81m 32s,
7 Declan Gallagher/Ronan Murrin (Toyota Starlet RWD) 82m 42s,
8 Martin Doherty/Damien McCauley (Lancer Evo 9 Gp N) 83m 25s,
9 Camillus Bradley/Crawford Henderson (Ford Escort MkII) 83m 50s,
10 Dessie Keenan/James McCarville (Escort) 83m 55s.

Leaders After:
SS1 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2-9 Garry Jennings/Neil Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC)

Stage Winners
SS1 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS2 Garry Jennings/Neil Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS3 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS4 Garry Jennings/Neil Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS5 Stage Stopped after first car.
SS6 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS7 Garry Jennings/Neil Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS8 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)
SS9 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC)

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

DUNLOP DAY OF DESTINY - Courtesy of Dunlop proud sponsors of the Dunlop National Rally Championship

Posted: October 12, 2012 3:25 PM

THE Dunlop National Rally Championship reaches its day of destiny in Donegal on Saturday next with the Donegal Harvest Rally, the eighth and final round of this great odyssey that began last February.

The quest for success in this year’s Dunlop series has produced an epic contest with one of the closest battles in recent decades of the popular Dunlop series.

The three title protagonists, Cork’s, Brian O’Mahony, Kerry’s, Thomas Fitzmaurice (Kerry) and Monaghan’s, Niall Maguire (Monaghan), all driving S11 Subaru WRC’s, are vying for the Vard Memorial Trophy.

In terms of points, O’Mahony has 96 points from Fitzmaurice with 90 points and Niall Maguire with 86 points. Whilst there are a number of permutations, O’Mahony will take the title – provided he secures a top three Dunlop points finish, irrespective of his rivals. Should he finish fourth in the Dunlop points with Fitzmaurice taking maximum points, the latter will be crowned champion, albeit on a tie-break. Meanwhile, Maguire, who has won the series three times in the past (1999, 2002 & 2004) needs to win in Donegal with both of his rivals scoring considerably less points.

The top seed for what is a cracking entry is last year’s Harvest winner, Garry Jennings, who will drive a hired Subaru WRC over the nine stage encounter with stages at Ballintra, Laghey and Lough Esk.

The Fermanagh ace is bidding for a unique Donegal treble, earlier this year, in a Subaru 555, he won the Donegal Forest Rally; in June, he won the International Rally in Letterkenny driving an S14 Subaru WRC and on Saturday, he will try to complete the hat-trick all in the one season. Incidentally, Jennings is also aiming to win the Harvest for a third consecutive year.

Of course, the Dunlop trio will just concentrate on their particular duel. O’Mahony has won on his last three outings (Carlow, Tipperary and Clare) and moved to the top of the Dunlop standings following his victory on the Clare Rally.
“It’s all very tight, I think it doesn’t really matter who is first or second although I think it is easier to chase, rather than be chased. For my own sake, I really need to finish within a few seconds of Thomas (Fitzmaurice), I cannot afford to be too far behind, certainly, there is no room for error.”

He added, “The plan is to give it one hundred per cent, I think the three of us will have to go as hard as we can. I found the Clare Rally to be a tough challenge and it was my most satisfying result of the season.”

Meanwhile, Fitzmaurice, who has led all season until he retired from the Clare Rally, is eagerly awaiting the final showdown.
“You know, I think I am actually in a better position than Brian (O’Mahony), the pressure is on him really. I was delighted with my pace on the opening stages in Clare, obviously, I was disappointed to have retired, all I can do now is go to Donegal and enjoy it.”

Niall Maguire, with one victory (Mayo) to his credit, hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck this season. In Tipperary, he was leading until he was forced to retire after the wheel studs sheared.
“I think there is going to be a lot more pressure on Brian (O’Mahony) and Thomas (Fitzmaurice), than on myself. I know that winning the Dunlop series is a tall order, but I have nothing to lose, Donegal is very different territory, it’s very tricky. The last time the series was as tough as this was in 1999 with John Gilleece.” Maguire has come close to winning a fourth title on several occasions, but it remains elusive. “I’m trying my hardest, I feel I am driving very well at the moment, but it’s getting tougher all the time.”

Having finished fourth on the Donegal International, local driver, Donagh Kelly (Subaru WRC) will be keen to improve on this position, local honour in the All-Ireland Football winning county, is always a major talking point.

Tyrone’s, Seamus Leonard (Subaru) could be the surprise packet, he is always impressive on the stages in Donegal and will certainly be in the shake-up for top spot.

Meanwhile, after finishing second in last week’s Cork “20” International Rally, another Donegal driver, Declan Boyle (Subaru WRC) should benefit from his two day experience on the Cork event. A former winner of the rally.ie two-wheel drive award in the Dunlop series, he will pilot the ex-Tim McNulty 2011 Dunlop Championship winning Subaru S12B and plans to make a bid for the title in 2013.

Dunlop regular, Kevin Barrett (Subaru WRC) has endured a torrid Dunlop campaign and will be hoping for a strong finish to round off his season.

Cork driver, Kevin Kelleher (Subaru WRC) occupies the number nine berth.

Tyrone’s, Frank Kelly, who has already clinched the inaugural Dunlop Mk. 2 Champions Trophy, is now trying to add the rally.ie two wheel drive award, Cavan’s, Jonathan Pringle is his only rival. Elsewhere, Donegal’s, PJ McDermott will compete in a Subaru WRC.

Meanwhile, the rear wheel drive category has a host of talented drivers including Gary McPhillips (Ford Escort), James Stafford (Darrian T90), Camillus Bradley (Ford Escort), Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet), the aforementioned Pringle along with the Escort quintet of Arthur Kierans, Alastair Cochrane, Martin McGee, Robbie Peoples and Stuart Darcy.

Promising Group N driver, Josh Moffett (Mitsubishi), fellow young gun, Shane Maguire (Subaru) along with the Mitsubishi quartet of Pat Kirk, Conor Harvey, Andrew Mullen and Brendan Kelly are just some of the Group N entries.

Cork driver, Damien McCarthy (Honda Civic), a nominee for this year’s Billy Coleman award, is also competing.

Marshal Meeting Points

Posted: October 11, 2012 1:31 PM

Stage 1 and 2 - Kees of Laghy Topaz Station at 7:30am
Stage 3 McIntyres Topaz Station Killybegs Road at 8am

Notice: Helicopters

Posted: October 11, 2012 9:01 AM

"Anyone attending the Harvest rally is weekend by Helicopter are asked to contact
087 2398444 / +353 87 2398444 for designated landing sites on the stages. "

RTE NEWS: Rallying call for Donegal GAA Stars

Posted: October 11, 2012 8:42 AM

www.rte.ie/sport/player/810/340978/

GAA Super Star Karl Lacey going to a spin ahead of this weekend Harvest Stages Rally
Photo: KG Rally Pics

Sammy Fishers Mini on Display

Posted: October 11, 2012 8:41 AM

The Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages Rally are proud to announce that
Sammy Fishers Mini will be on display at this weekend event
outside the Rally HQ.
We hope everyone comes along and enjoys this piece of History!
Photo: Donegal Motor Club

Programme Outlets

Posted: October 11, 2012 8:37 AM

• Rally HQ: Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town
• Service: Keeys of Laghy
• Foodies: The Diamond, Donegal Town
• Texaco: Killybegs Rd, Donegal Town 
• McIntyres Topaz: Donegal Town
• Tamway Service Station: Killybegs
• Barry's: of Bruckless
• Mace: Stranorlar
• N 13 Service Stationn: Drumkeen
• Brogans Service Station: Clanree Roundabout, Letterkenny
• Mountain Top Service Station: Letterkenny
• Dolans Topaz
• Tobins Topaz: Port Road, Letterkenny
• Sweeneys Spar: Ballyraine, Letterkenny
• Cassidys Shop: Ballintra
• Clearys Garage: Ballyshannon
• Stephen Anderson Pub: Ballintra

Final Instructions No 1

Posted: October 9, 2012 2:06 PM

Available at:

Donegal Motor Club

Overview Map

Posted: October 9, 2012 2:02 PM

View Donegal Harvest rally 2012 Over View Map in a larger map

Reliving History in this years’ Harvest Rally

Posted: October 9, 2012 1:48 PM

The Abbey Hotel Donegal Harvest Stages Rally will this year be using a piece of Motorsport history which will attract rally enthusiast from all corners of the country. Lough Eske a location of exquisite natural beauty surrounded by the majestic Bluestack Mountains the area has an atmosphere of serenity and peace and this has been the ambience for generations. Next Weekend that peace will be disturbed somewhat – maybe even shattered – by the scraping of undercarriages and the throaty burbles of raging exhaust notes from the low-flying competitors in today’s Abbey Hotel Harvest Rally. It will be a noteworthy spectacle to witness these fabulous and varied machines in the hands of highly skilled handlers scrambling for grip on the narrow twisting moorland roads that encircle the lake and disappear in the distant highlands.

The rally is the final round of the National Rally championship and the Border Rally championship and will be the decider for both championship winners. With a strong entry of over 11 WRC cars this event is sure to be the most exciting event of the year so far.

The local organising committee headed up by Eamonn McCafferty and Keith Anderson is delighted to be bringing an event of such calibre to the local area. Events are struggling to get 100 entrants in today's economic climate but deifying all trends the Abbey Hotel event has nearly double that at over 180 entrants.

Eamonn McCafferty Clerk of course
"We would like to thank everyone who entered this event, the stages are excellent, we would like to encourage the locals to come out and support this event as it is a massive boost to the local economy in October. We are anticipating large volumes of traffic in the area over the weekend and urge everyone to drive with extreme car. Ourselves and the local Gardai are working very closely and the Gardai will be out in force over the weekend so we urge motorists to slow down and keep the race in its place"

The Rally will be kicking off on Friday the 12th of October at 3pm with Scrutiny at DMG Motors, Ballybofey Road, Donegal Town.

Saturday the 13th at 9.00am from the Pier where the cars make there way to Service in the Cemex Quarry in Laghey and on the stages at the following times:

Details of the Rally Timetable will be available in the Programme on sale at the week-end showing all the stage locations and times for the competing cars on the stages.

Ceremonial Finish at 17.00 outside the Abbey Hotel where everyone is welcome.

Entry List update

Posted: October 4, 2012 8:31 AM

Withdrawals
112 78

Late Entries:
166 Brian Borgan/Damien McGettigan (Escort Mk2) [14]
167 John Hendy/Mike Brazil (Corolla) [13]
168 Adam Kinkade/TBA (Civic) [6]
170 Brendan Dunne/Brendan Murphy (Civic) [2]
171 Paul Clarke/Paddy Cunninghan (Escort Mk2) [12]

Rally App for Smart Phones

Posted: October 4, 2012 8:24 AM

It is with great delight that the Abbey Hotel Donegal Harvest Stages Rally is today announcing the launch of their "Rally App" for all smart phone users. This App has been created to inform users of, each and every update as it happens on the lead up to the event and during the event.

The App comprising of 4 pages holds key information for competitor, spectator and officials. Valuable information such as Latest News, List of Entrants, a LIVE Twitter feed on Rally day as well as maps and directions to key locations for people travelling to and from the Event.

On speaking to the App Designer and Event PRO Darragh Kelly he said "it is a massive asset to the event, people travelling from all over the country can use the App to get here, find out all the information regarding the event and on the day of the Rally get Live updates from the ends of each stage from the Drivers. The Harvest Rally 2012's aim was to bring information to the competitor and the spectators as early as possible and to stop holding information until the last minute. This is something we have surely achieved looking at the list of 180 entrants. We hope people use the app and come out and support our event"

This App is a little different than the normal one. Its is a web app, you can’t get it in the app store, its simpler, just scan the QR Code and hit "Open in Safari / Brower" click this link and follow the instructions http://store.zapplab.net/#!/donegal. The app will remain on your phone and update automatically.

This new technology is paving the way for Irish Motorsport and Sports alike, The Harvest Rally Committee are delighted to be the first ever Donegal event to use this technology and the first ever national rally to have an App. This years Harvest Rally is undoubtedly shaping up to be the Best Rally of 2012, the event has 180 entrants which is a massive achievement in the current economic climate.

App Instructions:

Using a QR Scanner

1) Scan the QR code on your Phone and on the bottom right corner click "open in Safari"
2) Follow the instruction and save to home screen
3) Change Name to Harvest 2012
Well Done, Your Done

Using the link
store.zapplab.net/#!/donegal
1) Click the link,
2) Follow the instruction and save to home screen
3) Change Name to Harvest 2012
Well Done, Your Done

Donegal Motor Club

Seeded Entry Lists

Posted: October 2, 2012 10:47 AM

No Driver/Co- Driver (Car) [Class]
1 Garry Jennings/Neil Doherty (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
2 Brian O Mahoney/John Higgins (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
3 Thomas Fitzmaurice/Fionn Foley (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
4 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
5 Donagh Kelly/Kevin Flanagan (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
6 Seamus Leonard/John McCafferty (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
7 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
8 Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
9 Kevin Kelleher/TBA (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
10 Frank Kelly/Liam Brennan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
11 Gary McPhillips/Sean McPhillips (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
12 James Stafford/TBA (Darrian T90) [14]
14 Camillus Bradley/Crawford Henderson (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
15 Josh Moffett/John Rowan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
16 Shane Maguire/Marty McGarrity (Subaru N11) [4]
17 PJ McDermott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) [8]
18 Declan Gallagher/Eamonn Doherty (Starlet RWD) [13]
19 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
20 Martin Doherty/Damien McCauley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
21 Pat Kirk/Peter Ward (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
22 Conor Harvey/Geard Callaghan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
23 Arthur Kierans/Mac Kierans (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
24 Alastair Cochrane/Jonathan Charlesson (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
25 Martin McGee/Clodagh McGee (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
26 Robbie Peoples/Keith Stewart (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
27 Stuart Darcy/Dermott Falvey (Ford Escort Mk2) [15]
28 Andrew Mullen/Elaine Doherty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
29 Michael Conlon/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
30 Daniel Conaghan/Terence Magee (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
31 Brendan Kelly/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
32 John O Donnell/Aidan Friel (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
33 Ivan Stewart/Timothy Doogan (Escort Cosworth) [15]
34 Frank Wray/Joe McNulty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [15]
35 Damian McCarthy/Emmett Sherry (Honda Civic) [11]
36 Neil Pierce/ Enda O Leary (Honda Civic) [11]
37 Dessie Keenan/James McCarville (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
38 Stephen Greaney/TBA (Citroen C2) [6]
39 Joseph McGonigle/Ciaran Geaney (Renault Clio R3) [7]
40 Jim McKenna/Thomas Treanor (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
41 Columba Heena/Leonard Marvo Craig (Toyota Corolla) [13]
42 Neil Tohill/Gerard Tohill (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
43 Shane Cullen/Russell Harrold (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
44 John Warren/Ruthann O Connorr (Toyota Corolla) [13]
45 Seamus Connolly/Gary McCrudden (Toyota Corolla) [11]
46 William McFadden/TBA (Escort G3) [13]
47 Conor Watters/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
48 Stephen Furey/Paddy Robinson (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
49 John Ward/Gary McNern (Toyota Corolla) [13]
50 Martin Howley/Shaun Lafferty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [15]
51 Pauric McGee/Dean O Sullivan (Honda Civic) [2]
52 Adrian Cannon/Paddy McCrudden (Honda Civic) [2]
53 Jason Roycroft/Nicole O Shea (Honda Civic) [2]
54 Steve Wood/Johnny Baird (Citroen C2R2) [6]
55 Liam Egan/Raymond Coppinger (Toyota Corolla WRC) [8]
56 Enda Haran/Partick Corcoran (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
57 Peter Greene/Conor Comack (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
58 Shaun Murphy/Geard McGinley (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
59 James Cassidy/Declan Smith (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
60 William Cavanagh/Olivia Coen (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
61 Kevin Bradley/Stephen O Hanlon (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
62 Enda McLaughlin/Michael Reilly (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
63 Eugene O Donnell/Sean Harris (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
64 Gary Cooney/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8) [4]
65 Michael McCollum/Michael Pearson (Subaru Impreza WRC) [15]
66 Brian McFall/Connor O Lone (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo ) [4]
67 Barry McKenna/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
68 Liam Doherty/Niall O Donnell (Escort Mk 2) [14]
69 Damian McGrath/Ruari Maguire (Honda Civic) [11]
70 Enda McCormack/Martin Brady (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [13]
71 Martin Donnolly/Paul Sheridan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
72 James Browne/Brendan McElhinney (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
73 Dermot Cannon/Bobby Trimble (Toyota Corolla) [13]
74 Drew Hunter/Conal Doherty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
75 Declan Leonard/Dermott McCafferty (Ford Fiesta) [3]
76 Packie Duffy/Colin Duffy (Honda Civic) [3]
77 Darragh Kelly/Gerry Hughes (Ford Fiesta ) [3]
78 Dara Leonard/Matthew McKenna (Ford Fiesta) [3]
79 Marc Johnston/Colin Harkness (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
80 Seamus Doherty/Peter Byrne (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
81 Greg McGroary/David McGroary (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
82 Jonny Leonard/Jackie Elliott (Ford Fiesta) [3]
83 Paddy McDaid/Ollie Doherty (Honda Civic ) [3]
84 Kevin Kelly/Paul Hegarty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
85 Vincent Collins/Fintan Kilroe (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
86 Martin McLaughlin/Michael McClafferty (Escort Mk2) [11]
87 Maurice Greaney/Keith McHugh (Citroen C2) [6]
88 Declan McShane/Keith Gorrell (Honda Civic) [2]
89 Barry McGill/Derek Heena (Ford Escort Mk2) [9]
90 Justin Smyth/Gregory McQuillan (Ford Escort Mk2) [9]
91 Damian O Reilly /Damien McCabe (Ford Escort Mk2) [9]
92 Michael Carbin/Evin Hughes (Peugeot 205) [10]
93 Paddy Kiernan/Darren O Brien (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
94 Dermot O Hagan /Pierse Doheny (Corsa) [11]
95 Terry Mc Gonagle/TBA (Honda Civic) [11]
96 Andrew Hegarty/Loretta Kelly (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
97 James Greenan/Jonny Treanor (Corsa) [9]
98 Paddy Shiels/Patrick Gallagher (Starlet RWD) [13]
99 Stephen McFerran/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
100 Tommy McDonagh/Kerrie Barry (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
101 Jimmy Gillispie/Jason Gillespie (Honda Civic) [13]
102 David Smyth/Mark Deery (Toyota Corolla) [11]
103 Barry Treanor/Jonathan Treanor (Peugeot 205) [10]
104 Hugh McQuaid/Chris Melly (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
105 Michael McCarroll/Martin Connolly (Ford Fiesta) [3]
106 Martin Ewing/James Ewing (Peugeot 205) [10]
107 Darragh Doherty/Damien McElhinney (Toyota Corolla) [11]
108 Hugh Martin Toye/Breeda Toye (Honda Civic) [13]
109 Paul Corcoran/Elaine McIntyre (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
110 David Kellher/Noel O Donnell (Honda Civic) [2]
111 Colin Currid/Adrian Foley (Nova) [9]
112 Mark Ewing/TBA (Honda Civic) [3]
113 Geard Dineen/Anthony Madigan (Starlet RWD) [12]
114 Daniel Breslin/Johnny Jordan (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
115 Rodger Kennedy/Wendy Blackledge (Peugeot 306) [7]
116 Ian Graham/Liam Regan (Ford Fiesta) [3]
117 Patrick Corey/Chris Horan (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
118 Andrew Stewart/Tony Gallagher (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4) [15]
119 Declan Hall/Chris Corr (Toyota Corolla) [11]
120 Gary Meehan/Sinead McCaffetry (Toyota Corolla) [11]
121 Sean O Carroll/Ian Stanley (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
122 Stephen Reynolds/Emmett Brosan (Honda Civic) [11]
123 Damien McVey/Barry McBride (Nova) [9]
124 William Vance/TBA (Escort Mk2) [12]
125 Brian Quigley/TBA (Honda Civic) [2]
126 Brendan Friel/Garry Gallagher (Toyota Corolla) [11]
127 Enda McGinley/Charles Duffy (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
128 Dermot McGroary/ Donal Bradley (Toyota Corolla) [11]
129 George Baskin/Oran McLaughlin (VW Golf) [15]
130 Trevor Graham/Ian Gallagher (Toyota Corolla) [11]
131 Nigel Kennedy/Patrick Brides (Ford Fiesta R2) [6]
132 Garrett McMonagle /James Logue (Honda Civic ) [11]
133 Liam Branley/Samantha Branley (Peugeot 206) [6]
134 Richard Keown/Tony Walsh (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
135 Evin Henderson/Niall McDaid (Honda Civic ) [11]
136 John Russell /Conor Morrison (Honda Civic) [11]
137 Ryan Moore/Tony Curran (Escort G3) [11]
138 Kevin McHugh/TBA (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
139 Fergal Kelly/John Coll (Honda Civic) [2]
140 Grannia McElhinney/Michelle Doherty (Peugeot 206) [6]
141 Jamie Timoney/David Kelly (Escort G5) [10]
142 Nick Phelps/Hugh Gallagher (Honda Civic ) [3]

Reserve
143 Kieran Roarty/James Doherty (Honda Civic) [3]
144 Mark Glackin/Michael Glackin (Toyota Corolla) [11]
145 Kevin Eves/Adrian Reynolds (Toyota Corolla) [11]
146 Caolan Gaffney/Terence Furey (Toyota Corolla) [11]
147 John Bonner/Brian McMonagle (Ford Escort Mk2) [11]
148 Shane Henry/Joseph Kane (Swift) [9]
149 Aidan Thomas/Rory Thomas (Toyota Corolla) [11]
150 Joseph Timoney/Barry Melly (Nova) [9]
151 Patrick Colgan/Sean Cassidy (Impreza) [15]
152 Padraig McGee/Paul Friel (Toyota Corolla) [11]
153 Oliver Harvey/Cathal Sharkey (Toyota Corolla) [11]
154 Andrew McLaughlin/Shaun Gallagher (Honda Civic) [11]
155 Aaron Duffy/Keith McConnon (Ford Fiesta) [9]
156 Brendan Kerr/Gary Lockhart (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
157 Eamonn Russell/Danny Cannon (Honda Civic) [2]
158 Michael Black/Pauric McGinley (Honda Civic) [2]
159 Michael Bradley/Andrew Browne (Sunbeam) [10]
160 Mike Murphy/Kelvin Gorney (Peugeot 205) [10]
161 Conal Doherty/Declan Doherty (Citroen Saxo) [10]
162 Alan Buckley/John Masterson (Impreza) [15]
163 James Wilson/TBA (Peugeot 106) [11]
164 Alvin Alcorn/TBA (Toyota Corolla) [11]
165 Shaun Callaghan/Patrick McBride (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]

HISTORICS
No Driver/Co-Driver (Car) [Class]
H1 Ryan Barrett/Barry Ferris (Ford Escort Mk2) [17]
H2 Donal Connolly/Danny McLaughlin (Ford Escort Mk2) [17]
H3 Brian Crawford/Finian Hannigan (Talbot Sunbeam) [17]
H4 Philip McKibbin/Padraig Brick (Ford Cortina) [17]
H5 Joe Breslin/Darren Harvey (Mini Cooper) [17]
H6 Iarla Carty/Joe Whyte (Mini Cooper) [17]

JUNIORS
No Driver/Co-Driver (Car) [Class]
J1 Chris Snow/Sean Brunton (Honda Civic) [16]
J2 John O Connor/Keith Moriarty (Citroen C2R2) [16]
J3 Kevin McLaughlin/Kieran McGinley (Honda Civic) [16]
J4 Bernard Foley/Paul Twomey (Honda Civic) [16]
J5 Damien Boyle/Joseph Boyle (Honda Civic) [16]
J6 Jonathan Morrow/Raymond Gray (Toyota Corolla) [16]
J7 Sean McAuley/Thomas Wedlock (Nova) [16]
J8 Shane Carr/TBA (Nova) [16]
J9 Conal McNulty/Neil Martin Brogan (Suzuki Swift) [16]
J10 Adrian Sweeney/Ciaran Carr (Peugeot 207) [16]
J11 Alan Moran/TBA (Opel Kadett) [16]
J12 Sean Diver/Dereck McGonagle (Honda Integra) [16]
J14 Barry Gallagher/Mark Gallagher (Honda Civic) [16]
J15 Cormac Phelan/Gordan Duggan (Honda Civic) [16]
J16 Sean Maloney /Brian Boyd (Toyota Corolla) [16]
J17 Kevin Cole/Gary McNamee (Ford Escort Mk2) [16]

Entries Received (29/9/12)

Posted: September 30, 2012 8:48 AM

Updated Saturday at 9pm - List of Entries Received so far
.Keep the entries coming, closing Monday so get them in!!

Any entries received after Monday will be seeded at the BACK OF THE FIELD.

Time and Distance Schedule

Posted: September 26, 2012 8:34 PM

Special Prize for fastest 2WD car finishing the event.

Posted: September 18, 2012 12:02 PM

Eamonn McCafferty, Clerk of the Course for Donegal Motor Club’s 2012 Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages rally, announced details of a special prize for one of the car categories completing in the Donegal Town based Harvest Rally, due to take place on Saturday 13th October 2012.

Airtricity, one of Ireland’s largest electric suppliers has sponsored a special prize for The Abbey Hotel based event towards the fastest 2WD car finishing the event. The prize itself is €500 worth of free electricity, and will prove very worthy at any time of the year for any household.

Donegal Rally Driver, Donagh Kelly who is sponsored by Airtricity said, “I am sure this special prize will be appreciated by the winner and I am only to happy to put up this worthwhile prize that this time.”

Eamonn McCafferty thanked Airtricity for this generous prize and hoped it would be an extra incentive to the competitors entering the event.

The Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages Rally will also be counting rounds of the 2012 Sligo Pallets Border Championship, DMC’s own Bassetts Plumbing & Heating Club Championship, and round 8 of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, so there will be many important points to be gained after the conclusion of the event.

More Details:

Donegal Motor Club

Simulator Pod @ The 2012 Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages rally

Posted: September 18, 2012 11:58 AM

The Donegal Motor Club organising team for the 2012 Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages rally, based in Donegal Town, have just announced details of an exciting new race concept safely off the roads but in the Rally HQ, The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town.

Room2race, the NI based race/rally simulation company, will have their simulator pod and team located in the Abbey Hotel’s lobby during this year’s Harvest Rally, starting on Friday 12th October and running right through until after the Prizegiving for the event on Saturday 13th October 2012.

Donegal driver Donagh Kelly has organised this exciting new feature, hoping to attract race and rally fans alike. As an incentive to the rally crews entered in the event, a free voucher for one round on the simulator, and for the fastest crew there will be the top prize of getting a full refund of the entry fee, courtesy of Donagh Kelly.

Members of the public and rally fans can also use the simulator on the week-end, with plenty of prizes available to the fastest non-competitor. There will be a special price of €5 per round.

Speaking about this new concept for the event, Donagh Kelly said,
“I am happy to be sponsoring this special race on the simulators, and it will create great craic over the rally weekend and encourage all people, male, female, young and old to come into The Abbey Hotel and enjoy what the rally has to offer and mix with all the rally drivers. Along with the organisers, I am happy to do my bit to promote the fun and excitement in the safety of the hotel and off the roads.”

Mark Robinson, from room2race, give some more details about the format of the racing simulator,
“We will be running a Donegal Harvest Super Special Stage where you can try your hand at driving a WRC Subaru on a Tarmac and gravel surface, so come along and try your hand with the latest racing technology on the big screen, it’s as real as it gets, recreating ‘real world variables’ such as fuel use, tyre wear and damage to really test your driving skills!”

Pippa O Connor and Brian Ormond Swap Celebrity Bainisteoir for RALLY DRIVING

Posted: September 11, 2012 2:05 PM

On Monday afternoon Celebrities Pippa O Connor and Brian Ormond swapped there football boots for a go in a Rally Car in Co. Donegal. While filming the final episodes of Celebrity Bainisteoir which hit TV with a bang on Sunday night, the pair got the opportunity to get a high speed drive in an awesome rally car.

The pair where staying in an undisclosed location near Donegal Town and had heard about the Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages rally which was taking place in Donegal Town on Saturday the 13th of October. Brian being somewhat interested in motorsport and having attended Mondello park racing track several times, had made some inquiries and happened to be talking to the right person at the right time and managed to get a local rally driver Gary McElhinney to bring his car down to the filming location.

It was quite a wet afternoon which made the roads a little bit slippy and driving conditions tricky but Brian and Pippa braved the elements and got a spin in the 250 brake horse power machine. Brian was absolutely overwhelmed with the “go” as he called in the Ford Escort Mark 2. He was absolutely speechless upon return and after speaking to Event PRO Darragh Kelly all he could say was
“that was unbelievable, the power in these car an amazing, it’s totally different to any kind of track driving. These rally cars are going so fast on these little narrow roads, the drivers are so talented to actually be able to drive these things. Watching rally’s must be so exciting, the Harvest Rally in Donegal Town should be excellent” he added.

Brian and wife Pippa where getting ready for a big training session with Pippa’s celebrity club that evening. Hopefully the pair will be in Donegal for the Harvest Stages rally which is taking place over the weekend of the 13th of October in Donegal Town.

Win a spin in a WRC Car - For FREE!!

Posted: September 11, 2012 2:03 PM

With the Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages Rally only a handful of weeks away the organisers of the event have decided to do something different as a reward to all the volunteers who help over the rally weekend in Donegal Town. It is with great pleasure that we the organising committee can announce that 3 lucky people will win a spin in Donagh Kellys World Rally Car S11 Subaru .

This car is undoubtedly one of the best rally Cars on Irish tarmac at the minute and can be seen competing on this years upcoming Harvest Stages Rally.

Marshals as well as all the volunteers play such a crucial roll in Motorsport and are really the unsung heroes of the day, these brave men and women weather all the elements and as a reward for there hard work, we feel its the least we can do for all the effort they will have put in.

Anyone interested in Marshaling is more that welcome to come along and help on the day as all people are greatly needed.

If you are thinking of marshaling but unsure why not call 087 2857247 / +353 87 2857247 and you will be given the full details of what the day entails.

Ex-Works Prodrive Subaru 555 to Feature in Donegal’s Harvest Rally 2012

Posted: September 11, 2012 2:01 PM

The ‘First Ever Built’ Prodrive Subaru Impreza 555 car with chassis plate 001 will feature in this years Abbey Hotel Donegal Harvest Stages Rally 2012. For those of you not aware of these cars, they are undoubtedly one of the most iconic and successful rally cars ever built for motorsport, and for a new generation of game consol players in particular. This particular car has undergone a full restoration to its former specification, which took greats such as Colin McRea on his quest to conquer the World Rally Championship in 1995.

The Organisers believe that the sight and sound of this car on the Harvest Donegal Stages in October will bring many fond memories rushing back for rally fans and Subaru fanatics alike. These memories from the mid 90's gave a whole generation new rally heros, when greats such as Richard Burns and Carlos Sainz drove the 555 cars so spectacularly to numerous World Rally Victories and locally, with Fermanagh’s Bertie Fisher bringing these same cars to the tarmac stages throughout Ireland and in particular the roads of Donegal.

"Having a car like this come to the Donegal Motor Club event is not only and achievement but a credit to all involved.”

Entries Secretary for the Abbey Hotel Harvest Rally, Gary McElhinney explained,
"the idea behind getting this car here is to give spectators the opportunity to witness this fantastic machine in action, the experienced crew will make the final safety checks before car number 1 enters the stage.

Cars like this are very hard to come by in this country and getting a chance to see this car in action could be few and far between.”

Eamonn McCafferty reminded competitors that the Regulations and Entry Forms for the 2012 Abbey Hotel Harvest Rally are now available

Marshal Training (Fri) - 7 Aug 12

Posted: September 5, 2012 9:04 AM

Marshal Training night on this Friday in the Abbey Hotel at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome to come along and get trained up for what is set to be an excellent Harvest Rally. Bring along your friends and family and help out on this great event.

Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages Rally – RALLY GUIDE LAUNCH

Posted: September 4, 2012 10:17 AM

The Donegal Harvest Rally has launched it’s Rally Guide, available for the first time on the club webpage. Donegal Harvest Rally PRO, Darragh Kelly announced the new guide, a valuable source of information for all competitors, officials and other interested parties.
“This is the first time we have produced such a guide for a Harvest Rally, and I am pleased that we have produced it in time for the competitors to plan for their participation in the 2012 event. Valuable information is available, allowing crews to plan the weekend that will face them in Donegal Town. The Rally Guide tells competitors where such things as Trailer Park and scrutiny are located, information of the ceremonial start, accommodation rates and contact details."

Clerk of the Course for the event, Eamonn McCafferty, said he was pleased that the Rally Guide was another important milestone in the development of the Abbey Hotel Donegal Harvest Rally 2012, and he hoped it would be seen as a great aid for the competitor, spectator and press alike. In addition to the information provided directly for the competitors, important local contact information for business providers in Donegal Town is also available in the guide, and he hopes that it will provide an important economic stimulus for the local economy, during the reconnaissance weekend and on the weekend of the event itself, 12th/13th October 2012.

Regulations / Entry Form

Posted: September 4, 2012 10:13 AM

Available in the "Downloads" Page at:

Donegal Motor Club

Rally Guide

Posted: September 4, 2012 10:13 AM

Available in the "Downloads" Page at:

Donegal Motor Club

Overview Map

Posted: August 30, 2012 12:19 PM

With great delight the Donegal Harvest Rally 2012 are now publishing an Overview Map for the rally in Donegal Town on the 13 of October this year. With the event less than 7 weeks away we hope this map will help competitors and spectators to navigated the rally area. The publication of the Rally Guide later will be another very useful tool for everyone involved in the event.

Keep and eye on our facebook page for the latest updates on the rally. Please like and share our page to get the word out to as many people as possible.

As you will see this is an extremely compact event with road miles minimal. We are working very closely with the local Gardai who will be out and about over the rally weekend.

Regulations will be available shortly


View Donegal Harvest rally 2012 Over View Map in a larger map

Donegal Harvest Stages Rally 2012 Press Release 1

Posted: August 29, 2012 11:36 AM

The Donegal Motor Club are proud to announce The Abbey Hotel will this year be sponsoring and hosting the Donegal Harvest Stages rally, based in Donegal Town.

Clerk of the Course for the event is local man Eamon McCafferty, who gave details for the 2012 event which is planned for Saturday 13th October. Both John and his brother Eamon are well known in the area, with business interests locally and have been Donegal Motor Club members and competitors for well over 30 years, competing in events throughout Ireland during that time.

Giving more details of the forthcoming Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages Rally, Eamon said,
“The event will consist of 3 main challenging stages, run 3 times, giving 9 stages in this area, all within a 16 km radius of Donegal Town with a centralised service park locally. It has been eight years since Donegal Town has hosted the event and this year’s event is set to be better than ever.”

Eamon continued,
“The event kicks off at mid day on Friday the 12th of October with scrutineering at DMG Motors on the Ballybofey Rd, Donegal Town. Spectators can gather at DMG to view the line up of machinery which will tackle the tough stages the following day. The cars will then proceed to the pier in Donegal Town for Parc Ferme where they will remain over night – something that will provide a great spectacle in the picturesque and historic section of the town itself.”

Eamon give outline details of the main programme for the event.
“On Saturday morning the event kicks off at 8am and the cars will start the first of 9 gruelling tests. Spectator access is fantastic on these stages and we urge everyone to come out and enjoy this great days craic, from a safe vantage point. Always obey the safety marshals and view from safe locations. There are good spectator access points that include some great viewing points over many of the stages. The event will finish around 5pm in the square, Donegal Town, so everyone can join in on the celebrations following a conclusion of the event.”

The Abbey Hotel Harvest Stages Rally will also be counting rounds of the 2012 Sligo Pallets Border Championship, DMC’s own Bassetts Plumbing & Heating Club Championship, and round 8 of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, so there will be many important point to be gained after the conclusion of the event on Saturday 13th October 2012.

POSTER

Posted: July 27, 2012 10:53 AM

Abbey Hotel Donegal Town main sponsorship of the 2012 Donegal Harvest Stages Rally

Posted: July 27, 2012 10:51 AM

Pround Sponsors, The Abbey Hotel Donegal Town are delighted to announce main sponsorship of the 2012 Donegal Harvest Stages Rally. This years event is to take place on the 13th of October around Donegal Town and the surrounds area. The event still is some time away, but the local organising committee headed up by Eamonn McCaffety are working hard to get the event up and running.

Shortly details of the event will be released, including and Rally Guide and accommodation rates for Donegal Town. A quite compact route within a 10mile radius of Donegal will see crews challenged over new and "Classic" Stages.

The Donegal Motor Club and The Event recently held and exhibit at the "Donegal Live" Festival where the response was phenomenal from locals and visitors who hope to return for the event in October. Showcasing Motorsport in a positive light was the aim of the weekend and that was certainly achieved as many people came along and had a go in the WRC simulator which proved to be a great success among the general public. Why not check us out on Facebook and like our page for more details and up to date rally info as it happens as the event draws closer.

Club Website

Posted: July 27, 2012 10:45 AM

Donegal Motor Club