Keeping pace with our extensive coverge of this weekend’s Rally of the Lakes, currently in full flow, KillarneyToday.com turns the spotlight on the young hotshot drivers who are emerging as very serious competitors in this and other top rally events
Kieran O’Donoghue/Derek Butler, Glenflesk. Car: Honda Civic. Kieran has really showed a great turn of speed this year. He took the overall win at the Galway International Junior Rally and was second overall at the West Cork Junior Rally until he retired with a punctured fuel tank. Judging by his times on these recent events, he is one of the favourites to take the overall junior win.
Shane McCarthy/Trisha Greavy, Kenmare. Car: Honda Civic. Shane has recently upgraded his 1400cc engine for a fully built 1600cc unit which should aid him in his quest for junior honours this weekend. He set some great stage times on this event last year which was his first ever event as a driver and also won the J1 class. He will be right up there battling for the overall junior win.
Sean Fleming/ Niall McLarnon, Killarney. Car: Ford Fiesta. The local crash repair specialist is a previous junior winner of the Killarney Historics Rally and is fresh from a fifth place finish at the West Cork Junior Rally. With recent upgrades to his Fiesta RWD proving successful, he is sure to be battling hard for the overall junior section.
Denis Nagle/Donagh Crowley, Gneeveguilla. Car: Nissan Micra. With his Micra back on full song after some recent mechanical problems at the Circuit of Kerry Rally, Denis will be hoping for a good run on his home event. He will be pushing hard and should be right up there in the battle to take the J1 class win this weekend.
Robert Counihan/Timmy Kelly, Gneeveguilla. Car: Toyota Corolla. Some great results and experience gained last year, Robbie “The Rocket” has made some positive changes to his car and with every event his confidence is growing. He finished eighth overall at the recent Circuit of Kerry Rally and will be pushing hard in his local event.
Steven O’Connor/Kieran Reen, Killarney. Car: Honda Civic. Stephen finished seventh in the junior section at last year’s Rally of the Lakes which was also his first ever competitive event. He set some excellent times at the recent Circuit of Kerry Rally and will definitely be in with a shout of class honours this weekend.
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