Michael Boyle edges out dad Declan to claim dramatic win at Cork 20 Rally

Michael Boyle, with co-driver Dermot McCafferty in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, emerged victorious at the O’Connell Group Cork 20 Rally, the final round of the NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

The Leirirmacaward driver narrowly beat his father, Declan Boyle, who partnered with Welsh co-driver Patrick Walsh in another Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, by just nine seconds. Ulster pairing Ryan Loughran and Dale McGettigan, driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2, completed the podium, finishing 26.8 seconds behind.

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The top County Cork crew were Cal McCarthy and Eric Calnan from Clonakilty/Rosscarbery, piloting a Citroën C3 Rally2 to fifth place. Owen Murphy from Ovens, co-driven by Limerick’s Anthony Nestor in a C3 Rally2, took eighth overall.

The rally got off to a tricky start with slippery conditions caused by the remnants of Storm Amy, particularly across the stages southeast of Rathcormac. Michael Boyle handled the conditions expertly, winning SS1, while Clonakilty’s David Guest retired early in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 but later returned under Super Rally rules.

The competition quickly heated up between Michael Boyle and Desi Henry. Henry took a 2.4-second lead on SS3, with the two drivers exchanging the lead over the following stages. Boyle regained the top spot on SS4, only for Henry to push ahead again and extend his advantage to 5.3 seconds. Boyle also battled brake problems traced to the wheel hub.

Declan Boyle stayed close in third, 14.7 seconds behind the leaders, followed by Ryan Loughran, Matthew Boyle (both in Ford Fiesta Rally2s), and Casey J. Coleman in a Škoda. By the end of the day, Henry led by 16.1 seconds, while Michael Boyle struggled with car handling.

Adjustments to springs and suspension helped Declan Boyle’s Škoda perform better. Outside the top three, Loughran, Matthew Boyle, and Cal McCarthy filled out the top six, with Owen Murphy moving up to ninth thanks to suspension tweaks that improved his car’s responsiveness.

Sunday’s first loop saw Michael Boyle win three stages, cutting Henry’s lead to just 5.1 seconds. Henry responded on SS13, extending his margin to 10.2 seconds.

The penultimate stage proved decisive. Henry slid off into a field, losing significant time and stopping before the stage finish. Michael Boyle took advantage, retaking the lead for the third time and ultimately finishing 19.3 seconds ahead of his father, securing his first-ever ITRC victory in spectacular fashion.