Controversial end to Raven's Rock Rally

The Raven's Rock Rally in Kilkenny, round six of the Dunlop National Rally Championship was initially won by Michael Barrable in a Ford Focus.

He finished 47 seconds ahead of championship leader, Aaron MacHale, also in a Ford Focus.

However, organisers have since excluded Barrable and co-driver Dermot O'Gorman for failing to stop at an accident on stage seven.

Both Barrable and O'Gorman have subsequently appealed this decision.

Niall maguire, in a Subaru, was 32 seconds further behind in third.

Patrick Elliott crashed out on the penultimate stage.

Dubliner, Barrable and co-driver, Dermot O’Gorman (Ford Focus WRC) finished 47 seconds ahead of Dunlop Championship leader, Aaron MacHale and his co-driver, Killian Duffy, also in a Ford Focus.

Cork driver, Denis Cronin, co-driven by /Helen O’Sullivan (Subaru WRC) were third – 20 seconds

further behind.

The main casualties were Patrick Elliott (Subaru WRC) and Glenn Allen (Toyota Corolla WRC) both of whom crashed out.

The Group N category was won by Michael Curran (Mitsubishi) and John Dalton (Darrian) won the

two-wheel drive category.

Barrable led initially but Elliott moved ahead on the second stage where Allen crashed out. MacHale collected a 45 second road penalty after he arrived three minutes late at the control – his Ford Focus lost oil after a pipe came adrift.

MacHale was quickest on the third stage and Barrable set the pace on stage four.

At the halfway point, Elliott led Barrable by two seconds and he went further ahead on S.S. 5.

However, one stage later, Barrable moved ahead.

Elliott crashed on the penultimate stage and Barrable went on to claim victory from MacHale and Cronin.

But his win was shortlived due to the controversial ending that ensued.

1. M. Barrable/D. O’Gorman (Subaru WRC) 56m. 18s.

2. A. MacHale/K. Duffy (Ford Focus WRC) 57m. 05s.

3. D. Cronin/H. O’Sullivan (Subaru WRC) 57m. 25s.

4. N. Maguire/E. Sherry (Subaru WRC) 57m. 37s.

4. 5. M. Curran/F. McShane (Mitsubishi) 58m. 25s.

6. S. Leonard/J. McCafferty (Mitsubishi) 58m. 29s.

7. J. Dalton/G. Jones (Darrian) 58m. 54s.

8. K. Barrett/B. Goodman (Subaru WRC) 58m. 58s.

9. D. James/J. Crowe (Ford Focus WRC) 59m. 11s.

10. A. Ring/A. Deasy (Subaru) 59m. 13s.

Dunlop National Rally Championship (Provisional

standings after Round 6):

1. A. MacHale 94 points.

2. N. Maguire 83 points.

3. G. Allen 75 points.

4. M. Barrable 74 points.

5. K. Barrett 73 points.

6. P. Elliott 68 points.

7. M. Curran 66 points.

8. S. Leonard 58 points.