FOR the first time in almost 40 years, Limerick Motor Club returns with the Thomond Mini Stages Rally, which will be staged in Rathkeale at the weekend.
The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon when the rumble of rally cars arrives, with the final checks being carried out at Scrutineering, while the crews complete their Recce on the two stages.
The action proper gets underway the following morning with six competitive stages run on the outskirts of the town.
Some 120 cars are set to start the event, which is being run for the first time since 1987.
Local crew and brother/sister pairing of Chris and Kirsty O’Callaghan will carry the number 1 on their Ford Escort Mark II as they lead the crews out.
Other Limerick entrants well in with a shout of victory on home surface include Ed Synan, Paul Purtill, Sean Moran, Johnny O’Connor, and Cathal Mulcaire.
Galway-based motor parts business GPR4 Fabrications are title sponsors, with additional support from others including Rathkeale House Hotel, Paul Purtill Agri, Morenane Transport, and Tyrestop Rathkeale.
