MOTORSPORT: A thrilling Mayo Rally, the second round of the Dunlop National Rally Championship, was won by the Monaghan crew of Niall Maguire/Enda Sherry (Subaru WRC), who finished nine seconds ahead of last year's winners, Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally.

Barrett led initially, although Omagh’s Seamus Leonard (Subaru WRC) punched in the best stage time. However, he was penalised three minutes for a late arrival after he had to stop and change plugs that caused a severe misfire.

Dunlop contenders Thomas Fitzmaurice and Brian O’Mahony were both in trouble. The former spun and lost 90 seconds while the latter stalled his Subaru twice at the start line and lost time when he caught Fitzmaurice’s stricken Subaru.

After the opening loop, Barrett led the Group N Mitsubishi of Donagh Kelly by 16 seconds with Maguire third and O’Mahony fourth.

By the end of the second loop, Maguire and Barrett shared the lead, with Kelly third. Barrett edged two seconds ahead on SS 7 but Maguire went five seconds clear on the penultimate test after Barrett punctured a wheel 3km from the finish.