Maguire wins circuit of Munster rally

Monaghan's, Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC), co-driven by Enda Sherry took their first maximum score in a round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship when they took a final stage win on the Adare based Circuit of Munster Rally (Round 4) today.

Sun, 31 May, 2009 - 20:05

They finished a minute and ten seconds in front of the Subaru WRC of Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally.

Eamonn Daly/Anthony O'Connaill (Mitsubishi) were a distant third.

The rally was decided on the final stage after Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru WRC), who had led for the previous eight stages, crashed out.

The Modified category was won by Michael Curran/Alan Whyte (Ford Escort), who were fourth overall.

Meanwhile, Jonathan and Patrick Cunningham (Honda Civic) won the Junior category and took top points in the National Junior Rally Championship.

Elliott and Maguire set a strong pace on the opening stage with the former leading by a mere second. By the completion of the opening loop, Elliott had increased his lead to ten seconds as both drivers stalled their Subaru WRC's.

The second loop brought little change as both again stalled their cars - Maguire even making a brief visit to the scenery. Elliott decided not to use the launch control at stage starts to negate his time loss.

Third placed Barrett punched in a few fastest stage times to stay close to the leading duo. Maguire cut the deficit to six seconds by the penultimate test where he took a second from his title rival.

Elliott entered the final stage with a five second lead but crashed midway through the test and Maguire went on to take victory and the lead of the Dunlop series.

Daly took maximum points in the race for the Patterson's RallyNews Group N award. Early leader, Kevin Kelleher bowed out with gear selection woes and Garry Jennings lost over two minutes with gear linkage trouble, he did manage to finish second in the category.

Aside from Elliott, Anthony O'Halloran (Mitsubishi) was the principal retirement.

RESULTS:

1. N. Maguire/E. Sherry (Subaru WRC) 1h. 19m. 00s.

2. K. Barrett/S. Mullally (Subaru WRC) 1h. 20m. 10s.

3. E. Daly/A. O'Connaill (Mitsubishi) 1h. 23m. 47s.

4. M. Curran/A. Whyte (Ford Escort) 1h. 25m. 10s.

5. G. Jennings/D. Moynihan (Mitsubishi) 1h. 25m. 26s.

6. E. Power/J. McGrath (Toyota Corolla WRC) 1h. 25m. 50s.

7. T. Fitzmaurice/F. Foley (Mitsubishi) 1h. 26m. 03s.

8. P. Elliott/B. Doherty (Mitsubishi) 1h. 26m. 17s.

9. E. Synan/D. O'Connell (Ford Escort) 1h. 26m. 17s.

10. P. McEnroe/A. O'Donoghue (Subaru) 1h. 28m. 03s.