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Irish Notes
14.05.03
Eugene Donnelly has entered his Celica for his home rally, the 24th May Sperrins, as he continues his campaign of contesting three major championships. Maghera man Eugene is leading the NI Stage Championship, and is also well placed in the Tarmac Championship following his Killarney Lakes win. In addition he is 3rd in the Dunlop National series, although he missed out on competing in Carlow as his entry was late. The Sperrins event, based in Walsh's Hotel in Maghera, has 10 special stages ranging from Glenshane Pass to a new stage near Gortin with central servicing at the mart in Draperstown.
Ollie O'Donovan is planning to compete on the forthcoming Mutiny Rally in his own Impreza, and then fly over on the Saturday night to compete on the Sunday Circuit of Munster in a hired Kenny McKinstry Impreza WRC. Munster is a round of both the National series, which Michael Barrable now leads, and the 023 Tiles Southern Four series, where Maurice Gass tops the points.
This Sunday's Moonraker Forestry Rally is round 4 of the KBB Doors Forestry Championship. Based in Middleton, Co. Cork, the 10 stage event has attracted a healthy entry, with series leader John McCarthy the No1 seed in his Subaru. Eddie Kinirons, Kevin O'Kane and John Donnelly line up behind McCarthy, who is on home ground on this one. GpN leader John Shanahan is at 6 in his Impreza.
The prestigious Punchestown Rally Masters event has been called off for this year because contractual obligations between the racecourse and a concert promoter have proved impossible to circumvent. The event was the brainchild of Ronan Morgan, who is already looking at dates for 2004, particularly during a three week break in the WRC.
Donegal Motor Club has released early details of the Shell backed 20/22nd June International. In view of last year's fatalities, the club is redoubling efforts on the safety front. Based in Letterkenny, the Friday run will consist of three stages run twice between Letterkenny and Inishowen. The Saturday run will have 5 stages run twice, fanning out from Milford Mart service. The Sunday leg is based in the Downings area and will have three stages run twice.
Michale Barrable has moved into a clear lead on the Dunlop National Championship following his win on last Sunday's Carlow Rally. Dublin car dealer Michael is on 58 points, Adrian McElvaney has 46 and Eugene Donnely is on 38.
Carlow Rally was also a round of the Ford Ireland KA series, with Ian Chadwick taking maximum points, Walter Walsh was 2nd and Emily O'Mahony 3rd.
Brian Patterson.
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