In this the final installment of “Donegal International – Caribbean Apprentice”, this album covers both Saturday and Sunday. A visit to the infamous Knockalla Stage, Gartan and on Sunday, Atlantic Drive…then on the finish ramp.
Still reeling from the beauty that is Ireland and that I am still convinced that the country was made just to rally, the roads atleast. An early start for the drive out to the coast, and though I’ve seen Knockalla in pictures, they lied. The height isn’t translated nor the view traversing it. The parking is tight and most take the long walk uphill to get to their spots. And it’s a walk..! From the first hairpin, the commanding view of the Irish landscape before is to behold. The beach, the hillsides…and in the distance, one could hear the sound of modified engines approaching. You are spoiled for choice on how or where you want to capture what is a blur of rally cars, 30secs apart, with all to play for with two full days ahead. An accident further in stage cancels the first run and we stay for the second. And it’s on the second pass thru that I get my first glimse of the historics. I saw them on the entry list but to see period correct machinery, in all their glory and original livery, driver and co-driver giving it their all, class.
With the second pass over, it’s a quick pass thru the pit area for a few pics and to check in on my family. It is mostly calm with the historics in for service and those lower in the order for the main rally, however, just as we decide it’s time to leave, the leading cars all start to arrive and the once quiet service areas and relaxing crews, become a bee hive of activity, the sound of pneumatic guns, the rumble of the engines and chief mechanics dealing out orders. The ordered chaos is a spectale that has the fans flocking to their favourite teams and drivers. Drivers lose themsevles in their mobile homes to get some much needed rest and nurishment before the media decend for interviews and pictures. Yours truly was even put before camera…! Back out on the road and we head to the last stage of the day. The rain is coming down and after some asking around, Mark Mc Cullagh and I found a jump lower down from where the rest of the guys intended to stay. There was no way I was leaving here and not shoot a jump in Ireland. It wasn’t a big jump but once rubber leaves the road, I’m happy.
Sunday was a visit to Alantic Drive, yes you guessed it, more stunning Irish country side but something I knew was coming, was here. Rain. Normal Irish weather I was told. After a small hike, the spot was selected and I made the best of the wet conditions. It held up just enough at the end for me to get out from my trapped shelter. Opting to forgo any further stages esp with the weather, we head in for the finish ramp and try to beat the traffic in…….emphasis on try. Here is where I would sincerely like to thank Kevin Glendinning, Mark Mc Cullagh, Philip Stewart and Mickey for looking after me for the 3 days. Gentlemen, all these pictures are because of you and your hospitality. The what became friendly banter and competition for best pictures to them showing me Ireland and just part of what she has to offer, I could only hope to repay you should you ever be able to come to Trinidad for a rally. I would also like to thank the organisers of the event, the marshals – for whom this sport we call rallying could never take place without.
The Kelly family, Frank Kelly, Lauren Kelly and a lady who words will not do justice, Rosemarie Kelly. You’ve opened you house (s) and let me in, Rose tried her best to get me fat all week, Lauren whose room makes most boys rooms look….er….girlish (she’s her father’s child) and of course Frank, who gave me a dream ride in my Irish lover, Baby Blue. My admiration for you as a driver has grown beyond doubt, but my admiration for the Kelly family, no words. Gary for carrying me to see the Scania, Michael Coady who’s only interest in Trinidad will be the atmosphere at Rally Trinidad and TTs..( you had to be there to understand that). Liezel Rampersad for giving me this chance to expand my photography to the land of green, cows and butter. Duane Boodasingh of TriniTuner.com, the support of the friends who knew of the adventure I was to embark upon. Gary Yeo and Heidi Yeo for my one night coming home and trying to nurse me back to health, yes I’m still coughing.
To those Teams in Ireland looking for the best gravel rally in the Caribbean, Rally Trinidad is in early April 2017 and Robert Cadiz, the rally club’s president is the man to talk to. Frank will no doubt be here again next year for his 3rd trip, after never hearing or knowing where Trinidad and Tobago was.
For those looking for more pictures, the full album is on TriniTuner.com and of course for all my Instagramers……@stomper75 is where you could find me.
Ireland…..it was surreal. I’ll be back…….I promise.
