Defending champion Steven Ferguson was close behind in third place, just in front of saloon class winner David Thompson, with less than two seconds covering second to fourth positions.
Four crews tied for top spot in the first Monaghan Navigation Trial of the New Year, completing the 75 mile route based on Cremartin without penalties. Another quartet lost just a single mark during the trial, including three pairings in the novice class.
Irish rallying began a new chapter with the launch of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship. The series will consist of eight rounds with the best six scores to count. Each round of the 2015 Triton Showers National Rally Championship will have a 'Power Stage' with the addition of extra championship points - three for posting the fastest stage time, two for second and one for third. It is believed the Irish Championship is the only rallying event in Europe to run a power stage outside of the World Rally Championship.
