Three-way battle for national title

The quest for supremacy in the Dunlop National Rally Championship reaches its conclusion tomorrow on the nine stages of the Donegal Harvest Rally, which is based in Donegal town.

As to who will reap the rewards, and the Vard Memorial Trophy, in a season that has been fiercely contested, remains in the balance with three drivers in the hunt for the title.

Cork’s Brian O’Mahony, Kerry’s Thomas Fitzmaurice (Kerry) and Monaghan’s Niall Maguire (Monaghan), all driving similar S11 Subaru WRCs, are in contention. While Maguire has already won three national titles, with as many more just slipping from his grasp, O’Mahony and Fitzmaurice are on their first real title attempt. In terms of points they have the edge, but Maguire’s bid cannot be dismissed.

It’s been well over a decade since the national series was fought with such intensity and how each of the trio cope with the pressure tomorrow is likely to a be major factor in determining the outcome.

Of the seven rounds to date, Fitzmaurice won in Abbeyleix and Kerry, albeit on a tie-break with O’Mahony, who has racked up three wins. Maguire’s sole victory was in Mayo. All three sat out the Circuit of Munster.

Carrigaline’s O’Mahony, with those wins in Carlow, Tipperary and Clare, has moved to the top of the points standings. Throughout the season he has garnered 96 points, six more than Fitzmaurice and 10 ahead of Maguire. That has given him a slight advantage insofar as he doesn’t have to beat either of his championship rivals to lift the title. A top three finish will suffice.

“At the minute, it’s all very tight. I think it doesn’t really matter who is first or second in the championship, although I think it’s actually easier to chase, rather than be chased,” said O’Mahony.

“For my own sake, I really need to finish within a few seconds of Thomas [Fitzmaurice]. I cannot afford to be too far behind, there is no room for error.”.

“The plan is to give it 100%, I think the three of us will have to go as hard as we can. I found the Clare Rally to be a tough challenge and it was my most satisfying result of the season.”

Meanwhile, Fitzmaurice will be aiming to take maximum points and hope O’Mahony acquires a maximum of 14 points (fourth placed championship finisher). Such a scenario will win the title for the Abbeydorney driver, ironically, on a tie-break with O’Mahony.

“I think I am actually in a better position than Brian, the pressure is on him really,” said Fitzmaurice.

“I was delighted with my pace on the opening stages in Clare, obviously, I was disappointed to have retired, all I can do now is go to Donegal and enjoy it.”

For Maguire, a national title, if not the outcome, seems routine. He’s been a great stalwart of the national series even before he won his first title in 1999.

“I think there is going to be a lot more pressure on Brian and Thomas than on myself. I know that winning the Dunlop series is a tall order, but I have nothing to lose. Donegal is very different territory, it’s very tricky. The last time the series was as tough as this was in 1999 with John Gilleece.”

Aside from the destiny of the Dunlop series, the entry amassed by the Donegal Motor Club is phenomenal. Fermanagh’s Garry Jennings is seeking an unprecedented third successive victory. In addition, he’s in line to win all three events in Donegal – having already won the Donegal Forest Rally and the International. No driver has ever achieved this feat in the same season.

Drivers such as Donagh Kelly, Seamus Leonard and Declan Boyle, all in Subaru WRCs, will provide top opposition, along with the Dunlop brigade that also includes Kevin Barrett (Subaru) and Frank Kelly, who leads an impressive Mk. 2 Escort contingent.