AS the Rally of the Lakes gets ready to rev into action with a colourful ceremonial start this Friday evening, we profile the top local crews that will be involved in the big event. This is the second of a four-part series that will continue on KillarneyToday.com before the first stage commences on Saturday morning
Andrew Duggan/Tara Duggan, Killarney. Car: Ford Escort Mk2. This brother/sister combination worked well in the Rally of the Lakes last year. A recent purchase of an ultimate 1600 Escort should be an interesting move for the pair. Andrew flies home from Saudi Arabia for the event.
Ken O’Neill/Ronald Riordan, Milltown. Car: Ford Puma. The power equipment specialist will be cutting the ditches this weekend over his favourite stages of Rockfield and Carragh Lake. He took a short lay-off the past two years while further developing the handling and suspensions of the car. The Ford Racing Puma is now fitter and stronger than ever. One to watch out for.
Cyril Wharton/David Leslie, Farranfore. Car: Ford Escort Mk2. Fresh after a brilliant run to second in class at the recent Circuit of Kerry Rally, David Leslie takes up the navigator’s seat and you can be sure that this pair will be well up for the epic battle amongst the 2.0Litre Pintos.
Robert Moran/Eoin O’Donoghue, Glenflesk. Car: Ford Escort Mk2. The plant and machinery repair specialist returns after putting his family first as priority over the past few years. He is known nationwide for his enthusiasm for the sport. Bob has proven his ability behind the wheel in the past with many class wins in Killarney. His car is after a full rebuild and with local engineer Eoin O’Donoghue on the notes. Watch out for this crew.
Sean Hickey/Noel Fleming, Gneeveguilla. Car: Toyota Starlet. The scaffolding entrepreneur is fresh off a competitive run in the West Cork Rally and was second in class here last year. Seanie has the confidence built up now in his wonderfully prepared Toyota starlet and is looking forward to his home stage of Banard.
Denis Hickey/Sean Nolan, Glenflesk. Car: Ford Escort Mk2. The crew took a class win and the iconic Sean Conlon Cup here last year, just fresh from a mighty run to second in class at the West Cork Rally. They will start as class 12 favourites this weekend.
* Click on individual photographs for information
