With less than two weeks to go now before the start of the Joule Donegal International Rally a number of crews who will be hoping for success there took the opportunity for a final run-out at Sunday’s Circuit of Munster Stages Rally in Limerick. It proved to be a mixed day for the Donegal drivers at the top of the field as Donagh Kelly was pipped for top spot by Tarmac Championship leader Sam Moffett, a former winner in Donegal, the young Monaghan man had just 12.4 seconds to spare over Donagh and co-driver Conor Foley after 9 keenly contested stages. Alistair Fisher and Gordon Noble finished in third place, just 6.1 seconds ahead of Manus Kelly and Gareth Doherty in an excellent fourth spot. Manus and Donal Barrett will defend their Donegal International title and the Glenswilly man will be happy to have gotten these 9 very competitive stages under his belt against many of those who will be vying for his crown in two weeks. Keith Cronin was again just behind Manus in fifth place with Roy White, Desi Henry, Josh Moffett, Niall Maguire and Colm Murphy making up the top ten. There was disappointment for Declan and Brian Boyle as a puncture on Stage 5 ended their hopes of victory after they had been very much in contention over the opening 4 stages. So it’s all systems go now for the Joule Donegal International Rally 2017 and Donegal Daily / Donegal Sport Hub are looking forward to bringing you LIVE coverage from all three days.
Mixed Fortunes for Kellys and Boyles at Munster Rally.
written by
Chris McNulty
June 4, 2017
Chris McNulty
Author of 'Boxing In Donegal: A History (2021)' - the definitive history of the sport in County Donegal - and 'Relentless: A Race Through Time', the 2019 memoir of former Irish Athletics Team Manager Patsy McGonagle. From St Johnston and now based in Letterkenny, Chris was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.