Farming background: We are mostly contracting at home. I make parts for match ploughing and restore tractors. I enjoy that kind of work. Myself and my brother Jason both compete competitively in ploughing matches. I didn’t qualify for the Ploughing this year but Jason is competing. We have some tillage and will be harvesting around mid-August.
Rally driving: I used to go to the rallies years ago with a neighbour of mine spectating then I went to FÁS to learn my trade – I’m a fitter. I met Simon Reid, who was into rally driving and that’s how I really got into it. We were going to rallies every couple of weekends.
Competitions: I have completed two days of Carlow Hill Climb and two days of Wexford Hill Climb and I drove the Wexford Volkswagen Stages Rally in 2016. I came third in Wexford and I came second in the hill climbs. I am going back to do Wexford again this year. I bought my own car, which is a Suzuki Swift 1.3, class 9 (modified cars up to 1,450cc – two-wheel drive). She is some rig.
Greatest achievement: My greatest achievement would be finishing my first rally, which was at home here in Wexford, and winning the Tommy Cummins’s novice trophy. I was absolutely delighted.
Dream car: Would be a Class 14 Ford Escort 2.5 litre. I drove one this year and there are no words that can describe the feeling of driving something that powerful. I might own one someday if I win the lotto.
Wexford Volkswagen Stages Rally: Takes place 4 and 5 September up around Ferns. It goes on for two days and has two stages on Saturday and Sunday. I will be competing in Class 9. You go out and do your best and the main thing is about finishing. A two day rally is tough on a person and tough on a car.
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