UNOFFICIAL LEADEBOARD AFTER STAGE 8 Lough Bo

1^st (2) Derek McGarrity/Chris Patterson (Impreza WRC) 40.33.1

2^nd (7) Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Impreza WRC) 41.09.4

3^rd (1) Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Impreza WRC) 41.11.8

4^th (3) Eamonn Boland/Damien Morrissey (Impreza WRC) 41.15.8

5^th (9) Maurice Gass/Geoffrey Orr (Impreza WRC) 41.35.5

6^th (4) Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Impreza WRC) 42.01.0

7^th (20) Gareth Jones/Ryland James (Impreza) 42.41.6

8^th (8) Tim McNulty/Anthony Nestor (Impreza WRC) 42.49.3

9^th (11) Roy White/Greg Shinnors (Lancer N) 43.12.0

10^th (10) Seamus Leonard/Paul McLaughlin (Impreza N) 43.36.6

Derek McGarrity was fastest on the first of today’s stages, Lough Bo, by 1.1s from Andrew Nesbitt. McGarrity had a broad grin on his face at stage end, but not so Austin MacHale. His Subaru was emitting clouds of smoke from the engine bay, early indications being that Austin may not continue. Eamonn Boland slowed on the stage when he clipped a front right tyre against a rock, thought he had a puncture, but then it turned out to be OK.

Overnight stories included – Peadar Hurson withdrawing from the rally, unwell. Mervyn Johnston, leader of the Historic section on Saturday afternoon, was hospitalised with an injured back. This was following a heavy landing in his Mini Cooper in stage 6. Parc ferme this morning saw more dramas – Eugene Donnelly and Glyn Jones were unable to start their Subarus, both incurred penalties, in Eugene’s case 50s.

Further news from Lough Bo….young Gareth Jones, driving brilliantly, had intercom troubles. Jaye Jordan in the Escort Cosworth, just inside the top 20, had rear brake troubles. Maurice Gass reckoned he was getting his Subaru too sideways and losing time. Just outside the top 10 we have Dickie Curran, less than 2s behind Seamus Leonard. Then Andrew Stewart, although he may have some road penalties, as he forgot to bring his Lancer keys to parc ferme. Then Raymond Johnston, Shaun Gallagher, Jaye Jordan, Jim Crozier and young Michael Curran. Cathal Rogers is just inside the top 20 and best of the 2 wheel drive cars, then it’s Aaron MacHale and Keith McIvor.

More news on Austin MacHale. The car is slightly fire damaged, reportedly due to an oil leak, Austin is trying to continue through stage 9, Arigna. Latest on Mervyn Johnston, broken bone in his back, comfortable in hospital, should be no long term consequences.

Some overnight class positions: Martin Freestone leads the Post Historics. Colin McDowell now leads the Historics. Andrew Hegarty leads cl.5 from leading Ladies crew of Aisling Dooris/Wendy Blackledge, with Lucy Ford-Hutchinson 3^rd in the class, just behind Aisling. Andrew Bushe leads cl.6, Brian Doherty Cl.7. Andrew Knox cl.10. Brian Black cl.9. Paul Barrett is leading cl.11 from Reg Britton with Thomas Keys 3^rd. Jim Crozier is 2^nd in cl.12 to Jaye Jordan with Cathal Rogers 3^rd. More news later. BRIAN AND LIZ PATTERSON (with thanks to Michael Patterson & Zoe Todd..and Tom Nolan.