Motorsport: Maguire is the best in the West

The opening round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, the Breaffy House Hotel Mayo Rally was won by Niall Maguire and co-driver, Paul McLoughlin, their Subaru WRC finished the 12 stage rally 22 seconds ahead of the similar car of Jim Harrison/Harvey Bell.

David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn (Escort Cosworth) took a commendable third place.

The Group N category was won by Trevor Cathers/David Moynihan (Mitsubishi), they were also fourth overall.

Reigning champion, Paul Harris (Subaru) was the principal retirement while Eamonn Boland was a

non-starter due to suspension difficulties with his Subaru WRC.

The top two battled hard all day and entering the final four stages, were separated by just 15 seconds, Maguire held off the spirited challenge of Harrison and won by 22 seconds, the latter clipped the front of his Subaru WRC and lost precious seconds as he made a valiant effort to catch Maguire.

The consistent Armstrong was third ahead of top Group N driver, Trevor Cathers.

Glen Allen and Sean Gallagher rounded of the top six.

The next round of the Dunlop Rally Championship is the Circuit of Kerry on April 7.

1. N. Maguire/P. McLoughlin (Subaru WRC) 1H. 04M. 36S.

2. J. Harrison/H. Bell (Subaru WRC) 1H. 04M. 58S.

3. D. Armstrong/H. Blackburn (Escort Cosworth) 1H. 05M. 31S.

4. T. Cathers/D. Moynihan (Mitsubishi) 1H. 06M. 12S.

5. G. Allen/S. O’Neill (Escort Cosworth) 1H. 06M. 14S.

6. S. Gallagher/L. Costello (Escort Cosworth) 1H. 06M.35S.

7. B. Kelly/R. Kennedy (Mitsubishi) 1H. 06M. 51S.

8. G. Tracey/E. Roe (Subaru) 1H. 08M. 24S.

9. D. O’Donovan/P. Lordan (Toyota Celica) 1H. 08M. 53S.