Martin O’Connell, driving Limerick man Stephen Carway’s Escort WRC won the Mondello Rallysprint from Adrian McElvaney and Kevin Barrett, sharing Kevin’s Subaru WRC. Garry Jennings had his first outing in the ex James Thompson 106 Super 1600 and finished best 2 wheel drive car and 6^th overall in what were atrociously wet and slippy conditions.

P.J.Gillen took the overall honours in his Escort Cosworth at the Aghadowey Rally just before New Year. Richard Hogg was 2^nd in an ex Andrew Hadden Lancer, with Kieran Shaw 3^rd in his Escort WRC. NI Young Driver Scholarship winner Philip Morrow was driving one of Hogg’s other Lancers. On his first 4wd outing, the 19year old was an impressive 4^th until the car stopped with fuel pump trouble.

Donie O’Sullivan has acquired the ex-Nickolai Bolshik/Steve Fleck BMW M3, one of the last and fastest of the dramatic Prodrive built machines. Clonakilty’s Humphrey Deacon has taken on Donie’s rapid Mk2 Escort. O’Sullivan is contemplating tackling the Get Connected series this year.

Adrian McElvaney will continue his rallying comeback when he drives a Stan Harper Impreza WRC on the Mayo and Monaghan National Championship events.

Shaun Gallagher is heading off to Norway for 2 months to take in as many rallies and snow practice as he can in a new LHD Peugeot 206. David Moynihan will co-drive for the young Letterkenny man.

Sean McHugh, winner of GpN on the 2002 Top Part West Coast series in his Impreza, intends, with co-driver John Rowlands, to take in selected rounds of the National series this year as well as the West Coast series.

Brian Patterson.