Drama on final stage of Cork 20 Rally

Entering the final stage of the Murphy Construction Cork “20” International Rally Eugene Donnelly (Toyota Corolla WRC) had a nine second advantage over the Subaru WRC of Derek McGarrity.

Derek McGarrity and co-driver, Dermot O’Gorman, running first on the road, appear to be the only crew that has completed the stage.

Donnelly and co-driver, Paul Kiely crashed some 1.5 miles into the stage.

A statement just issued by the organisers, the Munster Car Club, states, “All the circumstances of an accident involving a competing car on Special Stage 14 of the Murphy construction Cork “20” International Rally are being investigated by the organisers of the rally in conjunction with senior officials from Motorsport Ireland and the Gardai. No one was injured in the accident.”

Tim McNulty (Subaru WRC) led until S.S. 13 but lost over four minutes when he was off the road and Donnelly took the lead, where he stayed until that final stage.