Motors: O'Brien preparing for Royal Rally of Scandinavia 

Patrick O'Brien using the Munster Moonraker Forest Rally to get time in the Skoda. 

Omaghs Patrick O' Brien (Skoda Fabia R5) returns to the Moonraker Forest Rally In Ballyvourney, round three of the Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship. Pic: Martin Walsh

Current Irish Forest Rally champion Omagh’s Patrick O’Brien (Skoda Fabia R5) makes a rare appearance in this year series on Sunday’s Abbey Hotel backed Munster Moonraker Forest Rally in Ballyvourney. The eight-stage event is the third round of the series with six points covering the top trio of Omagh’s Mark Donnelly (Ford Fiesta R5), Strabane’s Ryan Caldwell (Skoda Fabia) and Derry’s Jordan Hone (Ford Fiesta R5).

O’Brien explained the reason behind his first appearance in this year’s campaign. “I am due to compete in the Royal Rally of Scandinavia, a round of the ERC in a few weeks and I need to get a bit of seat time on the gravel in the Skoda. I like the event and I know it quite well.”