Mayo's McHale Fusion 4 crew wrap up their best result in the Fiesta

Mayo rally pair John Warren and Ruthann O’Connor recorded their best result to date in the McHale Fusion 4 Plus Ford Fiesta during an action-packed Fastnet Rally in Bantry, Co. Cork, over the weekend.

On Sunday’s demanding 14km opening stage, number one seed Declan Boyle was the first to get caught out when his Skoda Fabia Rally2 ended up laying on its side midway through the west Cork terrain.

By the first service halt at the end of three stages, more than 10 cars had retired from the 140 starters.

For the second loop, John and Ruthann – like some other crews – opted for wet weather tyres as conditions deteriorated, a decision which helped them to climb steadily up the leader board as they returned to Bantry for the last service of the day.

On the final loop of stages, with Donegal’s Michael Boyle in his Skoda Fabia Rally2 maintaining his lead and going on to win his third Irish event on the trot, further drama continued in the top 10 as Ryan Loughran retired his Fiesta Rally2 due to a broken wheel and damaged rear suspension, highlighting the ever-present tricky conditions that all crews faced.

Co-driver Ruthann was well impressed with their seventh place overall finish on what is their last outing of 2025.

“We were consistent throughout the day as we set times well inside the top 10 on six out of eight stages,” she said. “The car felt really good and John drove with a broad smile all day!”

Speaking at the finish ramp, John was in a philosophical mood. “While it hasn't been our best season – we‘ve had a few bits of bad luck but these things happen, that’s rallying – you can’t let the head drop. You just have to get on with it, and days and results like today’s seventh place help!

“It shows what we can achieve when things go right for us,” John added as he thanked IN Sport for preparing and maintaining the car all season. “Niall and the lads have been amazing,” said John, who also thanked Westtyre for their support and highlighted the super job Ruthann does in the co-driver's seat. “She’s so organised and her calmness and composure in the car helps me stay focused behind the wheel,” he commented.

To keep up to date with John, Ruthann and the Fusion 4 Plus Fiesta, you can follow @mchalerallying on TikTok.