Gass burns off rivals in Galway International

Armagh’s Darren Gass (23) and his Monaghan co-driver, Enda Sherry in their S10 Subaru took a thrilling victory in the Safety Direct Galway International Rally, the opening round of the Irish Tarmac Championship.

They took the lead on the penultimate stage but had to survive a late challenge from Eugene Donnelly/Paddy Toner (MINI WRC), who finished just 1.3 seconds behind. Early leaders and defending champions, Tim McNulty/Paul Kiely (Subaru) had to be content with third – just 6.4 seconds off top spot — after suspension trouble.

McNulty in his CFS Construction backed Subaru WRC made a great start, fastest on the opening stage, the spectator test at the Dyke Road was quickly followed with top times on the stages around Headford. Although the Historic competitors completed service stage four, it was cancelled for the International and Modified crews due to organisational difficulties.