Following a wet and misty Friday evening the opening stage this morning was still damp and slippery, and nearly all the top runners said at stage finish about how little grip they were finding. Interestingly, with the passage of more cars, the times in the Modified cars speeded up, so that Vincent McSweeney (Car No.39) was fastest in his Civic with a time of 9.05.1. Brian Brogan recorded 9.10.5 in his Escort. Alan Ring is out for the first time in his new Fiesta R5+ and he recorded 9.13. Adrian Hetherington had a great run but posted a time of 9.13.6. Andy Mahon (No.34) did 9.27.6 in his Escort. Frank Kelly, who admitted to saying he did not drive particularly well, had a time of 9.31.9 in his Escort.
Out at the front of the rally Donagh Kelly in his all conquering Focus WRC told us that he had picked a slick dry weather tyre but found the going difficult. He was still fastest. Garry Jennings had the upset of having to change co-drivers overnight, as Rory Kennedy got news of a family emergency and had to return to Donegal. This meant David Moynihan stepping into the hot seat. David has co-driven for Garry in the past, but not having done the recce, and having to get used to Rory`s handwriting is a big ask for David. At stage finish Garry reported no real problems, although he felt that he had been conservative in his tyre choice. This could benefit Garry in stage 2.
Daragh O`Riordan made a steady start, not having been in his Fiesta WRC for nearly 6 months. Keith Cronin was fastest of the R5 cars but even Keith felt that he was getting no grip. This sentiment was echoed by both Alastair Fisher and Sam Moffett. Desi Henry said he is trying to get his confidence back following his accident in Galway. Kevin Kelleher reported his Subaru to be moving around at the back. He is trying different tyres today so whether that is the problem, or whether there is something not right in his Subaru, will have to be ascertained. Roy White commented that he is not sticking his neck out. Owen Murphy made a disappointing start, slowed by a lack of intercom, that meant a scarcity of pacenotes. His time in his new Fabia S2000 was 9.24.9. Josh Moffett caught and passed Owen in the stage and that may have cost a few seconds. David Guest gave his Lancer a bit of a knock last night and has found the car to be not handling correctly. Mark Straker in the Darrian has stopped in the stage. There are no reports of damage.
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