CLARE STAGES RALLY 1998

The 1998 Fitzpatrick Hotels Clare Stages Rally was very similar to the 1997 event with once again Christy Carey as COC.  The entry was full to capacity with Niall Maguire leading the pack away in his Legacy.  Declan Wilmott was at second in his new E4 Lancer, Ken Lyons, Ed Synan and John McCluskey rounded off the top five. 

Maguire was on the pace from the first stage, taking fastest time from the hard charging Des Moore in ex McHale Celica.  Hal Lewis held third but Johnny O’Sullivan was one of the first retirements who blew a turbo on the first stage.  Other early retirements included John McCluskey with broken suspension, and also Declan Wilmott.  Anthony O’Halloran was going very well in his Manta and inside the top 5. 

Moore responded on the second stage with fastest time and went into the lead but Maguire pulled it back.  O’Halloran was having a big battle with Ken Lyons with Anthony moving into fourth place.  Maguire had overheating problems which let Moore back into the lead but once sorted out he put the pressure and led the rally from SS7 to the finish.  Moore, though, put in a strong performance and finished a credible second.  Hal Lewis managed third in his Metro but O’Halloran had a banjo bolt come loose on the carburettor and lost a lot of time.  It dropped him back to ninth overall but still managed the top local award. 

Denis Cronin managed a steady run to fourth overall with Dermot Kelly finished fifth in his Escort Cosworth.  Damien Gallagher finished a strong sixth after the Donegal man put in a great drive.  Niall Maguire thanked Christy and his team on a well-run event and was delighted with the win which put him in contention for the National Championship.