Boyle Best in Birr!

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Donegal cousins, Declan and Brian Boyle (Subaru WRC) took victory in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel Rally that marked the beginning of the Dunlop National Rally Championship. At the conclusion of the eight stage rally, they finished 34.8 seconds ahead of the similar Subaru of Welshman, Mel Evans and his Limerick co-driver, Sean Mullally. Wexford’s, James Stafford/Amy Ryan (Darrian T90) were a further 19.1 seconds behind in third, they won the Dunlop” Drive of the Day” award.

The Group N category was won by Monaghan’s, Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi) they finished 11.3 seconds in front of Josh Moffett/John Rowan (Mitsubishi).

On the opening 13Km stage, The Green Roads, Boyle set the pace and took a 6.5 second lead over Evans, who reckoned the tyre pressure was far too high, in addition, he had to cope with the dust that hung in the air after top seed, Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC) progressed through the stage.

Wexford’s, James Stafford (Darrian), revelled in the dry conditions and slotted into an impressive third followed by Roy White, Kevin Kelleher and former triple Dunlop champion, Niall Maguire. In Group N, Josh Moffett, who was seventh overall, set the top time in the showroom category.

On the second stage, rally leader, Boyle spun and stalled his Subaru and lost some ten seconds as Evans cut the deficit to 3.7 seconds. Evans, on his first rally since last summer, set the best time on 16.7 kilometre test near Borris in Ossory. Stafford remained an impressive third with Roy White also continuing his good run in fourth.

Fifth placed Kelleher had a better run through the second stage as sixth placed Maguire found the reason for being 37.5 seconds off the lead when it transpired that the boost pipe for the ALS valve had come adrift. Steve Simpson (Subaru WRC), who replaced the starter motor at the service prior to the opening stage held seventh. James Belton (Subaru WRC) despite stalling twice at the start line of the opening stage, held eighth position.

In Group N, a tremendous family battle ensued with the Moffett brothers Sam and Josh separated by a mere 1.1 seconds in favour of the former, who reckoned he was a little slow on the opening stage. In overall classification, they were ninth and tenth respectively.

Elsewhere in Group N, Daniel Barry (Mitsubishi) was only a fraction of a second behind Josh Moffett with Alan Ring (Mitsubishi) also very much in contention. In the Modified category, with Stafford occupying third, Jonathan Pringle in his Mk. 2 Ford Escort, who was twelfth overall, was second in the category followed by late entry, Declan Gallagher (Toyota Starlet).

On the repeat of the pair of stages, Boyle, with a more committed performance punched in a pair of fastest times, it gave him a lead of 18.6 seconds with Stafford moving in to second although he reckoned his tyres began to lose traction towards the end of the fourth stage. Tyres were also the concern of Mel Evans, who was 3.5 seconds further behind. The Welsh driver stated that he should have stayed on the type of slick that he used for the opening pair of stages.

Kevin Kelleher slotted his Subaru into fourth place with an untroubled run through both stages. Roy White (MG S2000) lost time on the third stage with a spin as sixth placed Niall Maguire, having replaced the boost pipe, was content with his performance.

The Subaru WRC’s of overseas driver, Steve Simpson and James Belton were next in classification, the latter admitted he lacked confidence.

Meanwhile, the Group N contest continued as a family affair with Sam Moffett extending his lead over his brother, Josh to 3.6 seconds. Daniel Barry bent the steering and rear suspension after his Mitsubishi hit a fence post that had been dragged out on to the road by a fellow competitor.

Stephen Wright (Mitsubishi) was next but Alan Ring (Mitsubishi) lost considerable time when the boost pipe came adrift some three miles from the finish of the fourth stage.

Jonathan Pringle (Ford Escort) clipped a rock on S.S. 4 but remained second in the rear wheel drive category. Meanwhile, having changed the suspension, Mark Jasper (Metro 6R4) was concerned about an engine oil leak and decided to withdraw from the event.

Boyle was the quickest driver through S.S. 5 to move 22.8 seconds ahead of Stafford. On the sixth stage, Stafford lost second place when his Darrian clouted a back as he exited a square left close to Camross village. At the final service halt, Boyle who was equal fastest through S.S. 6 with Evans, led the Welshman by 24.8 seconds with Stafford a further 20.3 seconds behind in third.

Although Kelleher retained fourth, his position was coming under pressure from Maguire, who had closed to within 1.3 seconds of the Clonakilty driver. Roy White (MG S200) was next followed by overseas drivers, Steve Simpson and James Belton.

The final two places in the top ten were occupied by Sam and Josh Moffett. On Stage 5, Josh closed to within 1.8 seconds of his brother but on Stage 6, had to back off when he thought he had a differential issue, it transpired that there was mud in one of the rear wheels.

Boyle went on to take victory from Evans and Stafford. Maguire reeled in Kelleher to secure fourth. Roy White (MG S2000) finished sixth followed by overseas drivers, Steve Simpson and James Belton, both in Subaru WRC’s.

Sam Moffett, despite a slight misfire in his Mitsubishi took victory and in the Motorsport Safety Group N category, the Mitsubishi of his brother Josh was a little wayward on the final stage, but still managed to finish runner-up in the category and tenth overall.

The Historic category was won by Frank Cunningham/Robbie Ward (Ford Escort) and Robert Duggan/Mikie Galvin (Honda Civic) won the Junior section.