McGonigle storms to success in Mayo Stages Rally on Achill Island
AS the day dawned and the mist lifted over the Achill hills, the first round of the Sligo Pallets Border Championship kicked off in style.
The early stages were challenging due to overnight rain but once the sun came out and the roads dried up, the drivers got into their own rhythm and their confidence increased as the day went on.
First off the mark was Joseph McGonigle with Ciaran Geaney in their Skoda Fabia R5 who, despite struggling early in the morning, recovered in the third stage to maintain their lead for the rest of the day.
Late entrant Frank Wray and Joe McNulty in their Subaru Impreza were second overall, narrowly pipping Adrian Hethrington and Ronan O’Neill in a Ford Escort to the post with just split seconds between them.
Recently returned from Australia, Pauric Duffy with Kevin Glynn in their Ford Fiesta R5 (Class 5) had a good day out, challenging McGonigle all day and taking the lead for the first loop of stages. Their luck was short-lived, however, and after a driveshaft broke and caused a spin, they dropped to sixth place. Gradually they climbed back up and gained two places by stage five to finish the day in fourth place overall and the first Mayo & District Motorsport Club members home, taking the Margaret McGreal Perpetual Cup for their efforts.
Well done to Keith Jacob and Michael Carr, who took first place in the Mayo & District club awards in their Honda Civic as they finished fourth in Class 16 and 36th overall.
Trisha Greevey with navigator brother Brendan in their Honda Civic claimed fourth in their class, 43rd overall, and took home second place in the Mayo & District club awards.
Father and daughter team Pat and Shauna McEveney finished fifth in their class, 45th overall and third in the Mayo & District club awards.
Shane Buckley, with Lorcan Moore on notes, took home the Eddie O’Hora Award for the fastest Mayo & District driver on stage one, although the rally was a disappointment overall as they clashed with a chicane on stage three.
Mayo & District Motorsport Club would like to thank joint title sponsors Óstán Oileán Acla and Connacht Print & Signs, in addition to their many local sponsors, marshals and officials who helped out over the weekend, Midwest Radio and the local residents who were so welcoming and accommodating. The club looks forward to returning to Achill again in the not-too-distant future.