McHale gets big chance in Lakes rally
Recent Circuit of Ireland winner, Derek McGarrity starts favourite, especially after top seed, Andrew Nesbitt withdrew. That leaves Austin MacHale as the first car over the famous Moll's Gap early tomorrow.
Third in the Circuit and twelfth in the Pirelli International Rally, more will be expected of MacHale in Killarney, where his last victory was 1997. His Sanyo Subaru has been fitted with a new engine and that should give him an opportunity.
McGarrity's Circuit victory was deserved and if he can sustain the same type of application he should claim his inaugural victory in Killarney.
In Castletownbere yesterday where he took a break during reconnaissance, McGarrity said: "Though tomorrow is a long day, the plan is to attack early. Austin MacHale and Eamonn Boland should go well but it is a shame Andrew Nesbitt isn't going."
Speaking on his circuit victory, the Glengormley driver, who will be co-driven by Dermot O'Gorman, said: "I was happy with the pace and I was able to control the rally. I suppose winning my first major rally takes the pressure off. I'm told it's supposed to be easier from here, but we'll see."
Eamonn Boland continues to be consistent and surely his first win in a round of the tarmac series must be nearing fruition. Eugene Donnelly has the potential to rival McGarrity and the others even though his car is not as technologically advanced as those of MacHale, McGarrity and Boland.
This will be his fourth event in a fortnight having crashed out of the circuit, he won the Easter Stages in a Toyota Celica, the same car he drove to second in last week's Monaghan Rally.
By his own standards, Peadar Hurson's form on the circuit was below par. While he took time to adjust to his new car, it appears the set up was far from ideal. With the suspension settings corrected, he could be the driver to shine.
Local hopes are pinned on Donie O'Sullivan, who will drive a McKinstry-prepared 99 specification Subaru Impreza WRC. On a shakedown in the recent Circuit of Kerry, he led until crashing out.
The pressure on home terrain could mitigate against his bid that is likely to totally committed. Maurice Gass, Liam McCarthy, Tim McNulty complete the top 10 following the withdrawals of JJ Fleming, Patrick Elliott and Glyn Jones. With his Toyota Corolla WRC performing to his liking, McCarthy will be eager to perform well in Killarney.
Fellow Cork driver Barry Coleman has hired a McKinstry Subaru WRC in a top 20 that includes: Johnny O'Sullivan (Ford Escort); Tom Holton (Toyota Celica); Paddy White (Subaru Impreza WRC) and Jer O'Donovan (Escort RS Cosworth).
Tipperary's, Roy White in the FESP/Michelin backed Mitsubishi Evo 7 will have the Subaru of Trevor Cathers snapping at his heels. Cathers, who normally pilots a Mitsubishi, will drive Willie John Dolan's car that will have the benefit of some of the latest Prodrive technology. John O'Leary and Willie Fannin compete in Mitsubishis.
Meanwhile, in the modified category, West Cork driver, Denis Cronin in his BMW M3 will be the barometer for his rivals that include Millstreet's, John Moynihan in a Ford Escort.
Wesley Patterson (Escort); John Hickey (Toyota Celica); Fergal Allen (BMW M3); Kieran O'Neill (Kadett) and Willie Power (Chevette) should provide a feast of entertainment for the thousands of spectators expected in Killarney.
The Ford Ireland Focus Rally Championship begins in Killarney with reigning champion, Colm Murphy, from Athea, Co Limerick defending his crown against the likes of current Ford Ireland KA Rally Champion and fellow Limerick driver, Gerry Keyes and last season's Junior Focus champion, John Foley from Midleton.
Killmackillogue, Healy Pass Lough Allua, Cod's Head, Ardgroom, Fuhiry and Lough Guittane are the stage locations in a packed day's rallying tomorrow beginning at 8.00am. On Sunday, the loop of stages are Molls Gap, Beallaghbeama, Caragh Lake and Shanera.
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