Sibling rivalry to the fore as Moffett brothers headline Boggeragh Rallysprint

Monaghan natives Sam (left) and Josh Moffett will compete in tomorow's Boggeragh Rallysprint near Nad in north-Cork. Picture: Martin Walsh.

One of the most competitive sibling rivalries within Irish motorsport are journeying from their respective homes in Clontibret and Armagh to compete in tomorrow's (Monday) O'Leary's Building and ICF backed Boggeragh Rallysprint high above Nad in north Cork.

Josh and Sam Moffett each have Irish Tarmac, National and National Forest Rally Championship titles under their belts. Josh, the younger, has a record breaking four national titles to Sam's single crown achieved during his all-conquering 2017 season when he claimed all three titles. In terms of gravel rallying, Josh has two Irish Forest series wins to his credit.

Their own personal rallying battles that began some 15 years ago are still contested without fear or favour. Indeed, they look for each other's times before seeking those of other rivals.

Their dominance in the Monaghan Rally (their home event) is legendary, often with just precious seconds between them.

Of late, Sam's motorsport activities that also include circuit racing are not as frequent due to his concentration on the expansion of his business interests. His last victory was in last year's Mayo Rally behind the wheel of a Hyundai i20 Rally2 while Josh took his latest rally victory in the ALMC Hellfire Rally last August in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.

Tomorrow's encounter will be over three (minimum) runs of a 5.6 kilometre gravel stage where they will double-drive Josh's Hyundai i20 R5, Sam will also pilot a Metro engine Ford Escort.

They are seeded behind last year's event winner Pat O'Connell (Ford Fiesta R5). The Cashel driver will provide good opposition and cannot be discounted given his vast experience of gravel rallying. Other entries are Carrick on Suir's James Dunphy and Oldcastle's Paul McCann both in Ford Fiesta R5's along with the Mitsubishi trio of Navan's Alan Shinnors, Dunmanway's Matt Shinnors and Broadford's PJ O'Connor. Former Billy Coleman award winner Kilkenny's Jack Brennan (Ford Fiesta Rally3) and Athea's Mike O'Connor (Mitsubishi Lancer E9) complete the top ten. The first timed run starts at 10.00m.

Meanwhile, Motorsport Ireland has announced a Competitor Contribution Scheme (CCS) where competitors can contribute to the sport through assisting on events. In return, they will be able to avail of a standard licence price in 2027. Clubs are finding it more difficult to find manpower for events and calls for marshals are becoming far more frequent in recent times. This latest initiative is being driven by clubs and event organisers to what Motorsport Ireland state will "better facilitate the needs of the sport."

Competitors are being asked "to give back one day of contribution to the sport in 2026 in order to avail of standard licence pricing for 2027. This requirement will increase to two days from 2027 onwards." For competitors that don't buy into the scheme, an additional non-contribution fee of €300 will be applied to the cost of their competition licence. Motorsport relies on volunteers, indeed, while the situation is not overlooked by Motorsport Ireland, it should be acknowledged far more.

In its press release Motorsport Ireland says, "The aim of this (scheme) is to focus on the majority of competitors, who are eligible, rather than those who are not. For example, competitors aged under 18-years-old and over 65-years-old are automatically exempt."

Aside from marshalling, competitors in the CCS scheme can also act in an official role, course set-up and event administration with the Motorsport Ireland affiliated clubs tasked with assigning credits to the relevant competitor. For those that decide to pay the non-contribution €300, it is hoped that those monies will be channelled back to those whose presence ensures motorsport continues and are duly acknowledged.