THE Motorsport Ireland Navigation Trial continues this weekend with the Carbery Navigation Trial, which will be based at the Bandon Rugby Club complex.

The event, based on Ordnance Survey Discovery Sheet No. 86, is round four of the Motorsport Ireland National Navigation Trial Championship and also features the second round of the Munster Championship.

After three rounds of the MI National series, the Longford/Monaghan crew of Pakie Duffy and Evin Hughes have a 17-point lead over the Mogeely/Ballincollig combination of James Fitzgerald and Ken Carmody. Fitzgerald/Carmody are the top seeds with Duffy/Hughes also competing.

Some 35 crews competed in the last round, however, the number of entries for the Carbery Trial is expected to be in the region of 25. Some of the 75-mile terrain hasn't been used in 14 years and will incorporate areas of Skeaf, Timoleague, Kilbrittain and Bandon.

The first car away is at 9.31pm with the first crews due to return to the Bandon Rugby Club some 20 minutes after midnight.

The entry list includes reigning Munster champions Patsy McDonagh (Ardnacrusha) and Patrick Corcoran (Sligo); former National champions Andy Mackarel (Monaghan) and Greg Shinnors (Bruff); Ovens driver Owen Murphy and Donoughmore's Patrick O'Sullivan; Mallow's Derek Butler/Aaron O'Regan are also competing while Ballincollig's Brian Duggan (Toyota Starlet) is set to have M-Sport Ford World Rally Team co-driver Eoin Treacy on navigating duty.

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The final pair of stages – a double run of Moll's Gap – unfolded dramatically in the Killarney Towers Hotel Historic Rally where Donegal's Donagh Kelly and co-driver Rory Kennedy (BMW M3 E30) secured back-to-back victories in a pulsating finish.

The previous seven stages really didn't give a hint of what was in store given that former Citroen works driver Kris Meeke dominated proceedings. Onboard the MATS built Aherns backed BMW M3 E30 they set the pace on all seven stages. On Moll's Gap (SS1) Meeke finished with an 8.9-second lead over Kelly with local ace Rob Duggan, in a Ford Escort, 11.7s further behind.

Meeke sped off into the distance and after the double loop around Kenmare, he had stretched his advantage to one minute and 19 seconds. Donagh Kelly, and reigning Irish Historic champion Donegal's John O'Donnell completed a BMW M3 top three.

On the penultimate stage, the first of two trips on Moll's Gap (beginning in Kenmare) had consequences for Meeke, whose BMW lost time with some engine trouble; he lost 43.5 seconds to Kelly, who had differential issues. Unfortunately Meeke's BMW went no further than the service park in Kenmare.

In darkness, Kelly started the stage with a 19.2-second lead over O'Donnell with Duggan in third and 34.7 seconds off top spot. As Kelly's BMW approached the finish line, it was lit up by the lights from a charging Duggan, who gave a masterful display, finishing the stage 29.5 seconds quicker than Kelly. The focus then switched to O'Donnell, and he too was quicker than Kelly, but not as much as Duggan.

When the times were revealed, Kelly had secured victory, albeit by 1.5 seconds ahead of O'Donnell with Duggan a further 3.7 seconds behind in third. It could all have been so different, but then, that's rallying.

There was also late drama for Killarney's Alan Ring and Newcestown's Adrian Deasy in their new Subaru Impreza 555. It was a baptism of fire as they tried various settings after the car felt too rigid. It was a case of working through the settings. On the penultimate stage, they moved up two places to eighth overall. Then, on the final stage, issues with the gear selector resulted in retirement within sight of the finish line.

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Supersport 300 World Champion motorcyclist Spaniard Benat Fernandez was welcomed to Cork on Friday last by members and supporters of the Cork-based Team #109 on his arrival at Cork Airport.

Just a few weeks ago, the teenager won what was the last-ever Supersport 300 Championship in a thrilling last corner move and finish. Since then, the Cork-formed Retro Traffic Team 109 have announced an extended partnership with Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Kove, who will provide factory support to the team for the 2026 season during which they will be based at the TechnoPark at Motorland Aragon in Spain and will be known as Kove Racing Team 109 in the new World Sportbike class in 2026.

Amongst the welcoming party at Cork Airport were Rosscarbery's Dave and Mairead Hurley and Carrigaline's Paul Tobin, team principal of Team #109. Following a photocall where Benat, complete with his World Championship Trophy and FIM Gold Medal and who was accompanied by his father Imanol, were accorded a civic reception at City Hall from Cllr. Fergal Dennehy.

Team #109 was set-up to honour Ballinhassig's Sean Hurley, who lost his life in a road accident in 2011. It was an emotional day for the Hurley family. Sean's mum, Mairead said, ‘This day (last Friday) 14 years ago, I had my last conversation with Sean when he came in from work. We discussed some life goals that subsequently became known as Sean's bucket list. Today, we celebrate the success of Team #109 (Sean's own racing number) and Benat Fernandez in becoming Supersport 300 World Champion. We are delighted to welcome him and his dad Iamnol to Cork to celebrate that success.’