No barriers in the Border Championship

Posted: March 19, 1999 10:31 AM

Looking down through the 1999 Mayo Stages Rally’s impressive starting line-up, one would find it hard to imagine that less than ten years ago the total amount of competitors entering this event would only equate to what makes up the reserve list.

In 1992 B.C. (before Border Championship) the Mayo Stages Rally, a round of the National Championship, attracted only 45 entries. Many of the events around the northern-half of the country experienced the same problem - well organised Rallies with small numbers competing.

For the purpose of increasing the number of entries and to create a goal for the Clubman competitor, a few ardant rally enthusiasts got together in 1991 to form a committee to run a Championship within the National Series, hence the Border Championship was born. Initially, five clubs were represented - Donegal, ALMC, Cavan, Monaghan and Connaught (Sligo). Ballina Motor Club joined the fray two years later with Newry following in 1995. ALMC moved their event from the County Louth area to the Midlands in 1996 and eventually left the Border Series leaving six clubs/events in the Championship.

Galway firm, Clarinbridge Crystal, first sponsored the new competition and soon gained nationwide recognition for its competitive nature while still retaining the clubman status.

Well known competitor, Willie John Dolan, brought the Border Series to new heights as the Castlederg Building Contractor’s name became synonymous as title sponsor to the championship and also as the sponsor to the Tyrone County GAA team. The deal extended to 1997 to co-incide with the firm’s 25th Anniversary.

When it became known that a new sponsor was required for 1998, there was no shortage of offers and a three year agreement was struck with the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan.

With full entries at every event, the Border Championship has achieved its main objective. The other notable achievement is the fact that it remains a Clubman series through and through in which every competitor has an equal chance of winning. And not to mention the social aspect each round brings with it.