Big turnout for Dunlop National Rally Championship

Over 160 cars revved up in Abbeyleix on February 23rd for the opening round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship,

the Birr and District MC’s Abbeyleix Manor Hotel Rally. Over 60 starters in the Limerick MC’s Forestry Rally on February 10th, is further proof positive of the continued populariry of Irish rallying – a tribute to the enthusiasm and tenacity of the competitors, organisers and rally followers in these tough times.

After finishing third on the Galway International, Donegal cousins Declan and Brian Boyle powered their Subaru WRC to victory in the Abbeyleix event, finishing the eight stages with a 34.8 seconds advantage over Welshman Mel Evans and his Limerick co-driver Sean Mullally in a similar Subaru. Wexford’s James Stafford and Amy Ryan in a Darrian T90 were a further 19.1 seconds behind in third, and won the Dunlop Driver of The Day award.

The Group N category was won by Monaghan’s Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly from

Josh Moffett/John Rowan, both in Mitsubishi Evo’s.

Points standings after Round One: D.Boyle 20, M.Evans 18, J.Stafford 16, N.Maguire 14.

Next two Dunlop rounds are in neighbourinmg Ulster counties, Monaghan on April 21st and Cavan on May 26th. The Carrick-On-Suir MCs Ravens Rock Rally run out of Waterford on Juine 30th, completes the first half of the eight-round series.