CLARE STAGES RALLY 1994

In 1994 they moved location to East Clare.  There was a new base in the Fitzpatrick Bunratty Shamrock Hotel. David Hogan and his team had set the stages in the Broadford-Sixmilebridge area with three stages looped three times.  Heading the entry was Mickey Farrell who was leading the National Championship.  Hot on their heels were the Boland brothers in their Escort Cosworth which had undergone an engine rebuild before the event.  John Gilleece was at third with Stephen Murphy at fourth and George Cullen at fifth in his Celica. 

On the first stage Boland was two seconds quicker than Murphy with Paul Harris third and Cullen fourth.  Farrell was fifth fastest but had intercom trouble.  Top championship contender, John Gilleece, had slid off the road for over four minutes and was well out of contention.  Ed Synan and Wesley Patterson shared the second class and sixth overall.  Noel Conaty was a brilliant 8th in his 1600 Escort.  Tom Holton and Norman Armstrong was equal 10th. 

After three stages, Eamon was 12 seconds up on Mickey Farrell, who had sorted his intercom problems.  Eamon was very happy with the car and the new engine management system.  Stephen was 3rd with Ken Lyons on a charge and Tom Holton moved up to 5th.  Norman Armstrong had moved up to 6th and leading the 2 litre class with Anthony O’Halloran on a big charge behind.  Noel Conaty held on to 8th but Pat and Jim Casey were on a big charge in 10th for the class.  George Cullen retired with gearbox trouble.  Also Paul Harris, Ed Synan and Niall Maguire all retired. 

On the fifth stage, Eamon and Andrew retired with a dropped valve.  This opened up the championship as Farrell went into the lead but he retired on the last stage with oil pressure problems. This left Murphy with a good victory in the rally in which he praised the CMC on doing a great job.  Ken Lyons finished second with Norman Armstrong finishing a brilliant third.  Wesley Patterson finished fourth just ahead of Anthony O’Halloran who was the top local finisher.