London based Limerick man Ollie O’Donovan received his 023 Tiles Southern Four Championship winning trophies at a memorable prize giving in Clonakilty last weekend. Ollie plans to contest the ANCRO Championship this year in his ex Murray Grierson GpA Impreza, plus selected events, starting with West Cork, in the McKinstry Escort F2 machine. Ollie has backing from Kumho and T.L.Clowes.

Brian Murphy, well known as Austin McHale’s co-driver but a very quick driver in his own right, has acquired Patrick Elliot’s Impreza WRC. Murphy commented, "I’ll still be concentrating my rally efforts on co-driving for Austin, but hopefully I’ll do a few forestry Championship events in the Impreza."

Patrick Elliott meanwhile, runner up in the 2002 National Championship, is keeping his powder dry regarding his rally plans for this year.

West Cork Rally, backed by the Quality Hotel in Clonakilty, is scheduled again for St Patricks weekend, 15^th & 16^th March. The rally celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year and is a ‘double header’ on the Get Connected series and also the opening round in the 023 Tiles Southern Four Championship.

Late confirmation of the KBB Doors Forestry Championship points positions has led to the postponement of the prizegiving due to be held this weekend in Templemore. An Open Forum has been arranged for February 4^th at 8.30 in Kearneys Castle Hotel, Cashel to discuss all aspects of the Championship.

Gary Jennings had his first test session in the works Peugeot 206 super 1600 car at MIRA last week and quickly adapted to the new machine, finding it very impressive.

The 3^rd/4^th May Killarney International Rally of the Lakes, 2^nd round of the Tarmac Championship, will also be a round of the West Euro Cup and Netherlands Rally Championship.

A 500 MRC/UAC co-promoted stage rally scheduled for this Saturday at Kirkistown looked to be in doubt due to a lack of entries. It would appear that a large batch of regulations that were sent out before Christmas failed to reach their destinations. The 500 Club are continuing to accept entries and competitors who are interested in taking part should contact the club on 028 4277 1325.

Brian Patterson.