Quinn in blistering form in Nenagh
MOTORSPORT
Paul Griffin, Aghadoe, Killarney winner of the Intercontinetal Rally Challenge signing the visitors book with Colr Michael Gleeson Mayor of Killarney during the civic reception given to Paul to mark his achievement in the Town Hall Killarney on Friday Credit: PICTURE: MICHELLE COOPER GALVIN
Wednesday March 03 2010
LYREACROMPANE'S Mike Quinn co-driven by Grainne McEnery had a superb drive on last weekend's Nenagh Stages Rally to finish fifth overall and top two-wheel drive in their powerful Ford Escort Mk11.
Quinn who opted to try a new tyre manufacturer for the six-stage event had to settle for second in the two wheel drive category over the opening loop of stages as he got used to the performance of the new tyre. Quinn's nearest rival was Donegal's Manus Kelly / Donal Barrett also in a Ford Escort MKII, but Kelly hit trouble on the 3rd stage damaging a front wheel leaving Quinn to move into the lead.
Over the following three stages both crews put in outstanding drives, but the Lyreacrompane crew held on to their lead and the defence of their Championship two-wheel drive campaign.
Limerick's Ed Synan co driven by Kilflynn's Denis O'Connell were up to seventh overall and first in class 13, but on the penultimate stage mechanical problems cost the crew to loose two minutes and finished 12th overall and third in class.
Frank Sweeney and codriver Seamus O'Connor were competing on their first rally together in 11 months and were up to 14th overall, but a heavy landing over a big jump on stage four caused the crew to retire with low oil pressure.
Tralee's Eoin Duffin and co driver Brenda Duffin were leading class 12, but a slippy left hand corner caught the crew out damaging their G3 Escort causing them to loose time to their nearest class rivals and eventually finish third in class 12. Pat Barry/Stephen O'Connell were another crew who had a dramatic rally after mechanical trouble slowed the crew through two stages and finished 26th overall.
Listowel's Eddie Kennelly / Derek Flynn brought their Ford Escort MK11 to 40th overall and first in class 10. Tralee's Chris and Sean Campbell finished fifth in class 11 and 37th overall while Tarbert's Mike and Paddy Costello finished 46th overall.
In the junior category Tralee's Darren Young co driven by Camp's Kenneth finished eighth overall. The rally was won by Welsh man Melvyn Evans and co-driver Patrick Walsh in a Subaru S12 WRC by 22 seconds from nearest rival Derek McGarrity / James McKee also in a Subaru S12 WRC. West Cork's Kevin Kelliher who was been co-driven by Adrian Deasy took the final podium position in a Mitsubishi Evo 9. KILLARNEY co-driver Paul Nagle flew out to Brazil last weekend with Kris Meeke to prepare for this weekend's Rally de Curitiba round 2 of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
The Irish crew won the rally last year on their way to been crowned IRC champions and will be hopping to repeat last years performance and start the defence of their IRC title in a Peugeot Uk Team Peugeot 207 S2000. The 15 stage rally will begin on Friday with 7 stages facing the Irish crew with the remaining 8 stages taking place on Saturday.
- Seamus O'Connor
