Cronin in control as Fisher falters

Keith Cronin & Mikie Galvin (Citroen DS3 R5) lead the AceSigns Cork 20 International Rally overnight by just 8.4 seconds after a day filled with drama and some notable retirements. The final round of the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Championship saw the leaders Alastair Fisher & Gordon Noble crash out of the event on the fourth stage. Sam Moffett & Karl Atkinson put on a real charge over the afternoon stages to move into a strong second place while Josh Moffett & Jason McKenna are in fourth overall and third registered crew with less than 15 seconds separating the three drivers.

Among the others to retire included newly crowned Group N champions David Guest & Paddy Robinson who crashed the Mitsubishi Lancer on Stage 5. Jonny Greer & Stephen Wright continue to perform strongly and lie fifth and sixth overall respectively. The National Rally is currently being led by Brian Brogan & Damien McGettigan following the retirement on the final stage of the day of Eugene Meegan & Sarah Whelans BMW 1M. Tommy Doyle & Liam Moynihan are close behind in their Renault Clio after an impressive performance on the opening day. The Historic Rally is currently being led by Ray Cunningham & Ross Forde in a Mk2 Escort.  The Junior Rally begins tomorrow with the crews tackling all six stages.