After an early mishap, 6 points is a solid start from a slippery Tipperary Forestry.

SS1 was cancelled and ss2 had to be shortened due to heavy packed snow in the high up middle section of the stage.

About 2k into the shortened ss2, we came across another class 3 runner - Alan Dineen’s beached Nova.  We got the speed down ok but then caught an icy pach which threw us sideways, headed straight for the back of the Nova.  Thankfully there was just enough grip to steer clear but unfortunately in the process of correcting we slipped off the opposite side of the road, stuck on top of a sapling.

Many thanks to Alan and his navigator Tony Dineen for their hard work trying to get us out.  We both got going eventually but with plenty of time lost.  We were lucky enough not to have any serious damage but the Nova crew were forced into retirement soon after.

After service, a slippy SS3 made it a little difficult but posed no serious problems.  SS4 was back on and had thawed nicely, turning into a lovely stage.  SS5 was clean enough and to finish off, SS6 went ok but deteriorating tires lost us a good deal of time.

In the end, we were happy to finish after early woes and all in all it was a pretty good day.

Roll on Carraig in a little over two weeks time!

Top photo with thanks to Pablo Rally Photography.