Mayo Stages Rally launched in Achill

THE excitement was evident as Mayo and District Motorsport Club gathered in ÓstΡn OileΡn Acla last Friday night for the launch of the ÓstΡn OileΡn Acla/Connacht Print & Signs Mayo Stages Rally 2017.
Guests arriving for the Achill People of the Year Awards, which was also taking place in the Óstan, got a preview of what’s in store on rally weekend as they inspected a fine array of rally cars on display in the car-park for the launch.
Clerk of the Course Trevor O’Connell officially welcomed everyone to ÓstΡn OileΡn Acla, which will be rally headquarters for the weekend of March 11/12.  He welcomed all the sponsors and had a special welcome for Andrew Mullen, MD of Sligo Pallets, and Brendan Flynn from the Border Championship who travelled from Sligo and Monaghan respectively for the night. The Mayo Stages Rally has been the first round in the Sligo Pallets Border Championship for the last number of years and their support is much appreciated.
O’Connell thanked Cathal McLoughlin and his staff in the ÓstΡn OileΡn Acla for all their assistance and support in the lead-up to the event. He welcomed David Devers of joint title sponsor Connacht Print & Signs to the island, and thanked him for his ongoing support of the Mayo Stages Rally.
O’Connell explained that the final touches are being put in place to ensure the rally runs as smoothly as possible. It promises to be a weekend to remember for the competing crews, spectators, sponsors and the local residents, who have been very accommodating and welcoming to all.  He added that without local support and sponsorship, it would not be possible to run the Mayo Stages Rally and he thanked everyone who has come on board – sponsors of the service area, marshal meeting points, programme sponsors, stage and scrutiny. The weekend is a free family-friendly event, one not to be missed, and he asked that everyone support the sponsors.   
O’Connell also welcomed Mary Gallagher and Emmet Callaghan of Achill Tourism and thanked them for their assistance and guidance in promoting the event. Emmet Callaghan told all assembled that the Mayo Stages Rally will kick start the 2017 summer tourism season in Achill and they are all looking forward to the rally weekend.  Trevor O’Connell thanked Sergeant Brian Murphy, his team in an Gardai Síochana and Mayo County Council, in particular Gerry McDonnell and Councillor Paul McNamara, who have been very helpful.  Wrapping up the formalities, Trevor thanked his Deputy Clerk of the Course, local man Peter McManamon, and all the team for all their support and hard work and said they were all looking forward to the big event on March 11/12.  If anyone would like to help out over the weekend they can contact Trevor, Peter or any member of the rally team through the Mayo and District Motorsport Club’s Facebook page, Twitter page or website.