McGreal new Border Rally Champion

Mayo & District Motorsport Club's James McGreal is the new Four Seasons Border Rally Champion. Driving his Nissan Sunny GTi-R to another Class win at the Donegal Harvest Rally was enough to secure the prestigious title and have his name engraved on the Derryveagh Crystal Perpetual Trophy.

During the season the Foxford garage owner chalked up three Class wins from the six rounds held in Mayo, Monaghan, Cavan, Newry, Sligo and Donegal.

On hearing the good news back at rally headquarters at the Bayview Hotel, Killybegs, James expressed his delight on winning the most popular Clubman's Championship in the country. "Yes, I am absolutely thrilled at winning the Border Series and with a provisional Class win in the Dunlop National Championship, it looks like being my best ever season in rallying. But without the assistance of my navigator, Killian Duffy, one of the youngest co-drivers in the country and my many sponsors these achievements could not be possible. Thanks to Killian and sponsors, West Coast Windscreens, Dempsey's Car & Van Spares, Martin A. McAndrew Sand & Gravel and McCluskey Construction for their significant contribution."

James McGreal's successful title challenge was further complimented with Class wins achieved by his fellow Mayo Club members. In Class 14B, John Duffy (Crossmolina) took the category honours in his Toyota Corolla Twin Cam while Paul Cleary (Kiltimagh) did enough to win his second Class 5 title in three years with the Nissan Micra GX. Another Club driver to bring home an overall prize was Ballina's Trevor Morrow who finished second in Class 1 in a Suzuki Swift.

The tremendous run in the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan backed Border Championship for the Club was greatly enhanced by winning the Team Award. Competing under the 'Mayo Japs' banner the aggregate points total run up by James McGreal, Paul Cleary (both Nissans) and John Duffy (Toyota) over the six events ensured that another main prize was brought home to the heather county.