Monaghan Rally set to be a cracker!!

If the Circuit of Ireland Rally last weekend proved anything it's that Ireland is certainly not short of rallying talent. To see some of the young guns from around the country put it up to their European counter parts was fascinating and resulted in some very impressive drives. The European Rally Championship leader going into the event, Craig Breen kept the eventual winner Esapekka Lappi honest right up until his retirement. Smashing two rear windows and loosing a rear bumper in a high speed moment he certainly can't be accused of not trying. Robert Barrable had a fantastic run to 3rd overall representing Ireland on the podium.


The Combilift boys in Sam and Josh Moffett were very impressive with Josh taking the Group N win. Sam unfortunately retired on day two but set a blistering pace considering the car is new to him. But the man who really impressed me was Daniel McKenna. In an event that was only supposed to be a practice session for is BRC campaign Daniel took the lead of the 2wd category from the start and held it right until the finish. Certainly a good omen for his BRC campaign. The National section was no less dramatic!! Gary Jennings, leading going into the final stage crashed out in dramatic fashion handing the win to Declan Boyle who continues his great run in his Subaru WRC.


So after this dust has settled in Northern Ireland the rallying fraternity moves to Monaghan for round 2 of the Border Rally Championship and the entry list does a lot to wet a rally fan's appetite. With rallying favourites from long ago and from today entering it is sure to be a fascinating day's rallying. Fresh off the Circuit and after his win in Monaghan last year Sam Moffett is seeded at Number 1 and will have his work cut out to defend his win with the likes of Niall Maguire, Paddy McVeigh, Kevin Barrett and Peadar Hurson behind him. The 2wd section is no less mouth watering. Daniel McKenna leads, Gary McPhillips, Rodney Wilton, Manus Kelly in Class 14 and a returning Dessie Kennan in Class 13. McKenna won a dramatic Monaghan Rally in 2012 but failed to finish it last year after and off and is using the event to test out Pirelli's new tyre selection. Gary McPhillips and Rodney Wilton failed to finish the rally last year so they will be keen to put that right this year. Dessie Kennan who is a previous winner of the rally will want to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the front. Group N is also an exciting prospect  with Josh Moffett heading up a fantastic line up including Trevor Bustard and local man Shane Maguire

 I'll be marshaling this weekend and all I'll say is it's been too long. It looks set to be a fantastic weekend so lets keep the race in it's place and have a safe and enjoyable weekend! Heres is footage from last year's rally. Enjoy! :