TOM Murphy, of Creeves, Askeaton was co-driver to Eddie Doherty (Kilkenny), winner of the Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship after taking victory in Sunday’s Loughrea Plant and Tool Hire Clare Stages Rally.
Doherty and Murphy’s third win of the season, following earlier victories in Kerry and Sligo, confirmed them as national champions.
The Skoda Fabia crew started and finished the weekend rally in front, and with main rival Josh Moffett sidelined early, their maiden national crown was secured with one round still to go.
The Ennis-based event, organised by Clare Motor Club, marked the penultimate round of the championship and featured nine stages around Ruan and Ballinruan.
Changing weather throughout the day kept crews guessing, but Doherty’s cautious approach paid off.
Speaking at the finish, Doherty admitted he had kept his focus on staying clean.
“Over the afternoon loop I just tried to keep my nose clear. The conditions were tricky, and I didn’t want to do anything silly. At the start of the year I wouldn’t have picked the wet rallies as the ones I’d win, but I’ve ended up winning Kerry, Sligo and now Clare, all in the damp. It seems to suit me somehow,” he said.
