After the opening loop of three stages in the Hotel Kilmore Cavan Rally, the third round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, both Monaghan’s, Niall Maguire and Cavan’s, Patrick Elliott in Subaru WRC’s share the lead with the Hyundai WRC of Cahal Arthurs a mere second adrift in third.

Dubliner, George Tracey will become the first privateer in either Ireland or Britain to rally a Peugeot 206 WRC. The Cabinteely man has acquired the ex-Freddy Loix Peugeot 206 WRC and will debut the car on the forthcoming International Rally of the Lakes Rally in Killarney (May1-2).

Wexford’s Eamonn Boland is set to debut his 'Step 2' Mitsubishi on the Monaghan Rally, the second round of the Dunlop Championship in two weeks time.

Taking his fourth win in five starts in the Dunlop National Rally Championship, Derry’s, Eugene Donnelly ran out a clear winner of the Suirway Forklifts Raven’s Rock Rally that was based in Kilkenny.

Niall Maguire and co-driver, Paul McLaughlin have eked out a nine second lead over the Toyota Celica of Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely in the Sligo Rally, the seventh round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship.

Dom Buckley/Brian Murphy won the Carlow Rally, the fourth round of the Dunlop Championship.

Niall Maguire, who won yesterday’s Circuit of Kerry, albeit on a tie-break, has opened up a four point lead in the Dunlop National Rally Championship after just two rounds.