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Irish Examiner
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Motors: Doherty and Murphy penalised six minutes for late arrival at Raven's Rock Rally
The results of the Waterford based Raven's Rock Rally remain provisional after long-time leaders Kilkenny's Eddie Doherty and his Limerick co-driver John Murphy were penalised six minutes after they arrived late for the start of the seventh stage when their Skoda Fabia R5 developed power steering problems. Doherty has intimated that he will appeal the penalty decision, it appears the stage didn't start as per the schedule. In the meantime, Monaghan's Josh Moffett and his Limerick co-driver Keith Moriarty (Hyundai i20 R5) top the classification - 14.2s ahead of the Derry/Donegal pairing of Desi Henry/Dean O'Sullivan (Ford Fiesta Rally2) with Donegal's Declan Boyle and co-driver Patrick Walsh (Skoda Fabia Rally2) another 10.5s behind in third. Doherty/Murphy are currently classified thirty-seventh. In mixed weather conditions Doherty, determined to set the pace, topped the time sheets on all three stages of the opening loop and arrived at the Waterford service park with a 20.5s advantage over the Ford Fiesta Rally2 of Derry's Desi Henry with Sam Moffett (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) third 2.5s further behind in third. Having spun on a gravely section on SS3, championship leader Josh Moffett was down in fourth spot - 26.6s behind, he also struggled with pop-off valve issues. Just seven crews finished the opening stage after Ballylickey's Daniel Cronin slid his Citroen C3 Rally2 off the road within a short distance of the stage start. Of the seven, Doherty was 1.5s ahead of Josh Moffett. Clonakilty's Cal McCarthy failed to make it to the start of SS1 when his Citroen C3 Rally2 caught fire. Monaghan's Josh Moffett and his Limerick co-driver Keith Moriarty (Hyundia i20 R5) top the classification for the Raven's Rock Rally in Waterford where the results are currenlty provisional. Pic: Martin Walsh. Out on SS2, Doherty extended his lead to 2.8s with Desi Henry third some 12.3s further adrift. On the second loop and while the pop-off issue was intermittent Josh Moffett was quickest on SS4 and SS5 and moved back into second with Doherty holding a 29.6s advantage after SS6. Henry was untroubled in third and reckoned second was still within his reach as he trailed Josh Moffett by seven seconds. The Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 cars of Declan and Michael Boyle followed, the latter admitted he picked a tyre compound that was too hard for the conditions while the former was cautious on the shiny tar on SS6 where the rain made for slippery conditions. Sam Moffett, who lost time with a spin on SS6, rounded out the top six. There was drama on the way to the final loop as Doherty's Skoda developed a power steering problem. Although he punched in the best time on SS7 where he ran out of sequence, a six minute road penalty demoted him to 36th position - five and half minutes off the lead. Josh Moffett was the new leader but Henry was only 6.3s in arrears, however, Moffett kept his Derry rival at bay on the remaining stages. - a result now depending on the outcome Doherty's appeal. Meanwhile and struggling with set-up issues and the balance of his M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2 through most of Rally di Roma Capitale, round five of the European Rally Championship, Kesh driver Join Armstrong finished 11th. A difficult time on Saturday's six stages, he was 14th overnight. He was forced to reverse on Sunday's second stage after his Fiesta Rally2 had a half spin at a tight hairpin but then posted the third fastest time on SS10. 'I'm a long way from where I need to be that is for sure." Armstrong and his Donegal co-driver Shane Byrne, who were third on the Power Stage, went on to finish 11th. The event was won by Giandomenico Basso who held off title contender Andrea Mabellini on the final stage to win by 3.7s. Championship leader Miko Marczyk was edged out by Mabellini on the penultimate stage and had to settle for third, 7.4s off top spot, all three in Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 cars. Elsewhere, second place on the Loughgall Stages Rally was enough for Aaron McLaughlin/ Darren Curran (VW Polo GTi R5) to seal the Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship title while locals Marty Toner/David Wright won their home event for the first time. Toner (Proton Satria Neo) led through the days six stages as McLaughlin was down in 14th place after SS1 with fuel problems. Armagh's Jason Black (Toyota Starlet) took the final spot on the podium. Raven's Rock Rally (Round 4, Triton Showers National Rally Championship) Waterford: Provisional Results: 1. J. Moffett/K. Moriarty (Hyundai i20 R5) 57m. 56.9s; 2. D. Henry/D. O'Sullivan(Ford Fiesta Rally2)+14.2s; 3. D. Boyle/P. Walsh (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+24.7s; 4. S. Moffett/S. Buckley (Hyundai i20 Rally2)+34.0s; 5. M. Boyle/D. McCafferty (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+38.6s; 6. J. Dickson/M. Brady (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+1m.00.2s; 7. P. Barrett/D. Kelly (Citroen C3 Rally2)+1m. 08.7s; 8. M. Boyle/G. Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+1m. 30.0s; 9. J. Stafford/R. Cleary (Darrian T90 GTR)+2m. 09.7s; 10. T. Holton/S. Joyce (Ford Fiesta)+2m. 33.9s. Loughgall Stages Rally, Loughgall: 1 M. Toner/D. Wright (Proton Satria Neo) 25m. 11.6s; 2. A. McLaughlin/D. Curran (Volkswagen Polo R5)+1.9s; 3. J. Black/K. Egan (Toyota Starlet)+31.6s; 4. C. Wilson/K. McDaid (Hyundai i20)+37.6s; 5. S. Murray/G. Hade (Ford Fiesta)+1m.15.1s; 6. J. Kennedy/H. Kennedy (Ford Escort)+1m. 30.7s.
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Former Kilkenny hurler Doherty on local terrain in Raven's Rock Rally
Motorsport The biennial national rally championship calendar, introduced in 2022, brings some interesting situations, such as the progress of Kilkenny's Eddie Doherty, the current leader of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship that reaches its midpoint with Sunday's Waterford-based Raven's Rock Rally. Two years ago, campaigning a Mk. 2 Ford Escort, Doherty finished the penultimate stage of "The Rock" leading the Modified category and an impressive seventh overall. However, a final-stage puncture cost him the category win as he finished ninth overall. From one of the top exponents in the rear-wheel drive section, the former Kilkenny minor hurler is now equally adept in four-wheel drive category where he steers the Skoda Fabia R5 he debuted at the end of that same season. With his home county involved in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final against Tipperary, Doherty will be forgiven for the desire to check updates in between the rally stages where he will showcase his talent with equal aplomb. "Yes, it's (switch to Skoda) gone well but you are always looking for that bit extra to push on and hopefully we (with co-driver John Murphy) will get a better overall finish than two years ago." The terrain (with stages in County Kilkenny), while not overly familiar to Doherty, "is local in general terms." Many drivers can get caught out on their local stages, something that Doherty understands. "Where you know roads, especially on the fast stuff, it's easy to interpret them for other sections. Our pacenotes will be very important on Sunday. On the one-day events, it's all go from the start, you can't afford to wait and see what happens." Doherty will have all his familiar rivals like Monaghan's Josh Moffett, who, like a few others, will benefit from the three days seat time Donegal. Doherty hasn't competed since the last Triton round in Cavan where things didn't go according to plan when he finished fifth. He still leads the series - three points ahead of Sam Moffett, with Josh (Moffett) seven points further behind the third. Others is search of valuable points are Derry's Desi Henry, who will pilot a Ford Fiesta Rally2 as his Citroen C3 Rally2 is being re-fettled, Declan and Michael Boyle in their Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 cars, Tyrone's Jason Dickson (Ford Fiesta Rally2) and Ballylickey's Daniel Cronin (Citroen C3 Rally2). The top ten also features Clonakilty's David Guest (Ford Fiesta Rally2) and Paul Barrett (Citroen C3 Rally2) while akin to Guest, Enniskerry's Daniel Barry (VW Polo GTi R5), Clonakilty's Cal McCarthy (Citroen C3 Rally2) and Dunmanway's Jason McSweeney (Skoda Fabia R5) will be without the shackles of the national championship. The top contenders in the rear wheel drive category are Wexford's James Stafford and the Escorts of Monaghan's Johno Doogan and Cavan's Chris Armstrong. The first stage starts at 10.15am. Meanwhile, as the European Rally Championship returns to sealed surfaces with the Rally di Roma in the Eternal City, Kesh driver Jon Armstrong reckons he can push for more podiums following his third place in the recent Rally Poland, his first podium of the current ERC season. The M-Sport Ford WRT driver said, 'It definitely makes it more achievable to have a good result now. We've had good pace all year but no result. We could have been in a good position in the championship now because we've been faster than the guys on top on most rallies. It's a shame but this is how it goes sometimes." Championship leader Miko Marczyk (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) holds a 16-point lead over Mads Ostberg (Citroen C3 Rally2). Following this (Friday) evening's Colosseum 1.3km super special stage there are six stages tomorrow and six more on Sunday. The strong Irish contingent includes Philip Allen (Skoda Fabia Rally2), Eamonn Boland (Fiesta Rally2) and Billy Coleman award winner Craig Rahill (Peugeot 208 Rally4). Elsewhere, the Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship continues tomorrow with the Loughgall Stages Rally with double event winner Carndonagh's Aaron McLaughlin (VW Polo GTi R5) heading the entry from Armagh pair Damien Toner (Ford Escort) and Jason Black (Toyota Starlet).
Irish Examiner
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Top 10 finish for Armstrong and Byrne in Scandinavia
Taking the final top 10 spot in the BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia, round three of the European Rally Championship, the Irish pairing of Jon Armstrong/Shane Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally2) had the satisfaction of knowing that they have the pace, if not the luck, to mount a strong challenge for victory in one of remaining five round of the series. They were third fastest through the Power Stage (final stage) where they annexed three extra championship points. At the finish, the Kesh driver spoke about his final stage performance, where rain made it difficult. "I had a messy run through, a bit of understeer in the first corners. I clipped something in the fast section so I was a bit careful there." "It was a frustrating weekend, we had some good pace." He also took time to reflect on last week's Jim Clark Rally (Scotland) and the Cavan Rally. "We had some tough events last weekend at home, especially James (Williams) and Dai (Roberts, who was fatally injured), also my old co-driver Brian Hoy, who had a bad accident." (Hoy and his driver Garry Jennings were both injured in an accident during the Cavan Rally). Norway's Eyvind Brynildsen was a first-time winner in a round of the series as his Pirelli-shod Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 finished 4.9s in front of the MRF Tyres Toyota GR Yaris of Finland's Roope Korhonen, who snatched the runner-up spot from local hero Isak Reiersen (Skoda Fabia RC Rally2), who was Brynildsen's closest challenger until the final stage. Indeed, the 21-year-old was only 2.8s behind with three stages remaining. Both Reiersen and Brynildsen putting their cars on two wheels on a left-hand corner on SS15. Korhonen tops the overall championship standings. Meanwhile, Tyrone's Jason Mitchell (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) made it three wins from three outings in the Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship, his latest, in Saturday's Mayo Forest Rally, to move into the lead of the eight-round series. He secured a commanding 20.6s victory over the Ford Fiesta Rally2 of Waterford's Andrew Purcell, who fended off the final stage challenge of Tyrone's Niall McGonigle (VW Polo GTi R5) by a mere 0.6s. Despite a few moments, Purcell set the pace on the opening stage where top seed Mitchell was only 0.4s behind with McGonigle a further 1.7s shy of second spot. The majority of the entry received a notional time for SS2 as Mitchell posted the fastest time through SS3 to impose his authority on the event with a 10.6s advantage. Purcell lost time when he clipped a chicane and although McGonigle reckoned he too lost time, he was only 1.7s further behind in third. Tyrone's Stephen Dickson (Ford Fiesta Rally2) was fourth but struggled to get into rhythm. Reigning champion Monaghan's Derek Mackarel lost time when his Ford Fiesta R5 cut out as he approached a chicane on the third stage, he was unhappy with his choice of a hard compound tyre. On the repeat loop, Mitchell was able to manage his lead and with a trio of stage wins, took a fine victory. Purcell just about withstood McGonigle's late surge to claim valuable points to keep his title hopes on track. Dickson, Mackarel and Pete McCullagh (Mitsubishi Lancer E9) completed the top six. Elsewhere, Donegal's Damien Tourish (Ford Escort) in ninth place, was the top two-wheel drive finisher. In the J1000 category, Donegal's James McShea (VW UP) capitalised on the final stage retirement of long-time leader Cavan's Danny Brady, also in a VW UP. The entry list for the Donegal International Rally (June 20/22) was announced on Friday evening last. With the withdrawal of Kris Meeke on Thursday, the revised top ten is: 1. Callum Devine (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2); 3. Jon Armstrong (Ford Fiesta Rally2); 4. William Creighton (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2); 5. Matt Edwards (Hyundai i20 Rally2); 6. Josh Moffett (Citroen C3 Rally2); 7. Eddie Doherty (Skoda Fabia R5); 8. Meirion Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2), 9. Sam Moffett (Hyundai i20 Rally2); 10. Declan Boyle (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2). BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia (Round 3: European Rally Championship): 1. E. Brynildsen/J. Listerud (Toyota GR Yaris Raally2)1h. 33m. 40.8s; 2. R. Korhonen/A. Viinikka (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2)+4.9s; 3. I. Reiersen/S. Gustavsson (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+9.6s; 4. A. Mabellini/V. Lenzi (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+22.0s; 5. F. Tore Larsen/L. Lundgreen (VW Polo GTi R5)+25.2s; 6. M. Johansson/J. Gronvall (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+50.3s; 7. M. Marczyk/S. Gospodarczyk (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+1m. 07.6s; 8. M. Ostberg/L. Karlsson (Citroen C3 Rally2)+1m. 37.8s; 9. S. Tempestini/S. Itu (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+1m. 55.0s; 10. J. Armstrong/S. Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+2m. 26.2s. ERC Championship Positions (after Round 3): 1. R Korhonen 60pts; 2. M. Marczyk 57pts; 3. M. Ostberg 48pts; 4. A Mabellini 47pts; 5. I Reiersen 40pts; 6. N. Gryazin 34pts; 11. J. Armstrong 21pts. Mayo Forest Rally (Round 4, Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship) Ballina: 1. J. Mitchell/P. McCrudden (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) 25m. 53.8s; 2. A. Purcell/L. Brennan (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+20.6s; 3. N. McGonigle/C. McKenna (VW Polo GTi R5)+21.2s; 4. S. Dickson/B. Teggart (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+52.6s; 5. D. Mackarel/E. Creedon (Ford Fiesta R5)+58.8s; 6. P. McCullagh/L. Callaghan (Mitsubishi Lancer E9)+1m. 45.6s; 7. J. Boland/J. McCay (Ford Fiesta Rally3)+1m. 53.9s; 8. A. Dickson/D. Turkington (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+2m. 02.4s; 9. D. Tourish/D. McAlaney (Ford Escort)+2m. 08.6s; 10. S. Moore/T. McHugh (Ford Fiesta)+2m. 19.2s. Slig o Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship (Provisional positions after Round 4): 1. J. Mitchell 63pts; 2. A. Purcell 53pts; 3. S. Dickson 52pts; +4. P. O'Connell & D. Mackarel 47pts; 6. J. Boland 37pts
Belfast Telegraph
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
I can't compete at Donegal while pal Brian Hoy recovers after horror crash, says Kris Meeke
Meeke was due to compete at June's event with the Fermanagh navigator in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 – the same car he has so far dominated the 2025 Portuguese Rally Championship in, winning three of the opening four rounds. Hoy is currently recovering from an accident that happened on the Cavan Stages Rally; he was sitting alongside Garry Jennings when their Ford Fiesta Rally2 went off the road and hit a tree. Jennings said the cause of the crash was due to the supermini getting out of shape over a small jump. Thanks to the quick thinking of fellow competitors Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty and Declan Boyle and Patrick McCrudden, he said they both owed their lives to them. Jennings sustained a broken leg, sternum, ribs, shoulder and wrist in the incident, while Hoy has been receiving treatment for a broken leg and arm. As such, former World Rally Championship event winner Meeke has decided to pull his Donegal Rally entry, with the 45-year-old also citing the tragic death of Dai Roberts on the second day of the Duns-based Jim Clark Rally as another reason. Roberts' driving mate James Williams was conveyed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he has since undergone surgery, with his condition said to be stable and the prognosis 'positive'. Posting on social media, Meeke wrote: 'I had hoped to be out on Donegal International Rally this year, and Brian Hoy was due to co-drive. 'Unfortunately, Brian was badly injured last weekend in a rally with Garry Jennings. 'Out of respect to Brian and the tragic events on the Jim Clark Rally, I felt uneasy to search around for a co-driver who I'd no experience with. So, finally we decided to postpone our entry until the future. 'Huge thanks to all who put in the effort to put everything together. Wishing Brian Hoy and Garry Jennings all the strength in their recovery,' added Meeke, whose previous outing on Irish soil came in 2009 at the Midland Stages Rally. Meanwhile, a JustGiving page set up to support the wife and two children of Dai Roberts has so far raised over £126,900. Those behind the idea have said the money will go to cover funeral costs and provide ongoing support.
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Irish rally driver ‘lucky to be here' after horror crash as he thanks quick-thinkers for ‘actions that saved my life'
FERMANAGH rally driver Garry Jennings revealed he is "lucky to be here" following a horror car crash. Jennings and co-driving teammate Brian Hoy were hospitalised with serious but non-life-threatening injuries from the accident on Sunday's Cavan Stages. 2 Garry Jennings before the Joule Donegal International Rally in 2022 Credit: Philip Fitzpatrick/Sportsfile 2 Garry Jennings and Rory Kennedy in their Ford Fiesta Rally 2 during day two of the Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally Round 5 of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2024 Credit: Philip Fitzpatrick/Sportsfile Their Ford Fiesta Rally2 car was rendered a write-off due to the force of the crash which saw it collide with a tree. Jennings was diagnosed with a broken leg, sternum, shoulder and wrist, while Hoy was taken to Dublin with a broken leg and arm. But He said: 'I have been rallying for 25 years and I have never been involved in anything as big as what happened on Sunday. Read More on Motorsport "There have been a few pictures of the car on social media and when I saw them, I said, 'No one is coming out of that alive'. "I am very lucky to be here – I honestly believe that I have missed my destination with death, that is how bad it was.' Jennings owed gratitude to four quick-thinking people. The duo were trapped int the car which was on its roof at the side of the road in a field for more than an hour. Most read in Motorsport At this point, fellow racers Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty, and Declan Boyle and Paddy McCrudden, intervened to free them from the car and save their lives. Tragedy at the Jim Clark Rally: Remembering Dai Roberts Jennings explained: 'Without a doubt, their actions saved my life and the life of Brian as well. 'A group of spectators slowed them down and said that we were dead and not to bother checking on us. "Thankfully they did and myself and Brian are both alive to tell the tale. 'I was drifting in and out of consciousness when they arrived. "They were calling my name and when they checked my airways, they could see I was choking on my tongue. "They sorted that and stayed with us for about an hour until we were finally freed from the car. "Without a doubt those four fellas kept us going. "We both owe our lives to them."
