Moonraker Forestry Rally - NEW DATE 25 Jun 23

2023 Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series - Round 5 Preview

Posted: June 24, 2023 3:13 PM

After a blast through the Cavan lanes on Round 4, the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series competitors have been busy returning cars to gravel-spec as we head to these weekends next round of the 2023 calendar, the Ballyvourney based Moonraker Forest Rally.

Ireland’s National Mix-Surface Rally Series, the MIJRS is quickly becoming a vital step in the development of a host of upcoming and exciting Irish rallying talent and already this season its clear just how close and enthralling the battles are set to be for the 2023 crown with now that we enter the second half of the season with the Munster Car Club run 5th Round.

Designed for future stars under the age of 25, the Rally4/R2 class is the spearhead of the Championship, and the winners here are competing for some incredibly prizes that are designed specifically with their development in the sport at the core. Not only will the winner receive a Training & Coaching program to the value of €15,000 through the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, but they will also receive a nomination for the Billy Coleman Award. 2nd and 3rd place in the Class will also receive support packages.

With the Championship standings calculated on a bases of ‘Best 2 Gravel Scores’ plus ‘Best 2 Tarmac Scores’ plus ‘Best Other Score’, many have taken the opportunity to try and build a score early as the series transitions between both surfaces.

In the Rally4/R2 Class, the pack is led away by Shane Quinn in his Ford Fiesta Rally4 who will be making his very first start on Gravel, with excitement high to see how quick he can adapt to the new terrain, while eyes will also be looking at stage times set by Mossie Costello has he makes the switch from a J1600 Honda Civic to a newly acquired Ford Fiesta.

Conor Wilson will be buoyed by a fantastic points haul on the last loose surface round in Tipperary where he finished second in the class, and will have plenty of battles ahead over the testing 67km route. Right in the mix should be the returning Aoife Raftery who has had some great results abroad this year in the Peugeot 208 Rally4, while Dan Nash will aim to rectify his MIJRS season following a disappointing retirement on Round 3. Jack McKenna is the sole entrant in the J1600 class as he continues the impressive form that has seen him claim two maximum scores on the pair of Tarmac rounds.

In the J1000 class, it has been a busy fortnight for competitors as many competed on the Wexford Rally Sprint, the first sealed surface event in their calendar of events. The winner on the day, Tommy Moffett, arrives in Cork this weekend with a strong series lead having claimed victory in Tipperary aswell, but Killarney winner Jack Kennedy and fellow podium finishers this year such as Ross Ryan, Tommy Cronin and Jack Harris will be out to make their mark on the MIJRS points race.

For others, 2023 has been a mixed bag and this weekends Moonraker Forest Rally may be an opportunity to make a late push. For Danny Brady, the disappointment of retirements on the last two events will be plenty of motivation, while a fantastic second place last time out in Wexford is sure to be a huge boost for Tommy Furlong. Kalum Graffin and Conor Ryan sit tied on thirteen points and have eyes set on claiming a very first podium spot, while Ciara Duggan, David Travers, Ger Hartigan, Charlie Browne, Aaron Hughes and Ryan Caldwell will all be set to make use of the longest event distance they will have tackled to date to continue their development.

The action kicks off on Sunday morning with the first stage going live at 08:43, and for any competitor under the age of 25 wishing to compete in the series further information on the MIJRS series can be found under the Events & Championships section of the Motorsport Ireland website.

Irish Forest Rally Championship: Round 3 Preview

Posted: June 23, 2023 4:08 PM

The 2023 Sligo Pallets Forest Rally Championship bangs right back into gear this weekend as we head for Round 3 and and to what has been a long-time competitor favourite on the Irish Forestry calendar, the Moonraker Forest Rally! Based out of Ballvourney, the Munster Car Club event returns on Sunday following a last-minute postponement in April due to the tragic passing of Craig Breen.

A bumper entry, many of whom have been added to what was already set to be a cracker of days rallying is testament to the regard in which the event is held but crews right through the field, and chatting to a lot of the registered Championship competitors there is a real buzz of excitement to leave for Sunday morning’s opening 5.2km test.

In most cases, the pre-event chatter would have been dominated by Mark Donnelly & Sean Ferris as the pair head South once more looking to maintain the form that has seen them claim victory on both opening rounds of the 2023 season, but the late entry of 2022 Champions Patrick O’Brien & Stephen O’Brien has really caused a stir.

Donnelly & O’Brien will likely be looking to benchmark themselves against each other, but they have plenty more crews aiming to make a mark on proceedings. Vivian Hamill & Andrew Grennan will be buoyed by a podium finish at Round 2 in Tipperary, as will Jordan Hone & Paul Hone who beat Hamill to the 2nd step of the podium in Cahir.

The podium pair alongside Donnelly from Round 1 are also headed to the Moonraker, with the remarkably quick learning Ryan Caldwell & Arthur Kierans alongside Stevie McCann & Tommy Hayes amongst the leading seeds, as well as previous double champion Owen Murphy & Anthony Nestor and Championship regulars Conor McCourt & Caolan McKenna.

With eight stages in prospect, the battles right across the field are set to be razor sharp with every tenth of a second vital in claiming Sligo Pallets Forest Rally Championship points. In the 2WD section, Mickey Conlon & Paul McPhillips lead the seedings, but should expect so incredible battles across the stages with Shane McGirr & Denver Rafferty boosted by a win in Tipperary, while Mike O’Connor Jr. & Barry Attridge will be looking to avenge a mechanical issue laden event last time out.

The Junior 1000 field is once more absolutely brimming with young talent, with 18 crews entered for what’s set to be a thrilling battle in the Forestry surrounding Ballyvourney. All eyes will be on the times being set by Jack Kennedy & Colin O’Toole and Tommy Moffett & Domhnall Lennon with the pair of crews both tasting victory this season.

Behind them, Jack Harris & Aaron O’Regan, Ross Ryan & Peter Keohane and Tommy Cronin & Karl Egan will all look to build on podium finishes achieved so far this year as they aim to build a points tally, while another to look out for is the late entrant Kallum Graffin & Richard Morton Crozier, the newcomer this year showing some real pace on the opening events.

The action kicks off early Sunday morning, with the first of the J1000 crews leaving the Naomh Aban GAA complex at 8am with a 66.9km route, over 8 high-speed loose surface stages, being the longest of the season to date.

Seeded Entry List - Updated

Posted: June 21, 2023 10:18 AM

No. Driver/Navigator (Make/Model) [Class]
1 Mark Donnelly/Sean Ferris (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
2 Vivian Hamill/Andrew Grennan (VW Polo GTI R5) [5]
3 Jordan Hone/Paul Hone (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
4 Conor McCourt/Caolan McKenna (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
5 Owen Murphy/Anthony Nestor (Citroen C3 Rally 2) [5]
6 Stephen McCann/Tommy Hayes (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
7 Ryan Caldwell/Arthur Kierans (Skoda Fabia RS) [5]
8 Pat O'Connell/Mark Wiley (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
9 David Condell/Michael Coady (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
10 Pete McCullagh/Killian McArdle (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
11 Derek Mackarel/Eamonn Creedon (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
17 Jonny Leonard/Niall Burns (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
20 Lukasz Czapnik/Piotr Szadkowski (Mitsubishi Evo 9) [4]
22 Jenna McCann/John McCabe (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
23 Paul McCann/Stephen Joyce (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
24 Pauric Sheridan/Sean Brunton (Ford Fiesta) [20]
26 Michael O'Donoghue/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
27 Damien Quinn/Karl Smyth (Subaru Impreza) [20]
28 Cyril Wharton/Donal Falvey (Subaru Impreza) [15]
30 Eoin Neville/Brendan Quinn (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
31 James Lowry/Killian Cronin (Subaru Impreza WRX) [15]

New Entries
33 Patrick O'Brien/Stephen O'Brien (Skoda Fabia R5) [5]
34 Niall McCullagh/Gordon Noble (Ford Fiesta Rally 2) [5]
35 Kevin O'Connor/Michael Breen (Ford Fiesta) [20]
36 Alan Shinnors/George Shinnors (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]

201 Mickey Conlon/Paul McPhillips (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
203 Shane McGirr/Denver Raffery (Lada VFTS) [13]
205 Mike Jnr O'Connor/Barry Attridge (Opel Manta GTE) [13]
210 Donal Connolly/Danny McLaughlin (Ford Escort) [12]
211 Alan Commins/Joseph O'Brien (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
212 Raymond Jnr Benskin/Nicky Hegarty (Ford Escort) [13]
214 Damien McGauran/Darren Curran (BMW 320) [13]
217 Shane Quinn/Patrick Brides (Ford Fiesta) [2]
219 Stewart McClean/Gerard Neeson (Vauxhall Nova) [11F]
220 Mike Garahy/Iarla McCarthy (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
221 Sam Stewart/Alan Johnston (Ford Escort) [11R]
222 Ciaran McCullagh/Michael White (Honda Civic) [11F]
223 Conor Wilson/Sean Marsh (Ford Rally4) [2]
225 Michael Fitzgibbon/Carrie Moroney Ryan (Honda Civic) [11F]
229 Graeme Colfer/Alex Cudden (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [11F]
230 Aoife Raftery/Geraldine McBride (Ford Fiesta) [2]
231 Diarmuid Lynch/Maebh Griffin (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
232 Sean Benskin/Angiee Michniewicz (Ford Escort) [12]
234 Kevin Dempsey/Brian Martyn (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [11F]
235 Eugene Ward/Eoin Collins (Ford Fiesta) [11F]
236 Ian McCarthy/Patrick O'Sullivan (Honda Civic) [11F]
237 Ed Muldoon/Mark Byrne (Suzuki Swift) [11F]
238 Brian Little/Ciara Griffin (Ford Escort G3) [12]
241 Dan Nash/Gavin Downey (Ford Fiesta Rally 4) [2]
242 Seán Brogan/Damien Sheridan (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
243 Eugene Cronin/Anthony Cronin (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
247 Ryan McCanney/Conor McGurren (Vauxhall Nova) [9]
248 Podge Cronin/Josh Radford (Honda Civic) [11F]
250 Michael Murphy/Robbie Walsh (Talbot Sunbeam) [10]
251 Mark McAleer/Jonny McAleer (Vauxhall Nova) [1]

New Entries
252 Paul Roche/TBA (Ford Fiesta) [2]
253 Eibhinn Russell/Richie Long (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
254 Grainne Caplis/Tommy Cuddihy (Vauxhall Corsa B) [10]
255 Mossie Costello/Megan Costello (Ford Fiesta) [2]
256 Padraig McCarthy/Eoghan McCarthy (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [11F]
257 Ciaran McCanney/Emmet Quinn (Vauxhall Nova) [9]
258 Eamon O'Connell/Paul Bruton (Ford Escort) [11R]
259 Jack McKenna/Mac Kierans (Honda Civic EG6) [16]
260 Francis Kelly/Charlotte Egan (Ford KA) [9]
261 Paul Cullen/TBA (TBA) []

301 Jack Kennedy/Colin O'Toole (VW UP) [21]
302 Tommy Moffett/Domhnall Lennon (Toyota Aygo) [21]
303 Jack Harris/Aaron O'Regan (VW UP) [21]
304 Ross Ryan/Peter Keohane (Citroen C1) [21]
305 Tommy Cronin/Karl Egan (Toyota Aygo) [21]
306 Danny Brady/Conor Smith (Peugeot 107) [21]
307 Cameron Crozier/Aine Phelan (Nissan Micra) [21]
309 Conor Ryan/Conor Hade (Skoda Citigo) [21]
310 Ryan Caldwell/Darren Caldwell (Skoda Citigo) [21]
311 Tommy Furlong/Niall Furlong (Skoda Citigo) [21]
312 Ciara Duggan/Damien Duffin (Toyota Aygo) [21]
314 Aaron Hughes/Des Sherlock (Nissan J1000 micra) [21]
316 Ger Hartigan/Conor Kelly (Citroen C1) [21]
317 Charlie Browne/Justin McAuley (Nissan J1000 micra) [21]

New Entries
318 Bobby Conn/Stephen Conn (Citroen C1) [21]
319 Conor Smith/Conor Smith (Peugeot 107) [21]
320 David Travers/Andy Purser (Peugeot 107) [21]
322 Kalum Graffin/Richard Morton Crozier (Skoda Citigo) [21]

NOTE: New entries received & Reseed requests received will be reseeded accordingly for the starters list.

On Line Entries Re-Opened

Posted: May 16, 2023 4:04 PM

Entries are open for the Moonraker Forestry Rally running on Sunday 25th June 2023 based in Ballyvourney, Macroom Co Cork. The entries will close on Monday 12th June 2023.

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New Date - 25 Jun 23

Posted: May 12, 2023 12:28 PM

New Date - Sunday 25th June 2023

2023 Moonraker Forest Rally Announcement

Posted: April 13, 2023 2:00 PM

"It is with deep regret and sadness that the Munster Car Club have learned of the tragic accident today that claimed the life of World Rally Championship star Craig Breen.

In light of the above tragedy, the Clerk of the Course, Chairman, Directors and members of the Munster Car Club have taken the decision to postpone the Moonraker Forest Rally which was scheduled to take place this weekend in Ballyvourney, Co.Cork.

The Munster Car Club would like to extend their deepest sympathy and condolences to Craigs family and friends on his tragic passing. May he Rest in Peace. "

Craig Breen RIP

Seeded Entry List

Posted: April 10, 2023 6:42 AM

1 Mark Donnelly/Stephen O'Hanlon (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
2 Vivian Hamill/Andrew Grennan (VW Polo GTI R5) [5]
3 Jordan Hone/Paul Hone (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
4 Conor McCourt/Caolan McKenna (Citroen C3 Rally2) [5]
5 Owen Murphy/Anthony Nestor (Citroen C3 Rally2) [5]
6 Stephen McCann/Tommy Hayes (Ford Fiesta Rally2) [5]
7 Ryan Caldwell/Arthur Kierans (Skoda Fabia RS) [5]
8 Pat O'Connell/Mark Wiley (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
9 David Condell/Michael Coady (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
10 Pete McCullagh/Killian McArdle (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
11 Derek Mackarel/Eamonn Creedon (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [20]
12 Keith Power/Mikey Breen (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
14 Raymond Breen/Andy Hayes (Ford Focus WRC) [7]
15 Daragh O'Riordan/Mikey Walsh (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
16 Stephen Dickson/Dermot McCafferty (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
17 Jonny Leonard/Niall Burns (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
18 Ashley Dickson/Martin Brady (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
19 PJ O'Connor/Denny Greaney (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
20 Lukasz Czapnik/Piotr Szadkowski (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
21 Barry Murphy/Conal Doherty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
22 Jenna McCann/John McCabe (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
23 Paul McCann/Stephen Joyce (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
24 Pauric Sheridan/Sean Brunton (Ford Fiesta) [20]
25 Niall Devine/Liam McIntyre (Ford Fiesta R5) [5]
26 Michael O'Donoghue/TBA (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
27 Damien Quinn/Karl Smyth (Subaru Impreza) [20]
28 Cyril Wharton/Donal Falvey (Subaru Impreza) [15]
29 Stephen Cullen/Seamus O'Grady (Toyota Corolla S2000) [20]
30 Eoin Neville/Brendan Quinn (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) [4]
31 James Lowry/Shaun Forde (Subaru Impreza WRX) [15]
32 Damian O'Hagan/TBA (TBA) [20]

201 Mickey Conlon/Paul McPhillips (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
202 Hugh McQuaid/Declan Casey (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
203 Shane McGirr/Denver Raffery (Lada VFTS) [13]
204 Steven Corey/Ella Ryan (Ford Escort Mk2) [14]
205 Mike Jnr O'Connor/Barry Attridge (Opel Manta GTE) [13]
206 Brendan Cumiskey/Martin Connolly (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
207 Kyle McBride/Liam McIntyre (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
208 Casey Jay Coleman/Adam Coffey (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
209 Dylan Eves/Ryan Farrell (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
210 Donal Connolly/Danny McLaughlin (Ford Escort) [12]
211 Alan Commins/Joseph O'Brien (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
212 Raymond Benskin Jnr/Nicky Hegarty (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
214 Damien McGauran/Darren Curran (BMW 320) [13]
215 Michael McDaid/Peter Ward (Ford Escort RS1800 Mk2) [18]
216 Shane McCanney/Diarmaid Campbell (Toyota Corolla) [11R]
217 Shane Quinn/Patrick Brides (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
218 Ruairi Maguire/Grace O'Brien (Vauxhall Corsa B) [11F]
219 Stewart McClean/Gerard Neeson (Vauxhall Nova) [11F]
220 Mike Garahy/Iarla McCarthy (Ford Escort Mk2) [10]
221 Sam Stewart/Alan Johnston (Ford Escort Mk2) [11R]
222 Ciaran McCullagh/Michael White (Honda Civic) [11F]
223 Conor Wilson/Sean Marsh (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
224 Dario Tempesta/Kieran Carroll (Honda Civic) [11F]
225 Michael Fitzgibbon/Carrie Moroney Ryan (Honda Civic) [11F]
226 Darragh Kelly/Eoin Kelly (Peugeot 208 R2) [2]
227 Cian Caldwell/Liam Egan (Ford Fiesta) [2]
228 Jack Brennan/John McGrath (Renault Clio Rally5) [1]
229 Graeme Colfer/Alex Cudden (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [11F]
230 Aoife Raftery/TBA (Ford Fiesta) [2]
231 Diarmuid Lynch/Maebh Griffin (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
232 Sean Benskin/Angiee Michniewicz (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
233 Christy Butler/Ciaran O'Sullivan (Honda Civic) [11F]
234 Kevin Dempsey/Brian Martyn (Peugeot 206 Cup Car) [11F]
235 Eugene Ward/Eoin Collins (Ford Fiesta) [11F]
236 Ian McCarthy/Patrick O'Sullivan (Honda Civic) [11F]
237 Ed Muldoon/Mark Byrne (Suzuki Swift) [11F]
238 Brian Little/Ciara Griffin (Ford Escort G3) [12]
239 Fergal McGuinness/Johnny Crossle (Ford Escort Mk2) [13]
240 Tom Sheehan/Andrew Sheehan (Vauxhall Nova) [9]
241 Dan Nash/Gavin Downey (Ford Fiesta Rally4) [2]
242 Seán Brogan/TBA (Honda Civic EK4) [11F]
243 Eugene Cronin/Anthony Cronin (Toyota Corolla Twin Cam) [11R]
244 Adam Semple/Niall McCarron (Ford Escort G3) [11R]
245 Fintan McGrady/Jess Stephen (Ford Escort Mk2) [18]
246 Jason Murphy/Rachel Brennan (Ford Escort Mk2) [12]
247 Ryan McCanney/Conor McGurren (Vauxhall Nova) [9]
248 Podge Cronin/Josh Radford (Honda Civic) [9]
249 Dwayne Lally/TBA (Nissan Micra) [9]
250 Michael Murphy/Robbie Walsh (Talbot Sunbeam) [10]
251 Mark McAleer/Jonny McAleer (Vauxhall Nova) [1]

301 Jack Kennedy/Colin O'Toole (VW UP) [21]
302 Tommy Moffett/Domhnall Lennon (Toyota Aygo) [21]
303 Jack Harris/Aaron O'Regan (VW UP) [21]
304 Ross Ryan/Peter Keohane (Citroen C1) [21]
305 Tommy Cronin/Karl Egan (Toyota Aygo) [21]
306 Danny Brady/Conor Smith (Peugeot 107) [21]
307 Cameron Crozier/Aine Phelan (Nissan Micra) [21]
308 Patrick Gahan/Sean McCarthy (Toyota Agyo) [21]
309 Conor Ryan/Conor Hade (Skoda Citigo) [21]
310 Ryan Caldwell/Darren Caldwell (Skoda Citigo) [21]
311 Tommy Furlong/Niall Furlong (Skoda Citigo) [21]
312 Ciara Duggan/Damien Duffin (Toyota Aygo) [21]
314 Aaron Hughes/Des Sherlock (Nissan Micra) [21]
315 P J McDermott/Johnny Baird (Toyota Agyo) [21]
316 Ger Hartigan/Conor Kelly (Citroen C1) [21]
317 Charlie Browne/Justin McAuley (Nissan Micra) [21]

Owen Murphy / Anthony Nestor enter in Citroen C3 Rally2

Posted: April 7, 2023 3:37 AM

Owen Murphy / Anthony Nestor enter in Citroen C3 Rally2

Latest Entries received in Sportity, links below

Free Entry Draw

Posted: April 1, 2023 10:13 AM

Munster Car Club are delighted with the entries uptake so far and have decided that if the entries hit the 100 mark (currently at 95) a draw for a free entry will be drawn at the drivers briefing and the lucky winner will receive a reimbursement of their entry fee - a small token of appreciation to all competitors entered.

Bulletin #1 - Notice on Seeding

Posted: March 31, 2023 4:38 PM

"Reminder that the closing date of entries is Friday 7th April 2023, however Seeding for the 2023 Moonraker Rally will be taking place next week due to the large entry received so entries received in the final week before entries close may have to be apply for a reseed, so we would urge any competitors still hoping to do the event to submit your entry as soon as possible so as to be included in the entry seeding. Entries will remain open to the scheduled entry closing date.

Thank you to all the competitors who have entered the rally so far. "

Entries Received

Posted: March 31, 2023 4:34 PM

Moonraker Forestry Rally - (Sat) 15 Apr 23 - ENTRIES RECEIVED 31 Mar

The Abbey Hotel Moonraker Forestry Rally 2023 Media Launch Press Release 2

Posted: March 31, 2023 4:21 PM

Photo: Ger Leahy

The media launch of the 2023 Abbey Hotel Moonraker Forest Rally was held on Saturday the 23rd of April at the Abbey Hotel Ballyvourney , HQ for the rally.

It was great to see a large crowd attend the event even though it was a very wet night.

Local representatives at the event included Councillor Gobnait Moynihan deputising for the Mayor and local TD Aindrias Moynihan . Munster Car Club Chairman Paul Brown welcomed everyone to the event .

Councillor Gobnait Moynihan said “it was great to see the rally returning year after year and said the rally brought a lot of business and tourism to the local area”, local TD Aindrias Moynihan echoed the sentiments and said “it was great to be here to launch the event in his local area and to meet the drivers and organisers of the event he said it’s a great Tourist boost to the area”

Clerk of the Course Emmet Cronin said
“great to be here tonight and thanks to the local representatives Gobnait Moynihan deputising for the Mayor and local TD Aindrias Moynihan for showing an interest in our rally, he said looking around its great to see the crowd here tonight from our club and other clubs, he said the team was working hard to have the stages in good condition and he thanked his Deputy Finbarr for the great effort put in over the past few weeks, we have 4 super stages for the competitors, Derrreennaling, Curragh, Glendav and the mighty 16Km of Knocknabro , I can't believe at this stage we have 87 entrants it’s a testament to the Munster Car Club for running such a great event over the years, Emmet also said special thanks must go to the Hotel owners Michael and Mary Creedon ,long time sponsors of this event and the hotel is a great HQ for the rally , I would also like to thank the other sponsors and anyone who helped out in any way all I can say now is see ye all on the 15th of April for a great days rallying in Ballyvourney at Round One of The Suirway Group South East Stages Rally Championship and Round 2 of the Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship 2023 ”.

Hotel owner and event sponsor Michael Creedon said
"it started as a one off and we are still here nearly ten years later that says a lot, it’s a great event and the rally brings a great influx of people to the area at this time of the year".

There was a great diversity of rally cars on show from the iconic Mark 2 Escort of Diarmuid Lynch, to the future of Irish rallying the J1000 Citroen of Ross Ryan and the mighty R5 Citroen of Owen Murphy. Owen a past winner said “it’s a great rally and I would love to do it, its 50/50 at the minute a few things need to fall into place but if possible I will be at the start ramp”.

Munster Car Club and the Clerk of the Course would like to acknowledge the great help from Motorsport Ireland and Coillte in the running of this event .

Sportity Password

Posted: March 31, 2023 4:02 PM

MRKF23
(Download Sportity from App Store)

Sportity Web Link:

https://webapp.sportity.com/channel/MRKF23

Rally Launch - (Sat) 25 Mar @ 7:30pm

Posted: March 23, 2023 4:36 PM

The launch will take place at the Abbey Hotel Ballyvourney on Saturday 25th March at 7.30pm.

The event hopes to start over 90 cars and with service crews family and friends that is over 500 people looking for accommodation for the weekend , then factor in the influx of spectators for the weekend to see the action in the wood, and one can see the event is worth a lot of money to the environs of Ballyvourney.

All are welcome

Regulations / On Line Entry

Posted: March 2, 2023 7:03 AM

Moonraker Forestry Rally - (Sat) 15 Apr 23 - REGULATIONS

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The Abbey Hotel Moonraker Forestry Rally 2023 - Press Release 1.

Posted: February 8, 2023 2:18 PM

Munster Car Club are delighted to announce preliminary details for the upcoming Moonraker Forest Rally, the rally will take place on Saturday the 15th of April. Main sponsors of the event once again are The Abbey Hotel Ballyvourney which will act as the Rally HQ. Hotel owners Michael and Mary Creedon have been long time sponsors of this event. Associate Sponsors for the event include Acesigns, Paul Browne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering and Dan Seaman Motors.

The Moonraker Rally is a long-time favourite with the forest competitor and this year the rally will once again offer superb fast flowing stages with technical sections to test competitors to the limit.

The format will be 4 stages run twice that’s 60k of the best stages in the country low road mileage with centralised servicing in Udaras Na Gaeltachta Industrial Estate, Ballyvourney,

Stepping up as Clerk of The Course this year is long time forest rally competitor Emmet Cronin who will be ably assisted by Deputy Clerk of The Course Finbarr Hanratty and the team at Munster Car Club.

Speaking with Clerk Of The Course Emmet Cronin he said “I competed on this event for years and the stages are really good it’s a compact event and there is always a good atmosphere at the rally and in particular at the Abbey Hotel our title sponsor and Rally HQ for the weekend , I would also like to thank our associate sponsors and welcome Sligo Pallets to the event as the new Forest Championship sponsor and The South East Stages Rally Championship competitors for the first round of their championship , I have a great team here working with me at the Munster Car Club to make this a memorable rally, regs will be available shortly”.

Munster Car Club would like to acknowledge the great help from Motorsport Ireland and Coillte in the running of this event .

COC Announced for 2023 Moonraker Forestry Rally

Posted: January 30, 2023 10:36 AM