Keith Cronin and Mikie Galvin lead West Cork Rally at the end of Day 1

LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Ballylickey's Keith Cronin (Citroen C3 Rally2) and his Killarney co-driver Mikie Galvin lead the way in the Clonakilty Park Hotel West Cork Rally. Picture: Martin Walsh.

Reigning Irish Tarmac Rally champions Ballylickey's Keith Cronin (Citroen C3 Rally2) and his Killarney co-driver Mikie Galvin made an impressive start to their title defence as they ended the opening leg of the three-day Clonakilty Park Hotel West Cork Rally with a 13.2s advantage.

With a strong but measured performance, they won the opening stage of the afternoon (Ballinascarthy) finishing 4.8s ahead of the similar Citroen of former champions Monaghan's Josh Moffett and his Wexford co-driver Andy Hayes.