Derry man Callum Devine has fulfilled his ‘lifetime ambition’ by winning his first ever Donegal International Rally.
British Rally champion, Matthew Edwards and co-driver David Moynihan, recorded the quickest times over two of the final three stages of the Wilton Recycling sponsored event.
However, it didn’t make any difference to the overall result as Devine and co-driver Noel O’Sullivan took victory for the first time in Donegal by 55.5 seconds.
After back to back victories on the Circuit of Ireland and the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney in the Tarmac Championship, Devine produced another outstanding drive to take the victory in his VW Polo GTI R5.
He began the final day with a slender lead of less than 5 seconds but quickest times on all three opening stages saw him increase that to 50 seconds, going into the first loop of three. That situation was greatly helped after Josh Moffett went off on Stage 17 in Fanad Head, and out of the rally.
Edwards moved up into second place but was never going to trouble Devine unless the young County Derry man and partner made a major error.
That didn’t happen and Devine and O’Sullivan sailed home without incident for a brilliant victory.
It was also consolation for last year when they crashed out on the final day, having led for the opening two days.
Matthew Edwards was in second place with two time winner Sam Moffett in third.
In the National Championship Category, Rathmullan man Kevin Gallagher and Ryan Moore successfully defended their title as they coasted to an impressive victory while Ballybofey’s Damian Tourish and Domhnall McAlaney took second.
Tags: