Barrable leads Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally

Setting fastest times on the opening three stages of the Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally, round 8 of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, Michael Barrable and co-driver, Dermot O’Gorman (Subaru WRC) have taken a 36 second advantage over the similar Subaru of Niall Maguire.

Maguire, who can secure the Dunlop National title today, has Paul Nagle as co-driver.

His regular co-driver, Paul McLaughlin was sidelined due to a broken collar bone - sustained in a fall at his County Donegal home last week.

Mac McKenna, in a Peugeot 205, is third with David Armstrong (Escort Cosworth) in fourth place.

The top Tipperary driver is Roy White, his Mitsubishi leads the Group N class and is an impressive fifth.

Elsewhere, in the top ten are Eddie Kinirons (Toyota Celica), Sean Gallagher (Escort Cosworth), George Tracey (Subaru), Aaron McHale (Mitsubishi) and Anthony O’Halloran (Opel Manta).

Patrick Elliott dropped down the leader board when he thumped the rear of his Subaru on the opening stage near Drangan.