CLARE STAGES RALLY 1989

The 1989 event moved base to the West County Hotel.  Again David Hogan was COC with the stages in the Ruan-Corofin area.  Declan Wilmott headed away the 80 crews with Billy Connolly, Frank Meagher, Ken Colbert from Dungannon and Frank O’Mahony behind.  John O’Sullivan with Noel McCullagh navigating were seeded at 10 – the top Clare Motor Club competitors.

Declan Wilmott was in trouble from the start with head gasket difficulties.  Frank Meagher set the pace with Billy Connolly second and Ken Colbert third.  Billy retired after SS2 with a blown head gasket.  Pat Canny and John Moloney both crashed out on SS1.  John O’Sullivan had a fuel problem but crashed out on the last loop.  Joe and Dermot McHugh had a big charge during the day to finish second.  But there was no stopping Frank Meagher who had Liam Feehily navigating after winning the “Ultimate Trip” prize.  Declan Wilmott was up to second place but had a lot of road penalties which pushed him down the order.  Ken Colbert finished in third place after having fuel starvation problems.  Bowmaker sponsored the event with £1000 going to the winner and £500 for second.