THE DUNLOP National Championship is traditionally the most prestigious championship in the Irish motorsport calendar.

The championship is a major challenge for any driver to take on, the amount of events 10 in total, combined with the dedication, commitment and funding required to take part in such a championship makes competing in it, an achievement in itself.

Two men who can boast this achievement and go one better by scooping first place in their class are Carlow Car Club members John O'Donnell and his co driver Brendan Furlong. John has been on the rallying scene for the past 10 years with Brendan alongside him in the navigator seat for the 6 of those years.

The pair had a hectic season in their 1400 Toyota Starlet competing in every corner of the country at events including Circuit of Kerry, Galway International, Ravens Rock and Donegal to name but a few.

The lads had plenty of ups and downs throughout their campaign but despite this they still managed to finish in the top three at most events, this is testimony to the steady driving skills of John and the excellent navigational skills of his co driver Brendan.

The first outing for the pair was the Birr Stages Rally despite suffering with a bad misfire in the car all day the lads still crossed the finish line and finished thrid in class. Galway was the next event the pair had a superb drive and scooped first in class. Next up was Donegal and Kerry and second in class on these events positioned them a comfortable 20 points ahead of their nearest rival.

Clutch and gearbox problems resulted in a non finish in both Limerick and Tipperary. The Ravens Rock Rally yielded better results with a second place spot and the rallying duo finished out their championship bid in style with a top spot finish in the final round in Skibbereen.

John and Brendan can now proudly join the club members who have achieved in the championship in previous years, most recent winner Seamus Doyle, John Nolan, the late and great Enda Nolan and Stephen Murphy.

Carlow Car club would like to congratulate the lads on their recent achievement and wish them continued success throughout the coming year.