Luck shines on Barrable

Since losing the National Rally championship on the final round over a decade ago, Michael Barrable has vowed to land the Vard Memorial Trophy, that is awarded annually to the national rally champion.

Lady luck hasn’t smiled on the Dubliner that frequently, however, yesterday, he had to rely on a

slice of good fortune to win the Carlow Rally, the third round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship.

With co-driver, Dermot O’Gorman on board their Subaru WRC, Barrable took time to get into a rhythm after a first stage spin.

Throughout the day he trailed leaders, David Armstrong/Herbie Blackburn (Escort WRC).

However, Armstrong’s car picked up two punctures soon after the start of the eighth and final stage and he lost a 31 second lead and had to be content with third.

Barrable won by 53 seconds with a steady drive from Adrian McElvaney/Paul Goodman (Subaru WRC) netting them second. Sean Gallagher finished ahead of Hal Lewis in the race for fourth.

Barrable was second in the opening round in Mayo, won in Monaghan and took top points in Carlow to amass his current 58 points total.

Dunlop National Championship (Positions after Round 3):

1. Michael Barrable 58 points.

2. Adrian McElvaney 45 points.

3. Eugene Donnelly 38 points.

4. David Armstrong 30 points.