Main pic: David Kelly in action earlier this year.
The Sligo Stages Rally ended in heartbreak for Donegal driver, David Kelly, at the weekend after he crashed out on the final stage.
Eddie Doherty and Tom Murphy (Skoda Fabia) wrapped up victory in the FAAC Simply Automatic/Sligo Park Hotel Stages Rally — Round 5 of the Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship. Doherty claimed pole position after a day-long scrap with David Kelly and Shane Buckley (VW Polo) that ended in heartbreak for Kelly when he crashed out on the final stage.
Doherty had controlled the rally from second service onwards and despite the ever-changing conditions — dry in places, with standing water in others — he kept his nose in front to take his second win of the season after his Circuit of Kerry success in March.
Another Donegal driver, Declan Boyle, along with Patrick Walsh (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) finished second overall, Boyle’s best result in years and another strong run after his recent podium at the Raven’s Rock rallies.
Michael Boyle, his son, and Dermot McCafferty (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) completed the top three. It was another solid drive from the Donegal man who admitted he was cautious when the rain returned mid-loop. It was his first podium of the season.
Jason Dickson and Martin Brady (Ford Fiesta) came home fourth, a landmark day for co-driver Brady who celebrated his 600th rally start and one of only a handful of co-drivers in the world to hit that mark and Dickson’s best result to date.
Desi Henry and Dean O’Sullivan (Ford Fiesta) rounded out the top five, saying they struggled to find consistency on the mixed surfaces.
Triton Showers boss Paul Barrett and Darragh Kelly (Citroën C3 Rally2) climbed to sixth ahead of Matthew Boyle/Gary Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally2) who banked more valuable points.
Gary Kiernan/John McCabe (Ford Fiesta) dropped to eighth after losing time late on. The returning Darren Gass and Neil Shanks (VW Polo were ninth on their first Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship outing since the 2023 Circuit of Kerry.
In the Modified battle, Aaron McIntyre and Pierce O’Callaghan (Toyota Starlet RWD) claimed the win — a strong return for McIntyre, who hadn’t competed in a National rally for a while but is registered for the series.
Chris Armstrong and Darren Curran (Ford Escort) took second in Modifieds, just ahead of Barry McLaughlin and Barry McBride in a Ford Escort Mk1.
In Class 2, Oran England and Darragh Mullen (Ford Fiesta) took their second Rally4 class win of the season after a tight duel with Cian Caldwell and Paul McPhillips (Peugeot 208 Rally4).
Championship leaders Josh Moffett and Keith Moriarty failed to score after crashing out on the opening test.
Kevin Eves and Chris Melly, podium finishers in Cavan, also failed to finish after going off early.
With five rounds run, Doherty now heads the Triton Showers National standings as the championship heads for the ALMC Rally on August 17.
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