It should be an intriguing contest against the champions now with Midleton hell bent on avenging last year’s final defeat at the hands of the East Cork division. In truth though, on this performance they will really have to up the ante.

Leading from the start, Sean Gallagher and co-driver, Liam Costello (Escort Cosworth) dominated the Midland Mini Stage Rally in Carrick on Shannon and ran out convincing winners by 39 seconds.