O’Riordan takes Stonethrowers Rally

A high rate of attrition ripped through the Clonmel-based Sepam Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally that was won by Cork driver Darragh O’Riordan (Ford Fiesta WRC) and his Derry co-driver Tony McDaid.

The fifth round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship proved costly for five of the top 10 starters and severely dented the title hopes of Dunlop champion Declan Boyle and fellow title hopeful Hugh Hunter.

At the finish, O’Riordan, who ran his Ford Fiesta in Class 20 to avail of a 34mm restrictor, finished 44.4 seconds in front of the Darrian T90 of Wexford’s James Stafford/Amy Ryan.