Last Sunday’s 5 stage Magherafelt MC Davagh event was won by Philip Shaw (Escort) by 3s after a great tussle with Seamus Heron (Evo6) who finished 2^nd. Glenn Allen was 3^rd.

Peadar Hurson, who led the Circuit of Ireland last year in his Celica and was one of the front runners throughout the Toshiba Tarmac Championship, is another moving to Subaru WRC for this year. Although the Circuit of Ireland, which is to receive additional backing this year from the Northern Ireland Events Company. Hurson’s move should ensure the biggest Impreza WRC line up for any rally anywhere!

The Easter Stages will run on the Monday of the Circuit of Ireland and will again be a counter in the N.I Championship. This year however cars in the main Circuit who complete the Monday stages will not be eligible to score points in the N.I. Championship.

The popular Circuit of Kerry Rally is moving back to Tralee, having been centred down the Dingle Peninsula for 15 years. Eight stages are planned for the 6^th April event, with backing from the Tralee Vintners and the Abbeygate Hotel. There will be centralised servicing every 2 stages, which should facilitate the general chase car ban in Ireland this year.

Sean Gallagher, who drives the ex John Gilleece GpA Escort Cosworth, and who was one of the front runners in last year’s Dunlop National Championship, is one of the favourites for his home 4 stage Carrick on Shannon based 23^rd March Midland Rally.

Former N.I. Rally Champion George Robinson, Kieran Shaw in his Escort WRC and Cathal Rodgers in his Escort G3 are just some of the entries for the Maiden City Aghadowey stage rally on Monday 17^th March. The Maiden City MC, along with Coleraine MC and the Ulster Motorcycle Club have been working away over the past few years developing the outer roads in Aghadowey, and plans are afoot for further developments. Entries are still available for the St Partakes day event, best contacts John & Liz McIvor on (028) 77765131.

Tommy Graham is planning his busiest season ever this year, intending to compete in the Get Connected and 023 Tiles series plus the Toshiba Tarmac and selected rounds of the Dunlop National championship. Francis Kenny will co-drive in the recently acquired ex Kankkunen Subaru 98 WRC and the St.Patrick’s weekend West Cork will be the first outing.

21 year old David Graham, co-driven by Kevin Flanagan in his ex Robert Gough Peugeot 206 SuperCup car, is one of an interesting group of young Irish drivers who will be tackling the Malcolm Wilson Rally this weekend. David Crossen (Ford Ka), Dessie Keenan (Peugeot) and John McLoughlin (Peugeot) will also make the Cumbrian trip.

John Carroll, the 2001 Ford Ireland Ka Champion and Billy Coleman Award winner runner up is tackling the entire UK Ford Ka series this year and will start his campaign on the Malcolm Wilson. Mark Kane will co-drive. Donie Keating Jnr. is also planning to contest the UK Championship.

Ballinamallard’s Garry Jennings, preparing for his first full works outings in the Peugeot 206 Super 1600, has been honoured by his home County by being awarded the Fermanagh Herald/Belleek Pottery Sports Personality of the Year award.

Brian Patterson.