Donnelly leads circuit of Munster rally
The fifth round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, the Adare-based Circuit of Munster is
being led by Derry’s Eugene Donnelly and co-driver, Paddy Toner, in their Subaru WRC.
Initially, it was the Subaru WRC of Tim McNulty/Anthony Nestor that set the pace opening up a
five-second advantage over the similar car of Maurice Gas/Ger McMonagle.
Michael Barrable/Dermot O’Gorman (Subaru WRC) were next with Donnelly/Toner down in fourth spot – 10 seconds off the lead.
However, they responded in fine style to set quickest time on S.S. 2 and take a six second lead over
McNulty/Nestor. Since then, on the third and fourth stages, they were the pacesetters and at the half way mark, they have a 48 second advantage.
The chase is on for second between present incumbent, Tim McNulty, two seconds ahead of Maurice Gass who is two seconds ahead of Dunlop championship leader, Michael Barrable.
Ollie O’Donovan in a Subaru Impreza and Nigel Hicklin, in a similar car are fifth and sixth respectively.
Retirements include Adrian McElvaney, David Armstrong and Hal Lewis while non starters included reigning champion, Niall Maguire (Subaru WRC).
1. E. Donnelly/P. Toner (Subaru WRC) 35m.36s.
2. T. McNulty/A. Nestor Subaru WRC) 36m. 24s.
3. M. Gass/G. McMonagle (Subaru WRC) 36m. 26s.
4. M. Barrable/D. O’Gorman (Subaru WRC) 36m. 28s.
5. O. O’Donovan/D. Moynihan (Subaru) 37m. 38s.
6. N. Hicklin/S. McMullan (Subaru) 37m. 42s.
