Vincent Bonner and Seamus McGettigan join the Deja Vu parade.
When Vincent Bonner and Seamus McGettigan broadsided their Group 4 Escort through the streets of Letterkenny on the last stage of the 1983 rally the crowds could not contain themselves with joy as they cheered the first Donegal pair to win their own International.
That victory triggered the greatest celebrations in the event’s history which started in Letterkenny and ended during the following week with a cavalcade through Vincent’s home town of Dungloe.
Vincent had shown form in Group N but in 1983 he hit the jackpot. Austin MacHale, (Vauxhall Chevette) and Bertie Fisher (Opel Manta) had led the rally but following Bertie’s crash it looked as if the Dubliner was about to get his first Donegal win.
He started the penultimate test with a nine second advantage but arrived at the end of Atlantic Drive having incurred three punctures- to Vincent and Seamus’s amazement.
Vincent will be joining previous Donegal International winners, Andrew Nesbitt, Cathal Curley, Jimmy McRae, Eugene Donnelly, John Lyons, Brian Nelson, and Austin MacHale, who will head the 150 car parade over the 120 mile route on Saturday 31st. August.
Entry enquiries are now being put on a reserve list, but places at the Gala Dinner on Saturday night are still available online at: http://www.rpm-motorsport.com/tours
DÉJÀ VU DONEGAL WEEKEND FORMAT.
Friday 31st, August
2.30 – 5.30pm Registration – Ulster Tyres, Stranrolar.
8.30 – 10.30pm Welcome Reception – Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey
Saturday 30th, August
10.00am 120 mile run. Start – Jackson’s Hotel
Lunch Halt – Singing Pub, Atlantic Drive
3.00pm The Ramelton Rumble – Ramelton river front
7.00pm Gala Dinner – Jackson’s Hotel
For further details contact:
Alan (Plum) Tyndall Tel. 0044 7887827150 email: alan@rpm-motorsport.com
58 Edentrillick Rd. Hillsborough. Co. Down BT26 6PG
Categories