UNOFFICIAL MODIFIED L/BOARD AFTER SS2 Clogagh
1st (16) John Dalton/Gwynfor Jones (Darrian) 19.56.8
2nd (14) Gary Kiernan/Ryan Moore (Proton) 19.57.5
3rd (41) Stuart Darcy/William Lynch (Darrian) 20.10.2
4th (24) Jason McSweeney/Anthony O’Connell (Lancer) 20.33.1
5th (22) Frank Kelly/Michael Coady (Escort) 20.40.4
6th (28) Eugene Meegan/Daragh Mullen (BMW) 20.41.2
From the Ring stage the drivers headed out through the lovely coastal village of Timoleague to start the Clogagh stage beside the Argideen river. Donagh Kelly was fastest through the 16.2km stage consisting of narrow roads through farmland, still very fast, terrain for the brave. Donagh said at stage finish that everything was well. Declan Boyle was still struggling with the handling of his Fiesta WRC following his first stage excursion. Declan was still 3rd fastest, with Josh Moffett 2nd fastest and best of the Fiesta R5s. The World Rally Car drivers such as Donagh Kelly, Declan Boyle and Sam Moffett cannot score points in the Tarmac C/ship, so Josh is the man of the moment as regards the Tarmac series. Josh commented at stage finish. “I am keeping her handy”. Robert Barrable said he was struggling to settle in to his Fiesta, while Jonny Greer commented. ‘I am loving the new car but taking time to get used to it’. Desi Henry bled his Fiesta brakes on the road section between stages 1 and 2 and was a lot happier. Eugene Donnelly reported that he was quite happy with his 10th place as his main aim this weekend was one of development in the car, and with the tyres.
British Rally Champion Keith Cronin was keeping a watchful eye on his brother Daniel who is now up to 8th o/a and reporting his Fiesta to be ‘perfect’. David Guest is 11th o/a and best of the GpN crews, David reporting a turbo problem with his Lancer at the start of both stages this morning.
In the Modified category Gary Kiernan was fastest through SS2 but John Dalton still leads overall. Gary complained of the steering being heavy after the first stage. He added some fluid and it seems OK now. Adrian Hetherington is strangely off the pace this morning and is down in 13th, he reckons the suspension of his Escort is set too hard. Ed O’Callaghan lost a little time when his Escort took a 5th gear charge off the road in SS2. There is a bit of body damage but he seems to be going OK. Damien Tourish feels that one of the rear shock absorbers in his Escort is not working. Frank Kelly has been rallying all around the world through 2017 and is happy to be back in Ireland for this West Cork event. Frank felt a bit rusty at the start but is now quite pleased with his pace and is 5th o/a. Reports are coming in that Ed Twomey has put his Fiat Abarth off the road on SS1. John Coyne (Porsche) reported did not complete the stage but drove out, as did Andrew James.
More news to follow: BRIAN & LIZ & MICHAEL & ZOE PATTERSON Follow RallyNews on Twitter & Facebook @Pacenotes or @Real_RallyNews
