Second overall for the second time running and now second in the championship was John Reid. The Dubliner was driving his Toyota Corolla WRC and he shared the lead with O'Connell after two stages, but he was unable to keep pace with the Tipp man on the long stages in Gurteen wood. Reid had two fastest times.
Enda Mc Nulty, from Tyrone captured the last place on the podium. Driving a Subaru Impeza he impressed with a steady drive to third.
Fourth overall was captured by John Mc Laughlin who also won Group N in his Evo9, followed home by Jeremy Drislane in a similar car who won class six.
Local driver Mick Cuddihy was claimed sixth in the giant killing Toyota Starlet. Cuddihy won class three and was first two wheel drive car home. The rest of the top ten was filled by Christy Carey (Evo 9), Mark Donnelly (C2R2 Maxi), Nigel Creagh (Escort Mk 2) and Timmy England (Evo 5).
The Willie Loughman rally was a six stage event and it was hosted by Carrick-on Suir MC, with a base in Carrick- on- Suir. It ran very well thanks to the diligence of Barry Duggan COC and his team of volunteers. There was a total stage distance of 68km, spread over six stages. Carrick classics Anner and Gurteen were visited twice while the shorter stages of Ahenny and Clondonnel had one visit.
A total of fifty three crews started the rally, and thirty completed the course. The principal retirements were Andrew Purcell (engine) Martin Cairns (gearbox) James Coleman (accident), Sarah Moynihan (mechanical) and Vincent Mc Aree (accident).
Austin Shinnors.
