Strong entry will bring competitive edge to Donegal rally

Motorsport: A new season of the Valvoline Irish Forest Rally Championship is marked by a very competitive entry for tomorrow’s Donegal Forest Rally in Pettigoe.

With reigning champion Owen Murphy opting to concentrate on other events there is a posse of drivers lining up to make a serious pursuit of the seven round series. Top seed Desi Henry (Mitsubishi) can justifiably feel that the season ahead is a case of unfinished business having lost last year’s series by a single point — although his Millstreet co-driver Liam Moynihan lifted the co-driver’s crown.

London-based Cork driver Michael O’Brien (Ford Focus WRC), with James O’Brien calling the notes, returns for another season in the Irish forests. Consistent last year but with only one win to his credit, Monaghan’s Josh Moffett (Mitsubishi) now knows what’s required and he will push hard from the start. So too will Lisburn ace Philip Morrow, who was in the championship frame a few seasons ago, very quick, he too will fancy his chances over the six-stage event.