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Irish Notes
14.01.02
Eugene Ferry scored a convincing win on last Sunday's Mayo Stage
Rally based in Westport and utilising the Partry Mountain
territory. Ferry set a scorching pace on the first of the
three special stages to open up a substantial lead which allowed
him to drive at his own pace to victory. Tom McGovern
finished an equally solid 2nd while young Conor Curley set
fastest time on the 3rd stage to take 3rd on a tie break with
Gordon Rogers. Aidan Caddye won gpN on this popular and
hugely well supported event in his Astra.
Charlie and Eugene Donnelly have entered their respective Celicas
for the opening round of the KBB Doors Forestry Championship in
Mitchelstown. The brothers will provide their own brand of
fireworks to what is shaping up to be a superb series. Some
further interesting entries are Garry Jennings, Max McKillen and
Eamonn Boland.
Cork's Shane McCarthy has acquired a Peugeot Super 106 Cup car to
contest the KBB Foretstry series. McCarthy, co-driven by Derek
Brannigan, won his class on the National Championship at it's
last running in 2000, and is still eligible for the Billy Coleman
Award.
Kevin Barrett has decided to scrub his proposed trip to the
Norway Rally. The Triton Showers man will now open his season by
taking his Subaru to the Rally Sunseeker.
Representatives of the IRCA (Irish Rally Competitors Association)
have met with former top co-driver Dr Frank O'Donoghue, who has
been appointed by Motorsport Ireland regarding the implementation
of the new drink drive tests for competitors on rallies. The
Irish Sports Council will be in charge of the testing, with the
limit being set at zero.
Owen Lamont heads a strong list on this Saturday's Kirkistown
Rally. The event, organised jointly by the 500MRC and the UAC,
has grown strongly in recent years as great pre-season shakedown
opportunity. There are 6 special stages on the menu, with action
commencing at 09.00 at the Co. Down venue.
Sammy Fisher's tragic death last week provided an untimely and
unwelcome warning about working in an enclosed environment
without proper ventilation. It is believed that Sammy was
overcome by 'the silent killer', carbon monoxide. A garage with a
pit is particularly vulnerable as the gas builds from the floor
up, is invisible, with no taste, no smell.
Tommy Hughes, very well known for his efforts in marshaling at
events all over the country, has died. Tommy (62), suffered a
heart attack at his niece Jacqueline's Magherafelt home last
Monday evening. Tommy's forte in recent years was assembling a
team to completely run a stage, and many clubs were extremely
thankful for his efforts, and indeed he was the recipient of
several rally awards in respect of his expertise and unstinting
efforts. He will be sorely missed.
Brian Patterson.
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ã 2002 www.rallynews.net
(Patterson Agencies). All rights reserved. Unauthorised
duplication is a violation of applicable laws. 26/08/02 10:52
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