Moffett title defence underway as McErlean takes narrowest of victories

The 2025 Irish rally season, finally commenced with the Jeremy O’Connor Longford Arms Hotel Rally on Sunday.

Organised by Midland Motor Club, a bumper entry of 165 cars took to the slippery, muddy stages around Longford town.

Guest drivers Josh McErlean and Matt Edwards provided a pulsating battle at the front.

World Rally Championship driver McErlean and former British Rally Champion Edwards swapped the lead several times throughout the day.

McErlean had to overcome a faulty handbrake system in the early stages. “We are locking the front wheels in junctions,” he said.

Just 0.3 of a second separated the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i20 crews heading to the final test south of Longford town.

McErlean and co-driver Eoin Treacy went fastest on the final stage to win the rally by just half a second.

“That was some race,” said McErlean at the finish. “Proof, not that it's ever needed that rallying back home in Ireland is as good as it gets. Delighted to get the win but Matt pushed us all the way.”

Co-driver Sion Williams only got the call-up on Friday to co-drive for Edwards but the team were more than happy with their first outing together.

“I was delighted to get that phone call,” said Willams who was experiencing Rally2 machinery for the first time.

In championship terms, the day's story was Josh Moffett and co-driver Keith Moriarty's strong start to their Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship defence.

Moffett and Moriarty, driving a Citroen C3 Rally2, secured third overall, and took maximum championship points.

The Monaghan driver is chasing an unprecedented fifth title in a row.

He and Moriarty consistently held third position throughout the second and third loops of stages.

“I always knew the two boys up the front would be on a different pace but it is a great way to start the championship.”

Desi Henry and Shane Byrne were fourth overall, and second in the championship race in another Citroen.

Despite dry conditions, the roads remained challenging due to mud and slippery surfaces.

Eddie Doherty and Tom Murphy (Skoda Fabia R5) finished fifth overall and third in the championship standings, one place ahead of Declan Boyle and Patrick Walsh in another Skoda.

Cathan McCourt and Barry McNulty (Hyundai i20 Rally 2) were called up late from the reserve list and finished seventh overall and fifth in the championship.

Sam Moffett and new co-driver Shane Buckley (Hyundai) finished eighth overall.

The top ten was completed by Michael Boyle and co-driver Dermot McCafferty (Volkswagen Polo) and Daniel Cronin and Donnchadh Burke.

In the modified category, Marty Toner and Caither Hughes came out on top in their Proton 2.5 Millington. Johnno Doogan and Paul Lennon were the leading Ford Escort crew.

Ronan Dorrian and Mickey Joe Browne won the junior category while the Billy Coleman Award class was won by Craig Rahill and Conor Smith.

Eoin Murray and Tommy Hayes won the new-for-2025 Dacia Sandero Cup category.

The next round of the Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship is The Rose Hotel Circuit of Kerry on March 30.

Photos by Kevin Shields Photography