That advantage proved crucial when his Honda lost fourth gear for a significant part of the final test. In addition, he lost vital seconds when another competitor spun in front of him.

McCarthy took top spot even though Wilson cut the deficit to just 1.9 seconds. Pat Cunningham, also in a Honda Civic, was third in the category.

The event itself was won by Willie Power/Adrian Deasy (Darrian T90), who finished over a minute clear of Sam Smyth/Alan Smyth (Escort) with Ed Synan/Denis O’Connell, also in an Escort, some 16 seconds behind in third.

Top seed, Leonard Downey retired his Escort with a misfire and suspension woes.

Gwyndaf Evans rolled his Escort out of the rally on the first stage. Dave Slattery (Escort) was a first stage casualty with engine trouble.

Barry Meade (Escort) was excluded for failing to stop at the scene of the Evans accident.

1. W. Power/A. Deasy (Darrian T90) 36m. 46.3s.

2. S. Smyth/A. Smyth (Escort) 37m. 52.5s.

3. E. Synan/D. O’Connell (Escort) 38m. 08.6s.

4. F. Canty/D. O’Mahony (Escort) 38m. 09.8s.

5. D. McCarthy/E. Hayes (Honda Civic) 38m. 29.0s.

6. P. Wilson/J. Kilmurray (Honda Civic) 38m. 30.9s.

7. M. Moloney/M. Casey (Escort) 38m. 41.3s.

8. G. O’Mahony/G. McCarthy (Escort) 38m. 48.7s.

9. P. Cunningham/M. Cunningham (Honda Civic) 38m. 46.5s.

10. A. Boggan/D. Boggan (Vauxhall Nova) 38m. 55.8s.

Meanwhile, Trevor Harding (Subaru) won the Wexford Forest Rally, a counting round of the national forest series, that was based in Enniscorthy.

Championship leader, Ray Breen was heading for victory until he upended his Ford Focus on the final stage.

Harding finished 54 seconds clear of second placed, Denis Cronin (Subaru WRC).

1. T. Harding/A/ Purcell (Subaru) 36m. 59s.

2. D. Cronin/H. O’Sullivan (Subaru WRC) 37m. 53s.

3. P. O’Connell/M. Wylie (Escort) 37m. 59s.

4. J. Reid/E. Shiels (Toyota Corolla WRC) 38m. 21s.

5.