Mayo crew impress on Wexford Stages Rally 2026

John Warren underlined his growing stature in Irish rallying with a standout display at the recent Wexford Stages Rally, recording 12 overall top four times, with the highlight coming during his maiden stage win on Stage 10.

The design engineer from McHale Engineering, accompanied in his McHale Fusion 4 Plus Ford Fiesta Rally2 by his co-driver Ruthann O’Connor, previously showcased impressive speed, most notably at Monaghan Stages Rally, Circuit of Munster Rally and Carlow Stages Rally, where the south Mayo husband and wife team recorded top 10 finishes, but a career milestone was achieved by claiming a first stage fastest time on the winding Wexford roads.

Speaking at the Stage 10 end interview, the pair dedicated the win to the late Martina McHale, who recently passed away.

“She was probably our biggest fan and supporter,” said Ruthann.

“She was not only an employer but a close personal friend whose influence is seen across the team who have built McHale into the company it is today,” added John.

Heading into the overnight halt, John and Ruthann were delighted to be holding third place overall after day one of the 200km event. It followed persistent mixed weather and heavy downpours that hampered a large number of the 100 crews on wrong tyre choices and reduced driving visibility.

But elation quickly turned to deflation on day two as on Stage 13 of the 18-stage event, while sitting in third place, the pair ran wide and clipped a stone embedded in the clay bank on the outside of a corner, damaging the suspension in the rear of the M-Sport-built Fiesta.

Explaining what happened, Warren said: “Just the cruellest way to end the event, but despite not finishing it was probably the most enjoyable event to date we’ve had in the car. A massive thanks to Niall and the M-Sport team who prepared an amazing car and to WESTTYRE for their support, and as always an amazing job from Ruthann on the pacenotes.

“While I feel bad not achieving our first overall podium finish, we will regroup and go again. It was only a small suspension part that ended our event. The car actually drove out of the stage but it would not have been possible to continue at rally speed.”

Cork’s Daniel Cronin and Padraig O’Donovan secured victory in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 ahead of the second-placed Ford Fiesta Rally2 of Donegal's Ryan McHugh and James McBrearty.

To keep up to date with John, Ruthann and the Fusion 4 Plus Fiesta Rally2, you can follow @mchalerallying on TikTok and Instagram.