The Rally Launch for the Thornton Roofing sponsored Lough Neagh Stages took place on Thursday the 3rd of June at McNally’s Inn Toomebridge, where the event sponsors were told of the plans for the rally which is in its 10th year.
The Lough Neagh Stages rally has been running since the year 2000 when it was won by Maurice Gass from Markethill unfortunately due to foot and mouth the 2001 stages had to be cancelled but came back in 2002 with Derek McGeehan taking the win from Kieron Graffin second. In 2003 Derek McGeehan took victory from Glen Allen this time, but in 2004 Kieron Graffin beat Derek to the post for victory in the estate. In 2005 a new face claimed victory- James Gillen with local man Martin Mc Fall navigating took the honours from Justin McCartin in second with the 2 favourites Derek McGeehan and Kieron Graffin retiring. In the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 Derek McGeehan made this rally his own, with George Robinson taking victory last year from Kieron Graffin in a group n car with Derek McGeehan invited to attend an event on the same weekend in England. Who will be the winner this year?
With only a few weeks to this year’s event, sponsored by Thornton Roofing to be held on Sunday 4th of July 2010, a full entry list of 90+ competing cars is expected in this ever popular 8 stage multi use rally-part of the Pacenotes ANICC 2WD Challenge and Magherafelt club championship.
Scrutineering is in the service paddock at the Higgins family estate, Moneyglass Demesne on Saturday 3rd of July from 6pm to 9pm. competing vehicles will be examined while crews will have the opportunity to recce the stages for the next day.
Steven Thornton of Thornton Roofing talking to the Lough Neagh Marshals competition secretary Andrea Murray
Sunday morning all competitors will gather for drivers briefing at 9am in the service paddock where a hearty breakfast is available from 8am onwards from outside caterers Deano’s. The first rally car will be off the line at 10am.
The Moneyglass Demesne is just one mile from the brecart roundabout on the main B18 Toomebridge / Ballymena road. Spectator car parking is conveniently in the estate, and will be sign posted off the main roads.
Sunday evening will see the competitors at McNally’s Inn on the main road from Toomebridge to the Castledawson Roundabout where meals will be available- everyone is welcome to attend for prize giving with 58 prizes to be presented.
The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the Higgins family for the use of their grounds, Thornton Roofing our main event sponsor, Mc Nally’s Inn our finish venue and all associated sponsors, ADM pipe services, Outdoor Services, SD Grease Removal, O’Kane Cars, KG Motorsport Envirocare, Murray Motors Windscreen Replacements, Specialist Glass & Glazing and Pound Lighting Centre.
To keep up to date on all rally news visit our website on www.loughneaghmarshals.com
Photographs courtesy of John O’Neill - www.sperrinsphotography.com
Similar Posts:
- Thornton Roofing Lough Neagh Stages Press Launch
- THORNTON ROOFING LOUGH NEAGH STAGES 2009 – Event Update
- Thornton Roofing Lough Neagh Stages Rally 2009: Regulations and Entry Form
Tags: anicc, derek mcgeehan, james gillen, launch, lough neagh stages, moneyglass, press day, toomebridge
