Rally test in Moygownagh

World Rally drivers rev up north Mayo


Anna-Marie Flynn

SEVEN junior rally competitors took to Moygownagh yesterday (Monday) and wowed locals as part of the World Rally Championships.
The drivers took to the highways and byways of the area as part of Ballina’s designation as an official test centre.
Despite local disappointment that intensive lobbying on the part of Chambers Ireland, Ballina Town Council, Mayo County Council, Mayo Motor Club and public representatives including Cllr Jarlath Munnelly and TDs Dara Calleary and John O’Mahony, only resulted in a Test Centre allocation and not a Super Stage event, locals were not disappointed yesterday morning.
Speaking from the Test Centre, Ballina Chamber CEO, Sandra Cribben, told The Mayo News: “The fine weather has really made this a memorable event and people have turned out to see the action. Mayo County Council, Ballina Town Council, Mayo Motor Club, Mayo Rally Club, the Civil Defence have all gotten involved and businesses like Jordan’s have set up a catering centre. The crowd has made for a great atmosphere along the route.”
While the Test Centre did not host teams from across Europe as was mooted last September on its designation, Ms Cribben said this year’s achievement can only stand Ballina in good stead for the future.
“All the parties involved have worked together to make this a success, and hopefully Rally Ireland will see the cooperation that exists between both spectators and those who lobbied and volunteered for this event. The Chamber hopes that this will go a long way in securing something more substantial like a Stage event next year,” she said.