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 first of a four-part series that will continue on KillarneyToday.com over next 24 hours
Fergus O’Meara/Brian Doherty, Killorglin. Car: Ford Escort MK2. This successful pair were second overall, top two-wheel-drive and John Mullane Cup winners here last year. They are sure to be one of the front runners in the National category. The newly formed Dromin stage was last run about 40 years ago and Fergus remembers, as a child, watching the stage from a farm gate and is sure to please the locals over his home stage.
Charlie Hickey/Johnny Hickey, Killarney. Car: Ford Escort Mk2. The local motor mechanic has had a very successful year 2015, winning his class in both the Southern 4 Rally Championship and the West Coast Rally Championship. The event opener, Gortnagane, is Charlie’s home stage and they should go well here.
Tadhg O’Suullivan/Eoin O’Leary, Killarney. Car: Ford Escort Mk2. The crash repair specialist is one of the top locals. Recent mechanical issues have left them down, but their pace and ability is evident. Class 13 winners last year, Tadhg will be looking forward to his home rally.
Jack Newman/David Lennon. Car: Ford Escort Mk2. Although hailing from Ashbourne, Co Meath, Jack is a member of the Killarney and District Motor Club. He set about a serious National Championship campaign last year and acquitted himself well. The regular go-karting driver will be fit and ready to take on the best in Killarney and will be well in the running for overall place.
Ed Murphy, Killarney. Car: Ford Escort MK2. Ed has proven that he is one of the top two-wheel drive competitors in Killarney. His noted ability to carry speed is similar to that of the great Billy Coleman. Third overall here last year and winner of the Jason Barry Cup, you can be sure this pair will be one of the front runners in the National category.
John Hickey/John McCarthy, Barraduff. Car: Ford Escort Mk2. One of the most experienced Rally of the Lakes competitors, John is totally engineered driven in his quest for developing the most unique four-wheel drive Ford Escort Mk2 ever built. His passion for both rallying and engineering is evident in his long-term commitment to the sport. Living on the Gortnagane stage, John commented: “It will be maximum attack from the word go”.
* Click on individual images for information
