Slick Sam Moffett claims Nenagh Rally crown

Setting a cracking pace and mastering the wet conditions, Monaghan’s Sam Moffett (Ford Fiesta WRC) guided by Cavan’s James Fulton won the Abbey Court Hotel Nenagh Rally, the opening round of the Triton National Rally Championship.

Moffett and Fulton finished 59.1 seconds in front of Donegal cousins Declan and Brian Boyle (Ford Fiesta WRC) with Donegal man Donagh Kelly and his Monaghan co-driver Conor Foley (Ford Focus WRC) claiming third, a further 36.1 seconds behind.

Moffett set the pace on the opening stage even though he stalled his Ford Fiesta WRC on the start line. It didn’t upset his concentration as he opened up a 10.1-second lead over event top seed Donagh Kelly (Ford Focus WRC). Triton champion Roy White (Ford Fiesta WRC) was one second behind in third but a misted over windscreen meant Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC) had to be content with fourth — 23 seconds off top spot. Another former national champion Declan Boyle (Fiesta WRC) followed in a top six that was rounded off by top two-wheel drive exponent Adrian Hetherington (Escort).