MacHale heads Circuit of Ireland entry

Dubliner, Gareth MacHale on board his Ford Focus WRC, heads up the entry for next week's Larsen Circuit of Ireland Rally where opposition includes a trio of drivers that have already won this iconic event.

Last year, MacHale came close to his maiden victory but was denied by Eamonn Boland in a battle that went right down to the final stage.

Boland, Derek McGarrity and Tim McNulty, all in Subaru WRC's and the Skoda Fabia WRC of Eugene Donnelly complete the top five.

McGarrity has three Circuit titles to his credit (2003, 2004 & 2005); Donnelly tasted success in 2006.

Headquarters is at the Park Inn, Dundalk. The ceremonial start will take place in Banbridge on the Saturday April 11 followed by eight special stages with servicing near Banbridge.

There are six stages on Easter Sunday with the service park located at the Carnbane Industrial Estate in Newry. The event is the second round of the TROA Irish Tarmac Championship.

The remainder of the top ten is 6: Peadar Hurson (Subaru WRC); 7 Aaron MacHale (Ford Focus WRC); 8. Kevin Barrett (Subaru WRC); 9. Paddy White (Ford Focus WRC); 10. Brendan Cumiskey (Mitsubishi).

Welsh driver, Melvyn Evans is the top seeded driver in the National "A" category with Kenny McKinstry (Subaru WRC) and Seamus Leonard (Subaru WRC) heading the National "B" contenders.