Killarney power for the fore in big rally

Winners alright: Killarney’s Paul Nagle (left) and Craig Breen on the victory podium on Saturday evening.
Image source: Killarney and District Motor Club

IT came as no great surprise to rally fans when dynamic World Rally Championship duo Craig Breen and Killarney’s Paul Nagle piloted their power-packed BMW M3 to victory in the one-day Rentokil-Initial Killarney Historic Rally on Saturday.

A record entry ensured the big event would be a major success and so it transpired with gripping action on the iconic stages of Moll’s Gap, Beallaghbeama and Caragh Lake providing the ultimate test for drivers and a great visual spectacle for fans.

Killarney’s Rob Duggan (left) and Ger Conway, who won the modified section, pictured with event main sponsor Michael O’Mahoney of Rentokil Initial.
Image source: Killarney and District Motor Club

Breen and Nagle had 57.1 seconds to spare at the final flag to clinch the coveted Maurice Nagle trophy which is dedicated to the memory of one of Killarney’s real rally legends.

Local driver Alan Ring, with Adrian Deasy, in a Subaru Legacy, recorded the fastest time on the final stage, to clinch the runners-up spot.

Killarney’s Rob Duggan and Ger Conway, in a Ford Escort, registered an impressive victory in the modified category finishing a minute and 5.7 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals.

Duggan led from the start but, another local, Colin O’Donoghue was also in contention until he was forced to retire due to clutch problems.