Eugene Donnelly Withdraws Birr Entry & Melvyn Evans Reveals New Livery

Eugene Donnelly has been forced to withdraw his entry from this weekend’s Abbeyleix Manor Hotel Stage Rally as a result of a back injury.

‘The Genie’, who was the fourth seed for the event in a Toyota Corolla WRC, informed RallyForums.com that despite attempts to get fit, he has been advised not to continue with this weekend’s rally plans.

“I sustained a back injury earlier in the week,” Donnelly revealed. “I’ve been trying to get fit since Wednesday but have been advised not to do the rally.”

Donnelly’s withdrawal leaves a gap in what is still a very strong top 10. Niall Maguire heads the entry in his Impreza from Melvyn Evans’ Impreza WRC, which is complete with a stunning new livery (pictured). Declan Boyle completes the top three seeds.

Top 20 Seeds

1 Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru Impreza S11)
2 Melvyn Evans/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza S12)
3 Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Subaru Impreza S12B)
4 Eugene Donnelly/Mark Kane (Toyota Corolla)
5 Kevin Kelleher/Martin Kelleher (Subaru Impreza S9)
6 James M. Stafford/TBA (Darrian T90 GTR)
7 Roy White/James O’Brien (Rover RA S2000)
8 James Belton/Mark Glennerster (Subaru Impreza WRC)
9 Alan Ring/Adrian Deasy (Mitsubishi Lancer)
10 Sam Moffett/James O’Reilly (Mitsubishi Evo 9)
11 Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh (Subaru WRC)
12 Eugene Meegan/Brian Sharkey (Mitsubishi Evo 10)
14 Daniel Barry/Gordan Noble (Mitsubishi Evo 10)
15 Josh Moffett/John Rowland (Mitsubishi Evo 9)
16 Mark Jasper/Don Whyatt (MG Metro 6R4)
17 Tommy Doyle/Liam Moynihan (Renault Clio R3)
18 Rodney Wilton/Conor McMahon (Ford Escort)
19 Shane Maguire/Martin McGarrity (Subaru Impreza N11)
20 Jonathan Pringle/Martin Byrne (Ford Escort Mk2)